About Tang Soo Do

The Korean Flag - central yin-yang with Pal Kae trigrams representing heaven, earth, water, and fire.

What is Tang Soo Do?

           Tang Soo Do is a tradition of empty-hand, foot, and weapons fighting developed in Korea before the 15th century. It combines physical, mental, and spiritual attributes, so that a student may develop defensive and offensive skills, weapons proficiency, personal power, and a healthy, harmonious lifestyle. Tang Soo Do is, therefore, more than a sport – it is a method of developing and perfecting one’s character.

            Tang Soo Do is characterized by a five-point code of conduct, which was first developed by the Monk Won Kwang in the Silla Dynasty of Korea (57 BCE – 935 CE) for the military of the period. The five codes, in their current iteration, can be found HERE, along with the seven tenets.

            Tang Soo Do is a defensive art. Our students are taught first and foremost never to attack first or without serious reason. Tang Soo Do is meant to be used to benefit the self and others – all other uses are at odds with the origins of the style.

• “TANG” — refers to the T’ang Dynasty of China, reflecting the shared cultural background between Korea and China. 
• “SOO” — literally translates as “hand,” but carries connotations of “fist,” “punch,” “strike,” or “defense”
• “DO” — “way of life” or “art.” 
  
• “DO” can also be read as “the way,” or the “way of nature.” This reading is conceptually due to Chinese philosopher Lao Tze.
  

Guidelines taken from the Traditional Tang Soo Do Handbook by Jae Chul Shin