Tang Soo Do History

Tang Soo Do is a relatively modern martial art based on the Korean art of Soo Bahk Do, which has existed for many centuries. Soo Bahk originated during the Silla Dynasty (618 to 935 A.D.) “Tang Soo Do” translates to mean “Way of the China hand”. “Tang” represents the Tang Dynasty of China. “Soo” means hand and “Do” is a way or system.

The late Hwang Kee, founder of Tang Soo Do, mastered Soo Bahk Do and Tae Kyun, a Korean system known for its powerful kicks.  In 1936 he traveled to Northern China where he encountered a martial arts style called the Tang Method. From 1936 to 1945 he combined the techniques of Soo Bahk Do with those of the Tang Method and developed Moo Duk Kwan Tang Soo Do. It was officially registered in Korea on November 9, 1945 as the Korean Soo Bahk Do Association.  The art we now know as Tang Soo Do is a composite style made of 60% Soo Bahk Do and 40% Chinese arts.  It is both a hard and soft style.

In 1960, Grandmaster Robert Cheezic earned black belt #2278 in Moo Duk Kwan Tang Soo Do while stationed in the U.S. Air Force in Korea.  He was promoted by the style’s founder, Hwang Kee. After returning to the United States, Grandmaster Cheezic developed the Cheezic Tang Soo Do Federation which has member schools around the world.  An internationally respected organization, Cheezic Tang Soo Do has a strong foundation of more than 50 years experience in the promotion and instruction of the art of Tang Soo Do Karate.  The Cheezic Tang Soo Do Federation has certified more than 2000 black belts and has more than 40 active masterbelts, all certified by Grandmaster Cheezic.

Ten Articles of Faith

Be loyal to your country

Be obedient to parents & elders

Be loving between husband & wife

Be cooperative between brothers

Be respectful to elders

Be faithful to your teacher

Be faithful to your friends

Distinguish the difference between good and evil

Never retreat in battle

Always finish what you start

Eight Key Concepts

The first five concepts are spiritual aspects of training

Yong Gi – Courage

Chung Shin Tong II – Concentration

In Neh – Endurance

Chung Jik – Honesty

Kyum Son – Humility

The next three concepts are physical and internal aspects of training

Him Cho Chung – Control of power

Shin Chook – Tension and relaxation

Wan Gup – Speed control

The Student Creed

  • I intend to develop myself in a positive manner and avoid anything that could reduce my mental growth or physical health.

  • I intend to develop self-discipline in order to bring out the best in myself and others.

  • I intend to use what I learn for defense only and never be abusive or offensive.

Tenets of Tang Soo Do

Integrity

All Tang Soo Do practitioners strive to be honest, sincere, noble and upright. This virtue of integrity serves as the foundation upon which all others stand.

Concentration

Focusing our mind is one of the most important elements in Tang Soo Do, and concentration is the most required factor. The human brain is capable of thinking many things at once and changing thoughts at very rapid speeds. The ability to focus on one matter from our fleeting thought is concentration. It starts with “paying attention”, followed by avoiding all other thoughts while rejecting outer interference then maintaining the state of consciousness. The stage can be heightened ultimately to the capability of learning and fulfilling tasks.

Perseverance

Nothing can be achieved without persistent and repeated effort. This resolute pursuit is the only way to reach the final destination – the goal. The highest goal is always located behind steep peaks which costs you pain and sacrifice. In the training of Tang Soo Do, an enduring willpower should be cultivated.

Respect & Obedience

This implies a tolerant and sincere effort to understand and appreciate the customs and values of other people. Students should be able to subordinate their own personal ego or vanity to the order of the instructor and to the dojang rules.

Self-Control

Taoist Lao Tzu quoted, “Winning over self is truly more difficult than conquering another person.” Indeed, control by self is needed for that high level of cultivated character. Students should not lose prudence, but should discover self first and learn to control that self.

Humility

Tang Soo Do training requires many bowings (kyung yet) through the entire training regimen. Bowing trains the students in self-respect and humility. Humility is a winning power against arrogance. Humility does not make enemies, but it brings you a winning sense and superior feelings. Blockage of this virtue is a selfish and egotistic attitude. Often it results in abhorrence and isolation from others. Be humble, continue to criticize and correct yourself, not others, then you will achieve your humility “While empty heads and grain stand straight, the ripe grain bends.”

Indomitable Spirit

A ceaseless struggle with adversity is one of the most essential elements in making you a success. In general, life is full of trials, tribulations, and chances of failure. However, differences start from the point where one stands up and tries again, or simply gives up. Proper Tang Soo Do training incorporates this resolute and unflinching determination, “A winner never quits and a quitter never wins.”