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| Tang Soo Do | |
|---|---|
| Name | Tang Soo Do |
| Focus | Striking |
| Country | Korea |
| Creator | Hwang Kee |
| Dojo | kwon |
| Parenthood | Karate, Subak (martial art), Taekkyeon |
| Descendant art | Hapkido, Taekwondo, Kuk Sool Won |
Tang Soo Do Tang Soo Do is a Korean striking art synthesized in the mid-20th century that blends indigenous Taekkyeon traditions with influences from Shotokan Karate, Shudokan, and practitioners who trained under masters such as Hwang Kee and other Korean instructors. It developed amid post-World War II cultural exchange in Korea and spread internationally through veterans, émigré instructors, and associations linked to figures like Grandmaster Hwang Kee and schools that later intersected with organizations such as the World Taekwondo Federation and regional martial arts federations. The system emphasizes forms, striking, kicking, and self-defense methods taught within structured dojangs and federations.
Origins trace to early Korean striking systems like Subak (martial art) and Taekkyeon, which were practiced during dynasties such as the Joseon dynasty. During the Japanese occupation of Korea many Koreans studied Karate styles—especially Shotokan and Shudokan—in Japan and brought techniques back after liberation in 1945, influencing founders including Hwang Kee and instructors who trained under masters like Yoon Byung-In and Seo Ok Seong. Postwar organization saw the formation of schools and federations in Seoul, Busan, and US military bases, with cross-pollination involving American veterans from United States service who later established dojangs in places such as Hawaii, California, and New York City. Political developments including the 1960s push for a unified national art contributed to splits that produced parallel growth of Taekwondo organizations like the Kukkiwon and continued independent lineages.
Instruction often cites ethical precepts similar to those promoted by leaders like Hwang Kee and institutional codes found in federations such as the World Taekwondo Federation and regional bodies. Practitioners study etiquette derived from traditional Dojang protocols and moral teachings linked to schools rooted in Korea and adapted by instructors with ties to institutions like United States Olympic Committee-affiliated clubs and community centers. Emphasis on character development appears alongside physical training in programs run by civic organizations in cities like Seoul, Busan, Los Angeles, and Chicago, and is reinforced through seminars taught by senior masters with backgrounds in lineages connected to figures such as Kim Ki Whang.
Curricula typically include patterns (hyung) influenced by forms from Shotokan kata such as those attributed to Gichin Funakoshi and sequences developed by Korean masters like Hwang Kee. Training covers basics (stances, strikes, blocks), kicking sets reminiscent of Taekkyeon and modern Taekwondo sport techniques, joint locks and throws with overlap to Hapkido, and self-defense drills adapted for civilians, law enforcement, and military personnel seen at institutions like South Korean Armed Forces training programs. Weapons training in some lineages draws from historical Korean arms associated with Joseon dynasty martial traditions, and kata performance appears in exhibitions at events sponsored by federations including regional Asian Games-alumni clubs.
Most schools adopt a colored belt progression adapted from Karate systems popularized by instructors influenced by Shotokan and international practices. Rank promotions involve technical demonstrations, sparring, and form proficiency judged according to standards promulgated by organizations with ties to masters like Hwang Kee or regional federations in North America, Europe, and Asia. Dan grading and instructor certification sometimes align with national bodies such as federations modeled after the Kukkiwon or independent associations formed by prominent masters like Jhoon Rhee and Kim Bok Man.
Major lineages trace back to founders and influential instructors including Hwang Kee, Yoon Byung-In, Kim Ki Whang, Jhoon Rhee, and others who established schools across Korea and the United States. Associations vary from national federations in South Korea to international bodies established in North America, Europe, Australia, and Southeast Asia; some joined broader umbrella groups such as the World Union of Martial Arts-style federations while others remained independent, producing diverse styles and certification standards. Schisms and reunifications mirror patterns seen in martial arts history involving institutions like the Kukkiwon and rival organizations that formed during the 1950s–1970s period.
Competitive formats range from traditional forms demonstrations judged at martial arts championships to point-sparring rule sets influenced by Taekwondo sport rules used at events like the Asian Games and municipal tournaments in cities such as Los Angeles and Seoul. Protective gear and scoring systems have been adapted from international models used by organizations such as the World Taekwondo Federation and regional sporting committees; some schools emphasize non-competitive self-defense training while others field athletes in kumite-style matches at national and invitational events.
Practitioners and instructors contributed to Korean diaspora cultural life in communities across United States, Canada, Australia, and Brazil; dojangs functioned as centers for cultural transmission alongside institutions like Korean American Association chapters. Tang Soo Do-affiliated instructors appeared in martial arts cinema, television, and popular culture alongside figures associated with films from Hong Kong and South Korea, and influenced stunt choreography in productions linked to studios such as Golden Harvest and directors who worked with actors like Bruce Lee and Chuck Norris through shared networks of martial artists. Its pedagogical influence persists inside mixed martial arts gyms, law-enforcement training programs, and cultural festivals hosted by consulates and diaspora organizations.
Category:Korean martial arts