Theory
History of Tang Soo Do
Originating in Korean, around 2000 years ago, Tang Soo Do is one of the oldest martial art systems. Today, its techniques and philosophy are still taught as they were taught in ancient times. All commands are therefore spoken in Korean, a list of Korean commands are below. Modern Tang Soo Do was founded by Master Hwang Kee in 1945.
Literally translated, the work 'Tang' refers to the T'ang Dynasty of China which reflects the shared cultural background between China and Korea (617-907 AD). 'Soo' means hand, but implies fist, punch, strike or defence. 'Do' means way of life or art. Thus Tang Soo Do means the Korean classical martial art which was influences by the T'ang method of martial art.
Terminology
As Tang Soo Do is a Korean Martial Art, it is important for students to be able to translate techniques and terms from their native language to the Korean language. Terminology, as used here, corresponds to techniques, culture and instrumental commands of Tang Soo Do. This contains their meaning, thought, and philosophy. Click Here for a list of over 150 important terms that all students must understand and be able to use when necessary.
Belt System
White belt - Beginner's belt colour. White represents a primitive stage of achievement. Thus, the seed as it lies dormant beneath the snows of winter
Orange belt - Orange represents new growth which appears in spring. Our Tang Soo Do knowledge begins to reveal itself.
Green belt - Green represents the speedy development of youth as summer arrives.
Brown belt - Brown represents power, stability, agility, weight and wisdom. This stabilising stage, both mentally and physically, analogous to the plants which curtail their growth and prepare to flower in late summer.
Red belt - Red represents blood, life, energy, attention and control. The students power and techniques begin to bloom and ripen
Blue belt - Blue represents maturity, respect, and honour. Our blue belt is given to the Cho Dan Bo (Black Belt Candidate). They must now prepare mind and body for the final step needed to attain Black Belt.
Black belt - Black represents mastery, calmness, dignity, and sincerity. Black Belt is the final stage of one life cycle and the beginning of the next. Thus, we see that it is not only the end of one stage but, more importantly, the beginning of a path which leads up through the rants of the higher Black Belts true mastery
Korean Flag
For a detailed description of the flag click here to download
Stances
For a description of our technical stances click here to download