Tang Soo Do – Korean Martial Arts

Tang Soo Do – Techniques, Forms (Hyung), Kicks, etc.

Tang Soo Do is a Korean martial arts that is similar to Taekwondo and Karate (although it is not as well-known as these two martial arts styles). Chuck Norris, the movie actor known for “Missing in Action”, “Delta Force” and “Walker, Texas Ranger” is probably the most famous student of Tang Soo Do.

This Tang Soo Do wiki section provides students with instructions and videos for a wide variety of Tang Soo Do forms (hyung), techniques, terms, etc.

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Elements of Tang Soo Do

Tang Soo Do History

According to the World Tang Soo Do Association, “At the beginning of the modern era of the Korean martial arts, Tang Soo Do was the most popular term for these arts, however, at that time, the Korean political leader was concerned about establishing Korean value based on Korean nationalism. The political leaders recognized the popularity of Korean martial arts around the world, but were opposed to the use of the name Tang Soo Do for the art, as it sounded like a Chinese martial art, because the first word “Tang” could be interpreted as representing the Chinese Tang Dynasty (617-907 AD). In 1964, a government sponsored small group created a new name for the Korean martial arts: Tae Kwon Do. The World Tang Soo Do Association still respects the original term, Tang Soo Do, and intends to preserve its heritage and value as a traditional way or path. Unfortunately, many Tae Kwon Do instructors did not maintain the traditional values of the true martial arts. Instead, they converted to a sport as they have progressed to the internationally recognized sports arenas such as the Olympic games. This was considered to be a great political achievement, to bring strength and prominence to the Korean government in International politics. True Martial Arts lovers had no place within these Tae Kwon Do dojangs to continue to pursue traditional martial arts because they abandoned many valuable aspects of true Martial Arts to become a simple competitive sport.”

Tang Soo Do School Curriculum

Tang Soo Do students learn a large variety of powerful kicking techniques such as the roundhouse kick (dollyo chagi), back kick (dwi chagi) and side kick (yuo chagi). Students also learn punches, strikes, sparring, forms (hyung), Korean terminology & commands and much more.

Tang Soo Do Forms (Hyung)

Tang Soo Do schools use hyung (forms) to teach kicking combinations, build endurance, improve balance & coordination. Hyung (forms) are ritualized patterns where students combine various strikes, kicks stances and blocks. Students need to learn their hyung because knowledge of and solid execution of hyung (forms) are important elements of a Tang Soo Do’s school belt testing system (i.e. you don’t know your required hyung, you can’t pass your belt test).

To learn all of the Tang Soo Do hyung (forms), please visit our main Tang Soo Do Hyung page.

References

  1. World Tang Soo Do Association, What Is Tang Soo Do?, http://www.wtsda.com/newsite/about.php#link1
  2. The 1950s Korean Film Clip is courtesy of Central Michigan Karate (Tang Soo Do), http://cmkarate.blogspot.com/