Starting Martial Arts Classes in the Korean Style of Tang Soo Do
April 21, 2008
A Brief History of Tang Soo Do
Following the liberation of Korea in 1945, The founder of Tang Soo Do, Grand Master Hwang Kee returned to the country of his birth where he set about teaching a combination of Chinese “Tang” arts and Soo Bahk Do. On his 31st birthday, Grand Master Hwang Kee opened his first school in the Soeul Railway station (September 9 1945). This is classed as the birthday of the art known around the world as Tang Soo Do.
Tang Soo Do is both a hard and soft style, deriving its hardness in part from Korean arts and its soft flowing movements from the northern Chinese arts. Tang Soo Do is a composite style, being 60% Korean, 30% northern Chinese and 10% southern Chinese.
Tang Soo Do, defined loosely as the way of the worthy hand, is a classical martial art, and its purpose is to develop every aspect of the self, in order to create a mature personality who totally integrates his intellect, body, emotions, and spirit. This total integration helps to create a person who is free from inner conflict and who can deal with the outside world in a mature, intelligent, forthright, and virtuous manner.
What You’ll Learn in Tang Soo Do Class
Curriculum for most traditional Tang Soo Do schools consists of Forms (Hyung), One step sparring (Il Soo Sik), Self Defense (Ho Sin Sol), Sparring, Board Breaking, and Staff forms (Bong Hyung). The emphasis is more on the art and regular training than on point sparring.
- Forms are prescribed sets of motions that are meant to teach the basics of the art as well as to simulate defense against multiple attackers.
- One step sparring is working with a partner, one person performs a prescribed striking attack while the other practices various prescribed defensive techniques.
- Self defense consists of various prescribed defenses against grabbing attacks such as wrist grabs, bear hugs, shoulder grabs etc. The defenses are both controlling, such as arm bars and wrist locks as well as striking combinations.
- Sparring – the sparring practiced in most traditional schools is focused on practicing all of the basic kicks and strikes in an unformatted manner. Students learn how to combine techniques and defend against various attacks. Point sparring, which emphasizes techniques that can score points against the opponent is also taught as preparation for tournaments.
- Board Breaking – Students learn how to break board using the hand and foot techniques they have learned.
Most Tang Soo Do schools will teach the Korean translations for the techniques learned in class as well.
Your First Day at the Dojang – What to Expect
Your first impression upon entering most schools is the formal respect shown by all the students and instructors. Students all bow before entering the training floor. Students and instructors bow to each other and refer to each other by formal terms such as sir, Kyo Sa Nim (certified instructor), Sa Bom Nim (Master instructor), etc. Respect for one another is one of the core values of a traditional martial arts school.
All students will be wearing traditional uniforms with belts that denote their rank. Patches on the uniforms usually designate the school and/or federation affiliation. One unique aspect of Tang Soo Do is that black belts are actually a dark navy blue color, as is the trim on black belt uniforms. The navy blue is meant to show that training is never finished and there is always more to learn.
Your first lesson will cover the school’s etiquette; bowing, how to address instructors and other students and other general guidelines. You will then be taught some basic strikes and kicks to prepare you for participation in group classes
Required Equipment
Initially, you’ll need a uniform and belt to begin classes. At some level, you’ll need to purchase sparring gear which usually consists of headgear, foot pads, hand and forearm pads.
Expected Training Costs
Training costs can vary significantly. You should expect to pay no less than $100 per month. Costs can be vary depending on the location of the school, what they include in their membership and other factors.
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About the author: David Estes holds a 2nd Dan in Tang Soo Do from the Traditional Tang Soo Do Federation based in Wales, U.K. He is a co-owner and instructor at A.K. Martial Arts & Fitness in Vista California.
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