Tang Soo Do

Tang Soo Do
Also known as	Dang Soo Do
Founder	Hwang Kee
Ancestor arts	karate
Descendant arts	Chung Do Kwan, Oh Do Kwan, Moo Duk Kwan Taekwondo, Chun Kuk Do, Soo Bahk Do

Tang Soo Do
Hangul	당수도
Hanja	唐手道
Revised Romanization	Dangsudo
McCune–Reischauer	Tangsudo

Tang Soo Do (Hangul: 당수도, pronounced [taŋsudo]) is a Korean martial art "incorporating fighting principles from Soo Bahk Do (as described in the Kwon Bup Chong Do) and techniques from northern and southern Chinese kung fu.". The techniques of what is commonly known as Tang Soo Do are primarily shotokan karate, subak, taekkyon and kung fu.

Etymology

Tang Soo Do is the Korean pronunciation of the Chinese characters 唐手道 (Tang Shou Dao). Tang Soo Do literally means "China Hand Way" (the "Tang" refers to the Tang Dynasty). Similar characters are pronounced karate-dō in Japanese. The first character, 唐, which initially referred to China, was later changed to 空 by Gichin Funakoshi to mean "empty" rather than "China" 空手道, thus Kong Shou Dao; the Korean pronunciation of these characters is "Kong Soo Do"). Outside of the Far East, the term "Tang Soo Do" has primarily become synonymous with the Korean martial art promoted by grandmaster Hwang Kee.

Founder

According to books published by General Choi Hung Hi in 1965, and Hwang Kee in 1978, Tang Soo Do is one of a number of generic Korean terms for fighting with bare hands and feet. As such, Tang Soo Do cannot be said to have a founder. Rather, the name of "Tang Soo Do" was adopted by Hwang Kee, the founder of Moo Duk Kwan, as a descriptor of the art he promoted.

The history of the Moo Duk Kwan (from which the majority of all modern Tang Soo Do stylists can trace their lineage) can be traced to a single founder: Hwang Kee. Hwang Kee learned Chinese martial arts while in Manchuria.

History

During the Japanese occupation (1910–1945), Hwang Kee left Korea and ventured into Manchuria. There he came into contact with an art similar to T'ai chi ch'uan. Hwang Kee eventually incorporated the flowing and graceful motions of the Chinese system with the linear, strong movements of Karate Do. This blend resulted into what is currently known as Soo Bahk Do.

Around the time of the liberation of Korea in 1945, five martial arts schools called the kwans were formed by men who were primarily trained in some form of karate, but also had exposure to kungfu. The five prominent kwans (and respective founders) were: Chung Do Kwan (Lee Won Kuk), Jidokwan (Chun Sang Sup), Chang Moo Kwan (Lee Nam Suk and Kim Soon Bae), Moo Duk Kwan (Hwang Kee), and Song Moo Kwan (Ro Byung Jik). These schools taught what most Americans know as "Korean Karate." However, there were some philosophical differences in technique application and more of an emphasis on kicking in the Tang Soo Do Jido/Chung Do/Chang Moo/Moo Duk/Song Moo Kwan systems.

Around 1953, shortly after the Korean War, four more annex kwans formed. These 2nd-generation kwans and their principle founders were: Oh Do Kwan (Choi Hong Hi and Nam Tae Hi), Han Moo Kwan (Lee Kyo Yoon), Kang Duk Won (Park Chul Hee and Hong Jong Pyo) and Jung Do Kwan (Lee Young Woo). In 1955, these arts, at that time called various names by the different schools, were ordered to unify, by South Korea's President Syngman Rhee. A governmental body selected a naming committee's submission of "Taekwondo" as the name. Both Son Duk Sung and Choi Hong Hi claim to have submitted the name.

In 1959, the Korea Taekwondo Association (KTA69) was formed in an attempt to unify the dozens of the kwans as one standardized system of Taekwondo. The first international tour of Taekwondo, by General Choi Hong Hi and Nam Tae Hi (founders of the Oh Do Kwan) and 19 black belts, was held in 1959. In 1960, Jhoon Rhee was teaching what he called Korean Karate (or Tang Soo Do) in Texas, USA. After receiving the ROK Army Field Manual (which contained martial arts training curriculum under the new name of Taekwondo) from General Choi, Rhee began using the name Taekwondo. There are still a multitude of contemporary Taekwondo schools in the United States that teach what is known as "Taekwondo Moo Duk Kwan". This nomenclature reflects this government-ordered kwan merger. Modern Taekwondo schools with the Moo Duk Kwan lineage often practice the early Tang Soo Do curriculum, a curriculum that was more closely associated with Karate-Do Shotokan.^{[citation needed]}

Despite this unification effort, the kwans continued to teach their individual styles. For instance, Hwang Kee and a large constituent of the Moo Duk Kwan continued to develop a version of Tang Soo Do that eventually became what is now known as "Soo Bahk Do Moo Duk Kwan". This modified version of Tang Soo Do incorporates more fluid "soft" movements reminiscent of certain traditional Chinese martial arts. Other modern Tang Soo Do systems teach what is essentially Korean Karate in an early organized form. The World Tang Soo Do Association and the International Tang Soo Do Federation, for instance, teach systems of Tang Soo Do that existed before the Taekwondo "merger" and before the development of modern Soo Bahk Do Moo Duk Kwan. These versions of Tang Soo Do are heavily influenced by Korean culture and also appear related to Okinawan Karate as initially taught in Japan by Funakoshi Gichin. As mentioned above, the term "Tang Soo Do/Dangsudo" was initially a Korean pronunciation of "The Way of The Chinese In Japan, 唐手道 was pronounced "karate-do" ("The Way of The Chinese Hand"). These characters initially reflected historical origins of the arts. However, the term "Tang Soo Do" (mostly in the United States and Europe) has evolved to currently describe a form of Karate that is distinctly Korean, but is different than both Taekwondo and Soo Bahk Do.

To restore national identity after the protracted occupation of Korea by Japanese forces, the Korean government ordered a single organization be created. On September 16, 1961, most kwans agreed to unify under the name 'Korea Tae Soo Do Association'. The name was changed back to the "Korea Taekwondo Association" when General Choi became its president in August 1965.

Tang Soo Do continues to expand and flourish under numerous federations and organizations that, for various reasons, separated from the Moo Duk Kwan. It can be argued that Tang Soo Do is one of the most widely practiced martial arts in the United States, although Moo Duk Kwan as founded by Hwang Kee is the only martial arts organization that systematically enumerates its dan members sequentially, and has done so since its founding in Seoul in 1945. Due to political in-fighting and splintering, Tang Soo Do has seen several members break off from their origin, though the Moo Duk Kwan as founded by Hwang Kee continues to represent Tang Soo Do (Soo Bahk Do) worldwide, and is headed by Hwang Kee's son, Hyun Chul Hwang. The Amateur Athletic Union Taekwondo recognizes Tang Soo Do ranks, permits Tang Soo Do hyeong in competition and also hosts non-Olympic style point-sparring to accommodate the various traditional Korean stylists.

Chuck Norris, the famous actor, popularized Tang Soo Do in the United States, and evolved the martial art Chun Kuk Do from it.

Ranking systems

By and large, Tang Soo Do uses the colored belt system that was instituted by Jigoro Kano and first used in Karate-Do by Gichin Funakoshi. However, minor deviations according to organization and/or individual school are commonplace. One differentiating characteristic of the Moo Duk Kwan style is that the black belt, or dan rank, is frequently represented by a Midnight Blue Belt for students who attain Dan rank. The reason for the midnight blue belt is due to the belief in Korean culture, that black symbolizes perfection and as no one is perfect it is symbolized as a midnight blue color. It was also a belief of the founder of Moo Duk Kwan, Hwang Kee, that black is a color to which nothing can be added, thus blue signifies that a dan holder is still learning.^{[citation needed]} Many schools and organizations still opt to use the black belt. The Moo Duk Kwan lineage of Tang Soo Do incorporates a red-striped midnight blue (or black) belt to denote individuals who have reached the rank of Sa Beom Nim (master 사범님/師範님), or 4th dan. In other systems, the 7th-10th dan ranking is signified with two red stripes running along the length of a midnight blue (or black) belt. The original non-dan, or gup, belt colors established by Hwang Kee were: white belt; green belt; and red belt. In the 1970s, an orange belt was added after the white belt along with either one or two stripes onto the orange, green and red belts, encompassing ten gup (student) levels, and is currently the system in use in the Moo Duk Kwan. In the mid 1980s a yellow belt was placed between the white and orange belt in some other organizations. Many variations of this ranking system are still used and typically employ other colors (e.g., yellow, brown, purple, blue, etc.). However, this is primarily a western influence.

The Black belts (or Midnight-blue Belts) are called Dans and each degree has its own specific name. The Dan rank ranges from 1st-10th degree. In the Moo Duk Kwan, Dan level is known by its Korean numeration, such as Cho Dan, Ee Dan, Sam Dan for 1st, 2nd and 3rd Dan respectively, and onward. In many organizations the titles of Kyosa (Instructor 교사/敎師) and Sa Bom (Master 사범/師範) are separately awarded after successfully demonstrating ability, knowledge, understanding and character for that level in a Dan Simsa (심사/審査), or test. One may not test for Kyosa (Certified Instructor) until 2nd Dan, or Sa Bom (Master Instructor) until 4th Dan or above. Dan levels from 4th Dan onward are known as Ko Dan Ja (고단자/高段者), whether Sa Bom or not. Also in the US, a simple timing structure was created for the Dan ranking system, where if in constant study, then it was easy to measure when testing for the next rank would be. The next Dan number was equal to the minimum number of years that must be spent training to achieve that Dan. For example a First Dan would have two years before they could be candidate for Second Dan, etc.

Hyung

Main article: Hyeong#Tang Soo Do

Forms (hyung) varies on the founder or head of the different federations of Tang Soo Do. Tang Soo do forms are a set among of moves demonstrating a defensive or aggressive action for every movement, they were taken mainly from japanese shotokan karate kata. They are based on an offender attacking and one demonstrating the form reacting to their attack.

They are generally memorized and demonstrated at a test for ranking up or a tournament.

Traditionally, nine forms are included in the curriculum of most Tang Soo Do school which are required study to earn the Midnightblue Belt. These hyung are:

Kee Cho forms: ( Kee Cho Il Bu, Kee Cho Ee Bu, Kee Cho Sam Bu) The Kee Cho series are basic forms by Hwang Kee based upon those of Gichin Funakoshi, from shorin ryu karate.

Pyung Ahn forms: (Pyung Ahn Cho Dan, Pyung Ahn Ee Dan, Pyung Ahn Sam Dan, Pyung Ahn Sa Dan, Pyong Ahn Oh Dan) The Pyung Ahn series were adopted from Okinawan & Japanese Karate, where they are called Pinan / Heian and are the creation of Yasutsune Itosu.

Bassai(also known as Pal Che) The Bassai form is also from Karate (where it is called Passai / Bassai Dai ) and was created by Bushi Sokon Matsumura.

According to Hwang Kee he learned these forms from studying Japanese books on Okinawan Karate. Most scholars agree the primary text Hwang Kee relied upon was Gichin Funakoshi's Karate-jutsu published in Japan in 1939.

One-step sparring

One-step sparring (Il Su Sik Dae Ryun) techniques are best described as a choreographed pattern of defense against the single step of an attack. Usually performed in pairs, this starts with a bow for respect. One partner then attacks, often with a simple punch, and the other person will perform a series of premeditated techniques, often in a block-attack-takedown sequence.

Free sparring

Though variation is extensive, Tang Soo Do free-sparring is similar to competitive matches in other traditional Okinawan, Japanese and Korean striking systems and may include elements of American freestyle point karate. Tang Soo Do sparring consist of point matches that are based on the three-point rule (first contestant to score three points wins) or a two-minute rule (a tally of points over one two minute round; but see also AAU taekwondo point sparring handbook). Lead and rear-leg kicks and lead and rear-arm hand techniques all score equally (one point per technique). However, to encourage the use of jumping and spinning kicks, these techniques may be scored with a higher point value than standing techniques in some competitions. Open-hand techniques other than the ridgehand (see AAU taekwondo point sparring handbook) and leg sweeps are typically not allowed.

As in japanese karate-do kumite, scoring techniques in Tang Soo Do competition should be decisive; that is, all kicking and hand techniques that score should be delivered with sufficient footing and power so that if they were delivered without being controlled they would stop the aggressive motion of the opponent. There are also similarities between American freestyle point sparring (as stated above, see NASKA link below) and Tang Soo Do point sparring. Much of the footwork is the same, but the position of the body when executing blows is markedly different between the styles of competition. Rapid fire pump-kicking seen in American freestyle point sparring is sometimes used in Tang Soo Do competition. However in order to score, the final kick in the pump-kick combination should be delivered from a solid base (with erect posture) and with sufficient power or the technique is not considered decisive. Consequently, the pace of a Tang Soo Do match can be somewhat slower than would be seen at a typical NASKA-type tournament, but the techniques (theoretically) should be somewhat more recognizable as linear, powerful blows that are delivered from reliably stable stances and body positions.

Variation between Tang Soo Do competitions is extensive, but are typically standardized within the various associations. Because of the close historical relationship between Tang Soo Do and Tae Kwon Do, many of the powerful rear leg and spinning kick techniques seen in both ITF and WTF Tae Kwon Do matches are commonplace in traditional Tang Soo Do competitions; the main difference being that they are not delivered with full contact to the head in Tang Soo Do.

Tang Soo Do sparring is a contact event. Though often billed as "light" or "no-contact", the typical level of contact is moderate; being controlled to both the body and head (in dan divisions). Most Tang Soo Do practitioners feel that contact in sparring is essential to understanding proper technique and necessary for developing mental preparedness and a level of relaxation critical to focused performance in stressful situations. That said, unnecessarily or disrespectfully harming your opponent in Tang Soo Do sparring is not tolerated. Health and longevity of practitioners are major goals of Tang Soo Do practice. Consequently, serious injuries are counterproductive because they retard a level of physical training that is needed to foster emotional and intellectual growth. However, minor injuries, such as bumps, bruises and the occasional loss of wind may be invaluable experiences. Each match should begin and end with respect, compassion and a deep appreciation for the opponent. Though Tang Soo Do sparring is competitive, traditional competitions are more of an exercise, or way of developing the self, than they are a truly competitive and game-like forum. Introspection and personal growth are fostered through free sparring.

Terminology / Korean commands

In Tang Soo Do, as in Taekwondo, commands and terminology to students are often given in Korean. However, beginning in 1955 and again in 1973 with the formation of the World Taekwondo Federation Taekwondo became centrally governed and Taekwondo terminology was revised favoring Korean terminology. Tang Soo Do commands pre-date these revisions and many are based on Sino-Korean words and Korean transliteration of Japanese karate terminology Kanji

Commands
English	Hangul (한글)	Hanja (한자/漢字)	Revised Romanization
Ready	준비	準備	Junbi
Begin	시작	始作	Sijag
Stop	그만		Geuman
Resume/Continue	계속	繼續	Gyesog
Return	바로		Balo
Relax / At ease!	쉬어		Swieo
Turn around	뒤로돌아		Dwilo dol-a
Yell	기합	氣合	Gihab
Look/focus	시선	視線	Siseon
By the count	구령에 맞춰서	口令	Guryeong-e majchwoseo
Without count	구령 없이	口令	Guryeong eobs-i
Switch feet	발 바꿔		Bal bakkwo

Hand Techniques
English	Hangul (한글)	Hanja (한자/漢字)	Revised Romanization
Hand Techniques	수 기	手技	Su gi
Attack / Strike / hit	공격	攻擊	Gong-gyeog
…also Strike	치기		Chigi
Block	막기		Maggi
Punch/hit	권	拳	Gwon
Middle punch	중 권	中拳	Jung gwon
Back fist	갑 권	甲拳 / 角拳	Gab gwon
Knife hand (edge)	수도	手刀	Su Do
To pierce / spear	관	貫	Gwan
Spear hand	관 수	貫手	Gwan su
Ridge hand	역 수도	逆手刀	Yeog su do
Hammer fist	권도	拳刀 / 拳槌	Gweon do
Pliers hand	집게 손		Jibge son
Palm heel	장관	掌貫	Jang gwan
Elbow	팔꿈		Palkkum
Gooseneck	손목 등		Sonmog deung
Side punch	횡진 공격	橫進	Hoengjin gong gyeog
Mountain block	산 막기	山	San maggi
One finger fist	일 지 권	一指拳	il ji gwon
1 finger spear hand	일 지관 수	一指貫手	il ji gwan su
2 finger spear hand	이지관수	二指貫手	i ji gwan su
Double back fist	장갑권	長甲拳	Jang gab gwon
Double hammer fist	장 권도	長拳刀	Jang gwon do

Foot Techniques
English	Hangul (한글)	Hanja (한자/漢字)	Revised Romanization
Foot Techniques	족기	足技	Jog gi
Kick	차기		Chagi
Front kick	앞 차기		Ap chagi
…also front Snap kick	앞 차넣기		Ap chaneohgi
…also snap front kick	앞 뻗어 차기		Ap ppeod-eo chagi
Inside-out heel kick	안에서 밖으로 차기		An-eseo bakk-eulo chagi
Outside-in heel kick	밖에서 안으로 차기		Baggeso aneuro chagi
Stretching front kick	앞 뻗어 올리 기		Ap ppeod-eo olli gi
Round-house kick	돌려 차기		Dolleyo chagi
Side kick	옆 차기		Yeop chagi
…also Snap Side kick	옆 뻗어 차기		Yeop ppeod-eo chagi
Hook kick	후려기 차기		Hulyeogi chagi
…also hook kick	후려 차기		Huryeo chagi
Back kick	뒤 차기		Dwi chagi
…also Spin Back kick	뒤 돌려 차기		Dwi dolleyo chagi
Spin hook kick	뒤 돌려 후려기 차기		Dwi doleyo hulyeogi chagi
Knee strike	무릎 차기		Mu reup chagi
Reverse round kick	빗 차기		Bit chagi

Stances
English	Hangul (한글)	Hanja (한자/漢字)	Revised Romanization
Stances	자세	姿勢	Jase
Ready stance	준비 자세	準備 姿勢	Junbi jase
Front Stance	전굴 자세	前屈 姿勢	Jeongul jase
Back Stance	후굴 자세	後屈 姿勢	Hugul jase
Horse Stance	기마 자세	騎馬 姿勢	Gima jase
…also Horse Stance	기마립 자세	騎馬立 姿勢	Gimalip jase
Side Stance	사고립 자세	四股立 姿勢	Sagolib jase
Cross legged stance	교차 립 자세	交(叉/差)立 姿勢	Gyocha lib jase

Technique Direction
English	Hangul (한글)	Hanja (한자/漢字)	Revised Romanization
Moving forward	전진	推進	Jeonjin
Backing up / retreat	후진	後進	Hujin
Sideways/laterally	횡진	橫進	Hoengjin
Reverse (hand/foot)	역진	逆進	Yeogjin
Lower	하단	下段	Hadan
Middle	중단	中段	Jungdan
Upper	상단	上段	Sangdan
Two handed	쌍수	雙手	Ssangsu
Both hands	양수	兩手	Yangsu
Lowest	최 하단	最下段	Choe hadan
Right side	오른 쪽		Oleun jjog
Left side	왼 쪽		Oen jjog
Other side/Twist	틀어		Teul-eo
Inside-outside	안에서 밖으로		An-eseo bakk-eulo
Outside inside	밖에서 안으로		Bakk-eseo an-eulo
Jumping / 2nd level	이단		idan
Hopping/Skipping	뜀을		Ttwim-eul
Double kick	두 발		Du bal
Combo kick	연속	連續	Yeonsog
Same foot	같은 발		Gat-eun bal

Titles
English	Hangul (한글)	Hanja (한자/漢字)	Revised Romanization
Grandmaster	관장 님	館長	Gwanjang nim
Master instructor	사범 님	師範	Sabeom nim
Teacher	교사 님	敎師	Gyosa nim
Black Belt	단	段	Dan
Student	급	級	Geub
Master level	고단자	高段者	Godanja

Other/Miscellaneous
English	Hangul (한글)	Hanja (한자/漢字)	Revised Romanization
School	관	館	Gwan
Country Flag	국기	國旗	Guggi
Atten-hut!	차렷		Chalyeos
Salute the flag	국기 배례	國旗 拜禮	Guggi baerye
Return	바로		Balo
Pay respect / bow	경례	敬禮	Gyeonglye
Moment of silence	묵념	默念	Mugnyeom
Sit down!	앉아!		Anj-a!
Thank you	감사합니다	感謝	Gamsa habnida
Informal thank you	고맙습니다		Gomabseubnida
You’re welcome	천만에요		Cheonman-eyo
Uniform	도복	道服	Dobog
Belt	띠	帶	Tti
Studio	도장	道場	Dojang
Test	심사	審査	Simsa
Self Defense	호신술	護身術	Ho sin sul
Sparring	대련	對練	daelyeon
Free sparring	자유 대련	自由 對練	Jayu daelyeon
Ground Sparring	좌 대련	座 對練	Jwa daelyeon
One step sparring	일 수식 대련	一數式 對練	il su sig daelyeon
Three step sparring	삼 수식 대련	三數式 對練	Sam su sig daelyeon
Board Breaking	격파	擊破	Gyeong pa

Notable Practitioners

• Dennis Alexio
• Curtis Bush
• Chuck Norris
• Cynthia Rothrock
• Pat E. Johnson
• Michael Jai White
• William Zabka
• Shin Jae Chul
• Danny Bonaduce

Further reading

• Tang Soo Do: The Ultimate Guide to the Korean Martial Art, Kang Uk Lee, ISBN 0-7136-4531-8; ISBN 978-0-7136-4531-6
• Complete Tang Soo Do Manual: From White Belt to Black Belt, Ho Sik Pak, ISBN 0-9718609-6-3
• Complete Tang Soo Do Manual: From 2nd Dan to 6th Dan - Volume 2, Ho Sik Pak, ISBN 0-9718609-1-2
• Byrne, Richard and Mitchell, Penny. This Is Tang Soo Do. Malden, MA:American Tang Soo Do Association. 2001. Library of Congress Control Number 2001116262
• Hwang, K. (1995). History of Moo Duk Kwan celebrating the 50th anniversary, 1945-1995. United States: s.n. ISBN 0-9631358-7-2.
• Jones, Glenn (2006). Korean Martial Arts Handbook. Maryland: Hermit Kingdom. ISBN 0-9787598-0-X. 
• Hancock, J. and Plyler, J. (2004). The International Tangsoodo Alliance Official Instructor's Manual, Revised Edition. Guthrie, KY: International Tangsoodo Alliance.

External links

• [Hwa Rang World Tang Soo Do Federation http://hosikpak.wix.com/greatwarriorpak]
• Tang Soo Do World
• International Tang Soo Do Federation
• World Tang Soo Do Association
• www.globaltangsoodo.com
• National TangSooDo Federation, India
• Sports TangSooDo Association, Haryana