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Tang Soo Do

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Tang Soo Do
Also known asDang Soo Do
Country of originKorea
FounderHwang Kee
Ancestor artsShotokan Karate
Descendant artsChun Kuk Do, American Tang Soo Do, Kajukenbo, Moo Duk Kwan, Moo Soo Do
Tang Soo Do
Hangul
Hanja
Revised RomanizationDangsudo
McCune–ReischauerTangsudo
Black Belt Tang Soo Do Dobok

Tang Soo Do (Hangul: 당수도, Hanja: 唐手道pronounced [taŋ.su.do]) is a karate-based Korean martial art incorporating fighting principles from subak (as described in the Kwon Bup Chong Do), as well as northern Chinese martial arts.[1] The techniques of what is commonly known as Tang Soo Do combine elements of Shōtōkan, Subak, Taekkyon, and Kung Fu.

Etymology

"Tang Soo Do" (당수도) is the Korean pronunciation of the Hanja 唐手道 (pronounced Táng shǒu dào in Chinese),[2] and translates literally to "The Way of the Tang Hand."

The same characters can be pronounced "karate-dō" in Japanese. In the early 1930s, approximately 55 years after Japan's annexation of Okinawa,[3] Gichin Funakoshi in coordination with others changed the first character, 唐, which referred to the Chinese Tang Dynasty, to 空, signifying "empty"; both characters can be pronounced "kara" in Japanese, though 唐 is more commonly rendered as "Tou".[4] Funakoshi ostensibly wanted to avoid confusion with Chinese Kenpō. Funakoshi claimed Okinawan Karate could "now be considered a Japanese martial art" and found the China reference "inappropriate" and "in a sense degrading".[5] The Chinese pronunciation of 空手道 is kōng-shǒu-dào, and the Korean is pronounced [koŋsʰudo](공수도).

Outside of the Far East, the term "Tang Soo Do" has primarily become synonymous with the Korean martial art promoted by grandmaster Hwang Kee.

Beyond Won Kuk Lee, several other practitioners formed kwans in the area. By the 1960s, there were nine major kwans, which were based on an original five: 1) the Chung Do Kwan (Won Kuk Lee), 2) Moo Duk Kwan (Hwang Kee), 3) Song Moo Kwan (Ro Byung Jick), 4) Chang Moo Kwan (Yoon Byung-In), and 5) Jidokwan (Chun Sang Sup). Chun's original style, Yun Mu Kwan karate ("kongsudo" in Korean) became "Jidokwan" when his students found new teachers after his disappearance in the Korean War and the new name (meaning "Hall of Wisdom's Way") was adopted.

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,[6] who learned Chinese martial arts while in Manchuria.

History

Bong is a weapon used in Tang Soo Do and him soo do. This is a 160 cm Bong.

During the late 1930s, Hwang Kee had mastered the native Korean martial arts of Subak and Taekkyon.[7][page needed] It was during this time that the Japanese occupied Korea, and the resident general, in an attempt to control the population, banned the practice of native martial arts, setting the penalty at imprisonment. In 1936, Hwang Kee attracted the attention of the Japanese secret police, forcing him to pack his bags and set out on foot for Manchuria,[7][page needed]where he experienced scenes of lawlessness and destruction whilst working as a railroad worker. As a result, Hwang Kee decided to enter China, where he would live the next 20 years. He entered China at night from the southern end of the Great Wall of China, which he scaled and descended into China on the other side.

I climbed the wall at night, I was in excellent physical condition at the time and there were parts of the Great Wall that were lower than others. I ran up the side of the wall two or three steps and then grabbed at the top. Once on top, I distracted the soldiers guarding the other side by throwing rocks away from where I climbed down.

— Hwang Kee in an interview with Bob Liedke, translated by his son H.C. Hwang

At this time in China, it was hard for any martial artist to find a master willing to take them on as a student. Despite this, Hwang Kee became acquainted with Master Yang, who taught Hwang Kee the northern style Yang kung-fu (Nei-ga-ryu), a stronger and more passive art than the southern style that can be used at close quarters. Following the conclusion of World War II, Hwang Kee returned to Korea.

Founding of original Kwans

Between 1944 and the Liberation of Korea in 1945, the original schools or kwans of Tang Soo Do were founded in Korea by practitioners who had studied karate and had some exposure to kung-fu. Together, these original five schools and their teachers became the foundation of Tang Soo Do:

Shortly after the Korean War and in 1953, four more offshoot schools formed. These second-generation kwans and their principal founders were Choi Hong Hi and Nam Tae Hi's Oh Do Kwan, Lee Kyo Yoon's Han Moo Kwan, Park Chul Hee and Hong Jong Pyo's Kang Duk Won, and Lee Young Woo's Jung Do Kwan.

Tae Kwon Do Association

In 1960, Jhoon Rhee was teaching what he called Korean Karate (or Tang Soo Do) in Texas, in the United States. 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 "Moo Duk Kwan Taekwondo". This nomenclature reflects this government-ordered kwan merger.

In 1964, the Korean Tae Soo Do Association was formed which, in 1965, became the Korean Tae Kwon Do Association. Because of its political influence, the Tae Kwon Do group, led by its second president, General Choi Hong Hi, tried to unify it with the Korean Soo Bahk Do Association. Kwanjangnim's organization was the largest martial arts system in Korea at the time. Grandmaster Hwang Kee agreed to discuss unification but, when it became clear that he would not be in charge of the new organization, he ultimately refused. The result was a weakening of the Moo Duk Kwan as the Tae Kwon Do movement grew in strength, absorbing many Moo Duk Kwan members in the process.

Tae Soo Do Association

To restore national identity after the protracted occupation of Korea by Japanese forces, the Korean government ordered a single organization to 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.

Despite this unification effort, the kwans continued to teach their individual styles. 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. The World Tang Soo Do Association and the International Tang Soo Do Federation 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 to be related to Okinawan Karate as initially taught in Japan by Gichin Funakoshi.

Recognition

Due to political in-fighting and splintering, Tang Soo Do has had several members break off, although 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, Hwang Hyun-chul. The Amateur Athletic Union Taekwondo recognizes Tang Soo Do ranks, permits Tang Soo Do hyeong in competition and hosts non-Olympic-style point-sparring to accommodate the various traditional Korean stylists.

Actor Chuck Norris popularized Tang Soo Do in the Western world, and from it evolved the martial art Chun Kuk Do.

Ranking systems

Tang Soo Do Belts ranging by grade (from white to black belt)
Black Belt Tang Soo Do Practitionner

Tang Soo Do uses the colored belt system that was instituted by Judo´s founder Jigoro Kano and popularized 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 (some Chung Do Kwan schools also have adopted this custom) for students who attain dan rank. The reason for the midnight blue belt is the belief in Korean culture that black symbolizes perfection. As no one is perfect, the belt for the dan rank is 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, and some Chung Do Kwan schools of Tang Soo Do incorporate a red-striped midnight blue (or black) belt to denote individuals who have reached the rank of Sa Beom (master 사범님/師範님), or 4th dan. 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 on the orange, green and red belts, encompassing ten gup (student) levels, and is currently the system in use in the Moo Duk Kwan. Many variations of this ranking system are still used and typically employ other colors (such as yellow, brown, purple, and blue). 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 through 9th degree. In the Moo Duk Kwan, dan level is known by its Korean numeration, such as cho dan (1st), ee dan (2nd) and sam dan (3rd), and onward. In many organizations, the titles of kyosu (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 kyosu (certified instructor) until 2nd dan, or sabom (master instructor) until 4th dan or above. Dan levels from 4th dan onward are known as kodanja (고단자/高段者), whether sabom or not. Also in the U.S., a simple timing structure was created for the dan ranking system. If in constant study, then it was easy to measure when testing for the next rank. 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 a candidate for second dan, and so on.

Techniques and patterns

Hyung

Forms (hyung) vary depending upon the founder or head of the different federations of Tang Soo Do. Tang Soo Do forms are a set of moves demonstrating a defensive or aggressive action for every movement 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 schools, which are required study to earn the midnight blue belt. These hyung are:

Kee Cho forms: kee cho il bu, kee cho ee bu, kee cho sam bu. The Kee Cho series comprises basic patterns. these were created by Gichin Funakoshi, and named taikyoku in Shotokan 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 was adopted from Okinawan and Japanese karate, where they are called Pinan/Heian and are the creation of Yasutsune Itosu, who also was one of Funakoshi´s teachers.

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

According to Hwang Kee, he learned these forms from studying Japanese books on Okinawan karate. Most scholars agree that the primary text Hwang Kee relied upon was Gichin Funakoshi's Rentan Goshin Toudi-Jutsu published in Japan in 1925.

However, almost all original 5 kwan instructors taught these same forms and had them in their curriculum as they were direct students of Japanese Karate masters, like Gichin Funakoshi or his contemporary peer Kanren Toyama, founder of shudokan karate; or they were friends and students of the other kwan leaders.[8]

One-step sparring

Tang Soo Do white belt practitioner performing a punch

One-step sparring (il su sik dae ryun) techniques are best described as a choreographed pattern of defense moves against the single step of an attack. Usually performed in pairs, this begins 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 consists of point matches that are based on the three-point rule (the 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 and leg sweeps are typically not allowed.

As in traditional 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 (see North American Sport Karate Association [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 Taekwondo, many of the powerful rear leg and spinning kick techniques seen in both International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF) and World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) Taekwondo matches are commonplace in traditional Tang Soo Do competitions. The main difference is 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. Unnecessarily or disrespectfully harming an opponent in Tang Soo Do sparring is not tolerated.

Health and longevity of practitioners are the 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 competitive and game-like forum. Introspection and personal growth are fostered through free sparring.

Terminology and 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 WTF,[9] 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.[10]

Commands
English Hangul (한글) Hanja (한자/漢字) Revised Romanization
Ready 준비 準備 Junbi
Begin 시작 始作 Sijak
Stop 그만 Geuman
Resume/Continue 계속 繼續 Gyesok
Return 바로 Baro
Relax / At ease! 쉬어 Swieo
Turn around 뒤로돌아 Dwirodola
Yell 기합 氣合 Gihap
Look/focus 시선 視線 Siseon
By the count 구령에 맞춰서 口令에 맞춰서 Guryeonge majchweoseo
Without count 구령 없이 口令 없이 Guryeong eopsi
Switch feet 발 바꿔 Bal bakkweo
Hand Techniques
English Hangul (한글) Hanja (한자/漢字) Revised Romanization
Hand Techniques 수 기 手技 Sugi
Attack 공격 攻擊 Gonggyeok
…Strike 치기 Chigi
Block 막기 Maggi
Punch/hit Gweon
Middle punch 중 권 中拳 Junggweon
Back fist 갑 권 甲拳 / 角拳 Gabgweon
Knife hand 수도 手刀 Sudo
To pierce / spear Gwan
Spear hand 관 수 貫手 Gwansu
Ridge hand 역 수도 逆手刀 Yeogsudo
Hammer fist 권도 拳刀 / 拳槌 Gweondo
Pliers hand 집게 손 Jibge son
Palm heel 장관 掌貫 Janggwan
Elbow 팔꿈 Palkkum
Gooseneck 손목 등 Sonmog deung
Side punch 횡진 공격 橫進攻擊 Hoengjin gong gyeog
Mountain block 산 막기 山막기 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
…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 Dollyeo chagi
Side kick 옆 차기 Yeop chagi
…Snap Side kick 옆 뻗어 차기 Yeop ppeod-eo chagi
Hook kick 후려기 차기 Hulyeogi chagi
…Hook kick 후려 차기 Huryeo chagi
Back kick 뒤 차기 Dwi chagi
…Spin Back kick 뒤 돌려 차기 Dwi dollyeo chagi
Spinning hook kick 뒤 돌려 후려기 차기 Dwi dollyeo 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 二段 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
School Owner/Founder/President 관장 館長 Gwanjang
Master instructor 사범 師範 Sabeom
Instructor/(Teacher) 교사/(선생) 敎師/(先生) Gyosa/(Seonsaeng)
Black Belt Dan
Student Geup
Master level 고단자 高段者 Godanja
Other/Miscellaneous
English Hangul (한글) Hanja (한자/漢字) Revised Romanization
School Gwan
Country Flag 국기 國旗 Guggi
Attention! 차렷 Charyeot
Salute the flag 국기 배례 國旗 拜禮 Guggi baerye
Return 바로 Baro
Pay respect / bow 경례 敬禮 Gyeongnye
Moment of silence 묵념 默念 Mugnyeom
Sit down! 앉아! Anj-a!
Thank you 감사합니다 感謝합니다 Gamsa hamnida
Informal thank you 고맙습니다 Gomabseubnida
You’re welcome 천만에요 Cheonman-eyo
Uniform 도복 道服 Dobog
Belt 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 Gyeog pa

Notable practitioners

References

  1. ^ Benitez, Wilfredo (March 2002). Taekwondo Times: Tang Soo Do History: Understanding its past. USA: Woo Jin Jung. pp. 36–39.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: year (link)
  2. ^ Williamson, Brett (October 27, 2009). "Tang Soo Do World Championships in Adelaide this weekend". abc.net.au. ABC News. Retrieved 2010-12-07.
  3. ^ "History of Okinawa" (PDF). Kadena Air Force Base. Archived from the original (PDF) on 26 December 2014. Retrieved 1 February 2014.
  4. ^ Funakoshi, Gichin, Karate-do Kyohan, ISBN 1568364822 p.3 footnote
  5. ^ Funakoshi, Gichin, Karate-do Kyohan, ISBN 1568364822 p.4
  6. ^ "Welcome". The Authoritative Source of Moo Duk Kwan History. Moo Duk Kwan martial art school. Retrieved 26 June 2012.
  7. ^ a b Liedke, Bob (May 1990). Taekwondo Times: Korea's Living Legend: Tang Soo Do-Moo Duk Kwan's Great Grandmaster Hwang Kee. USA: Woo Jin Jung.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: year (link)
  8. ^ Kim Pyung-Soo, Master Yoon Byung-in's Legacy: The Changmoo-Kwan & Kangduk-Won, p. 5, kimsookarate.com
  9. ^ "World Taekwondo Federation". Worldtaekwondo.org. Retrieved 23 September 2012.
  10. ^ "Tang Soo Do Terminology". Devitakarate.com. Archived from the original on 24 December 2013. Retrieved 23 September 2012.

Further reading

  • Complete Tang Soo Do Manual: From White Belt to Black Belt ISBN 0-9718609-6-3
  • Complete Tang Soo Do Manual: From 2nd Dan to 6th Dan - Volume 2 ISBN 0-9718609-1-2
  • 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
  • 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 Allian
  • The Untold History of Tang Soo Do, Daniel Segarra