WHAT IS TANG SOO DO (唐手道)?
Literally translated, the word "Tang" (唐) refers to the T'ang Dynasty of China which reflects the shared cultural background between China and Korea (617-907 AD). "Soo" (手) means hand but implies fist, punch, strike, or defense. Finally, "Do" (道) means ‘Way of Life’ or art. This ancient form of martial art which traces its lineage back 2,000 years to the Korean peninsula and is a method of empty hand and foot fighting based on the scientific use of the body in self defense. Students would train in Tang Soo Do to gain both applicable fighting techniques and mental stability.
Physically, Tang Soo Do is based on the principles of yielding, circular motion, and penetration. However, as an art, Tang Soo Do combines all aspects, such as defensive and offensive skills, handling weapons, developing mental acuity, and living a healthy and harmonious life. Conceptually, it is a defensive martial art and should never be used violently or excessively.
Tang Soo Do is also a harmonious training of body, mind, and spirit. When anyone reaches this higher state of achievement, mysterious levels of mental and physical strength can be achieved that even modern science cannot comprehend. Tang Soo Do is not a sport and is much more than self-defense. A Tang Soo Do practitioner's ultimate goal is not only to possess excellent techniques but, more importantly, to develop and perfect one's character.
Literally translated, the word "Tang" (唐) refers to the T'ang Dynasty of China which reflects the shared cultural background between China and Korea (617-907 AD). "Soo" (手) means hand but implies fist, punch, strike, or defense. Finally, "Do" (道) means ‘Way of Life’ or art. This ancient form of martial art which traces its lineage back 2,000 years to the Korean peninsula and is a method of empty hand and foot fighting based on the scientific use of the body in self defense. Students would train in Tang Soo Do to gain both applicable fighting techniques and mental stability.
Physically, Tang Soo Do is based on the principles of yielding, circular motion, and penetration. However, as an art, Tang Soo Do combines all aspects, such as defensive and offensive skills, handling weapons, developing mental acuity, and living a healthy and harmonious life. Conceptually, it is a defensive martial art and should never be used violently or excessively.
Tang Soo Do is also a harmonious training of body, mind, and spirit. When anyone reaches this higher state of achievement, mysterious levels of mental and physical strength can be achieved that even modern science cannot comprehend. Tang Soo Do is not a sport and is much more than self-defense. A Tang Soo Do practitioner's ultimate goal is not only to possess excellent techniques but, more importantly, to develop and perfect one's character.
TANG SOO DO & TAE KWON DO
Tang Soo Do differs greatly from the most common and popular Korean martial art, Tae Kwon Do. Tae Kwon Do is first and foremost a sport; it is represented at the Goodwill Games and the Olympics. Tang Soo Do, however, is not trained as a sport, it is a martial art and trained for the purposes of self-defense, mental & physical betterment, and learning an applicable art of war through physical techniques.
Visually, Tang Soo Do kicks are more powerful and less ‘snappy’. Tae Kwon Do typically spends time drilling sports-based drills and flashy kicks and focuses more on aesthetic beauty than martial application. This YouTube video from the 2013 Red Bull Kick It competition shows some absolutely fantastic physical feats: https://youtu.be/IHY8mol-v2A. We don’t train this way.
Both a TKD and a TSD class will give you a fantastic cardio work-out, but our intention is more than just a work-out for your body. You will leave each Tang Soo Do class feeling more confident because you know you can use what you have learned if the situation arises.
Tang Soo Do differs greatly from the most common and popular Korean martial art, Tae Kwon Do. Tae Kwon Do is first and foremost a sport; it is represented at the Goodwill Games and the Olympics. Tang Soo Do, however, is not trained as a sport, it is a martial art and trained for the purposes of self-defense, mental & physical betterment, and learning an applicable art of war through physical techniques.
Visually, Tang Soo Do kicks are more powerful and less ‘snappy’. Tae Kwon Do typically spends time drilling sports-based drills and flashy kicks and focuses more on aesthetic beauty than martial application. This YouTube video from the 2013 Red Bull Kick It competition shows some absolutely fantastic physical feats: https://youtu.be/IHY8mol-v2A. We don’t train this way.
Both a TKD and a TSD class will give you a fantastic cardio work-out, but our intention is more than just a work-out for your body. You will leave each Tang Soo Do class feeling more confident because you know you can use what you have learned if the situation arises.