Tang Soo Do is a Korean martial art and literally means “the art of the Chinese hand” and has its origins in 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 great Kwans called their styles 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 they unified under the name Taekwondo . The Moo Duk Kwan, who was loyal to Hwang Kee, did not participate in this unification and remained independent and continued to use the name Tang Soo Do.
Founders of Tang Soo do
The origins of Tang Soo Do cannot be attributed to a single person. Lee Won Kuk is considered one of the first teachers of Tang Soo Do in Korea. He had set up a dojang in Korea during the Japanese occupation . This school was called Chung Do Kwan. He claimed to have learned Taekkyon on the streets of Seoul and Kung Fu in China. Kee claimed to have learned the philosophy of Okinawan karate from the books of Funakoshi.
The history of Moo Duk Kwan, very important for modern Tang Soo Do, can be attributed to Hwang Kee. He claims to have learned Chinese martial arts in Manchuria. He was also influenced by Korean Taekkyon and Subak.
Tires at Tang Soo do
Tang Soo Do uses the colored belt system introduced by Jigoro Kano and first used in Karate-Do. One notable difference is that the traditional black belt has been replaced by a dark blue belt for students who achieve the first dan. The reason for this is that black in Korea means “death.” Practitioners believe that achieving the next dan is a different step and for this they are given a red-striped dark blue belt. Once you have achieved the fourth dan , you are given the title Master Instructor. To become a Grandmaster, you must perform an international act that is connected to the sport.
The original belt colours, 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 several Tang Soo Do organizations in the world but they all follow the same kata or hyeong.
- Gicho/Kicho heyong
- Hyong Il Bu
- Hyung Ee Bu
- Hyung Sam Bu
Taikyoku
The Kicho Hyung are remarkably similar to the Taikyoku kata developed by Gichin Funakoshi. The starting points are the same, as are the movements, blocks and punches. There are many reasons to believe that Hwang Kee adapted his Korean Kicho Hyung to the Japanese kata.
Sae Gae Hyung
The World Tang Soo DO Association has modified Kicho Hyung and added kicks to it.
- 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 are in many ways reminiscent of the pinan kata series in karate. They were developed by Itosu, a mentor of Funakoshi Gichin. These forms were developed as a training form for Kong Sang Koon.
- Pyung Ahn Cho Dan
- Pyung Ahn E Dan
- Pyung Ahn Sam Dan
- Pyung Ahn Sah Dan
- Pyunh Ahn Oh Dan
Materials
Tang Soo Do uses the authentic dobok , the name of the uniform. The normal dobok is completely white. For dan holders, the traditional piping is added. Furthermore, the so-called safety equipment is used, consisting of a pair of gloves and foot protectors . Head protectors are also worn. Shin guards are also sometimes used. A mouth guard is recommended and a groin protector is mandatory for men.
