Tang Soo Do is a Korean martial art and literally means “the art of the Chinese hand,” originating from various martial arts from Korea, China, and Okinawa.
These roots began in the Korean Tae Kyon, Chinese Shaolin, and Japanese Shotokan. According to the World Tang Soo Do Association, it resembles a Chinese martial art because the first word TANG can be interpreted as a reference to the Chinese Tang dynasty.
Before the unification of the Kwans under the Korean Taekwondo Association, most of the major Kwans named their style Tang Soo Do, Kong Soo Do, or Kwon Bup.
The first use of the term Tang Soo Do in history was by Chung Do Kwan founder Won Kik Lee. His Kwan and the other Kwans stopped using the name Tang Soo Do after uniting under the name Taekwondo.
The Moo Duk Kwan, loyal to Hwang Kee, did not join this unification and remained independent, continuing to use the name Tang Soo Do.
Founders of Tang Soo Do
The origin of Tang Soo Do cannot be attributed to a single person. Lee Won Kuk is considered one of the first Tang Soo Do teachers in Korea. He established a dojang in Korea during the Japanese occupation.
This school was called Chung Do Kwan. He claimed to have learned Taekkyon in the streets of Seoul and Kung Fu in China. Kee claimed to have learned the philosophy of Okinawan karate from Funakoshi’s books.
The history of the Moo Duk Kwan, very important for modern Tang Soo Do, is attributed to Hwang Kee. He claimed to have learned Chinese martial arts in Manchuria. He was also influenced by Korean Taekkyon and Subak.
Belts in Tang Soo Do
Tang Soo Do uses the colored belt system introduced by Jigoro Kano and first used in Karate-Do. A notable difference is that the traditional black belt is replaced by a dark blue belt for students who achieve their first dan.
The reason is that black in Korea symbolizes “death.” Practitioners believe that achieving the next dan is a different step, for which they receive a red-striped dark blue belt.
Upon achieving the fourth dan, one earns the title Master Instructor. To become a grandmaster, one must perform an international deed connected to the sport.
The original belt colors, as devised by Hwang Kee, are: 6th gup, green belt; 5th gup, green belt; 4th gup, green belt; 3rd gup, red belt; 2nd gup, red belt; and 1st gup, red belt.
Kata or Hyeong
There are various Tang Soo Do organizations worldwide, but all follow the same kata or hyeong.
- Gicho/Kicho heyong
- Hyong Il Bu
- Hyung Ee Bu
- Hyung Sam Bu
Taikyoku
The Kicho Hyung are notably similar to the Taikyoku kata developed by Gichin Funakoshi. The starting points are the same, as are the movements, blocks, and strikes. There are many reasons to believe that Hwang Kee aligned his Korean Kicho Hyung with the Japanese kata.
Sae Gae Hyung
The World Tang Soo DO Association has adapted Kicho Hyung and added kicks to them.
- Sae Gae Hyung Il Bu
- Sae Gae Hyung Ee Bu
- Sae Gae Hyung Sam Bu
Pyong Ahn Hyung
The pyong ahn/pyung ahn hyeong are a series of five forms that in many ways resemble the pinan kata series in karate. They were developed by Itosu, a mentor of Funakoshi Gichin. These forms were developed as training forms for Kong Sang Koon.
- Pyung Ahn Cho Dan
- Pyung Ahn E Dan
- Pyung Ahn Sam Dan
- Pyung Ahn Sah Dan
- Pyunh Ahn Oh Dan
Equipment
In Tang Soo Do, the authentic dobok is used, the name of the uniform. The standard dobok is completely white. For dan holders, traditional trims are added.
Additionally, so-called safety equipment is used, consisting of a pair of gloves and safety kicks. Headgear is also worn.
Shin guards are sometimes used as well. A mouthguard is recommended, and a groinguard is mandatory for men.
