Tang Soo Do

Tang Soo Do, Moo Duk Kwan is a traditional Korean style of Martial Art whose roots lie in Okinawan Karate, Tae Kyon, and Chinese Martial Arts. Tang Soo Do, as practiced today was developed by Korean masters whose training was primarily done in Japan and China before the end of World War II and later in South Korea after its liberation. The most famous of these masters, Grandmaster Hwang, Kee, developed the Tang Soo Do Moo Duk Kwan style by incorporating elements of Okinawan Karate, Korean Tae Kyon, and Chinese Martial Arts he learned while living in Manchuria during World War II. Grandmaster Hwang taught the Moo Duk Kwan style as an art and not a sport.

Tang Soo Do`s training methodology was almost identical to that of Karate training done at the University level prior to World War II in mainland Japan and developed its practitioners through rigorous physical and mental training. The instruction also fosters and develops character, integrity, self-confidence, concentration, and a respect for others in its practitioners. While not taught as a sport, Tang Soo Do has always had a sport element. Tang Soo Do practitioners like Chuck Norris, Darnell Garcia, Billy Blanks, and others too numerous to mention have Tang Soo Do Moo Duk Kwan roots and were famous for their competitive excellence and were instrumental in the growth of Tang Soo Do in the United States.

Tang Soo Do is famous for its kicking techniques which are derived from Korea`s only surviving indigenous martial art, Tae Kyon. Grandmaster Hwang`s genius was that he combined the best of Okinawan Karate with the Korean and Chinese martial arts he studied and popularized his style throughout South Korea until it became the most practiced martial art in the country before the advent of Tae Kwon Do as the national sport of Korea. The Tang Soo Do is practiced all over the world and is one of the most practiced martial arts in the United States.

The Five Codes of Tang Soo Do

The five codes of Tang Soo Do apply to all members and are meant to guide the Tang Soo Do practitioner. All members should memorize and fully understand the meaning of the codes.

1. Loyalty to your country
2. Obedience to Parents and Elders
3. Respect for Instructors and Seniors
4. Be in Self Control at all times
5. Never misuse one’s Art