"TANG" means Tang Dynasty of China
which reflects the shared cultural
background between China and Korea from
617-907 AD.
which reflects the shared cultural
background between China and Korea from
617-907 AD.
"SOO" means hand, but also
implies fist, punch, strike or defense
implies fist, punch, strike or defense
"DO" means the way of life or art.
| The Physical Aspects |
This ancient form of martial are which traces its lineage back 2,000 years to the Korean
peninsula, is a method of empty hand and foot, and weapon fighting, based on the scientific
use of the body in self defense.
Physically, it is based on the principles of yielding, circular motions and penetration.
However, as an art, Tang Soo Do combines all aspects, such as effort to live with
developmental principles, defensive and offensive skills, handling weapons, developing
power and living a healthy and harmonious life, physically and mentally. Conceptually, it is
a defensive martial art, and should never be used violently or excessively.
Tang Soo Do is also an harmonious training of body, mind, and spirit. When anyone reaches
this higher state of achievement, mysterious mental and physical strengths can be achieved
that even modern science cannot comprehend. Tang Soo Do is not a sport, and is much
more then self-defense. Its most important aspect is a way to enter total tranquility- Moo
Shim- which is the most powerful and peaceful state of being. A practitioner's ultimate goal
is not only to possess excellent techniques, but, more importantly, to develop and perfect
one's character as well.
peninsula, is a method of empty hand and foot, and weapon fighting, based on the scientific
use of the body in self defense.
Physically, it is based on the principles of yielding, circular motions and penetration.
However, as an art, Tang Soo Do combines all aspects, such as effort to live with
developmental principles, defensive and offensive skills, handling weapons, developing
power and living a healthy and harmonious life, physically and mentally. Conceptually, it is
a defensive martial art, and should never be used violently or excessively.
Tang Soo Do is also an harmonious training of body, mind, and spirit. When anyone reaches
this higher state of achievement, mysterious mental and physical strengths can be achieved
that even modern science cannot comprehend. Tang Soo Do is not a sport, and is much
more then self-defense. Its most important aspect is a way to enter total tranquility- Moo
Shim- which is the most powerful and peaceful state of being. A practitioner's ultimate goal
is not only to possess excellent techniques, but, more importantly, to develop and perfect
one's character as well.
| The Essence of Tang Soo Do |
The ultimate goal of Tang Soo Do is to live in perfect harmony with the
laws of nature. To become one with nature is what we strive to attain.
To understand, appreciate, and apply these laws is our goal.
laws of nature. To become one with nature is what we strive to attain.
To understand, appreciate, and apply these laws is our goal.
| The Five Codes of Conduct |
The Silla kingdom (one of the ages of the three dynasties from early times) was founded in the southeastern
Korean peninsula. Under constant invasion and harassment from its neighbors during the reign of Chin
Heung, 24th King of the dynasty, the young aristocrats formed an officers' warrior corps, Hwa Rang Dan, to
preserve the kingdom. Throughout the years, the warrior corps trained themselves in the wild mountains
and along the rugged seashore by practicing mental and physical discipline. They became an essential part
of Silla's struggle to unify the whole country by conquering the kingdoms of Koguryo and Paekche.The Hwa
Rang Dan also incorporated the five point code of conduct set forth by their country's greatest monk, Won
Kwang;
1. Loyalty to the throne.
2. Obedience to one's parents.
3. Honor and faithfulness to one's friends.
4. Never retreat in battle.
5. In killing, choose with sense and honor.
The code still exists today as the basic principle of Tang Soo Do. Having derived physical strength from
their martial arts training and spiritual strength from respecting the code of conduct, the warrior corps
attained feats of valour that are legendary.
Korean peninsula. Under constant invasion and harassment from its neighbors during the reign of Chin
Heung, 24th King of the dynasty, the young aristocrats formed an officers' warrior corps, Hwa Rang Dan, to
preserve the kingdom. Throughout the years, the warrior corps trained themselves in the wild mountains
and along the rugged seashore by practicing mental and physical discipline. They became an essential part
of Silla's struggle to unify the whole country by conquering the kingdoms of Koguryo and Paekche.The Hwa
Rang Dan also incorporated the five point code of conduct set forth by their country's greatest monk, Won
Kwang;
1. Loyalty to the throne.
2. Obedience to one's parents.
3. Honor and faithfulness to one's friends.
4. Never retreat in battle.
5. In killing, choose with sense and honor.
The code still exists today as the basic principle of Tang Soo Do. Having derived physical strength from
their martial arts training and spiritual strength from respecting the code of conduct, the warrior corps
attained feats of valour that are legendary.
To the modern day Tang Soo Do practitioner, the Five Codes are best understood when the literal
meaning is applied to living in today's world. In this context, the Five Codes not only represent a
model of conduct, but also represent a set of ideals which embody the ultimate goal of the Tang
Soo Do practitioner.
Below are the Five Codes broken into their literal meaning and their practical application.
They are as follows:
1. "Nara E Chung Sung" Loyalty to Country Faithfulness, devotion,
sincerity, patriotism,
and contribution
2. "Boo Moo E Hyo Do" Obedience to Parents Respect for others, esteem,
honor, appreciation
3. "Boung Woo Yoo Shin" Honor Friendship Brotherhood, Sisterhood,
trust, unity, responsibility,
credibility, humility
4. "Im Jun Moo Toi" No Retreat in Battle Determination,perseverance,
duty, courage
5. "Sal Sang Yoo Taek" In Fighting, choose Humanity, mercy, wisdom
with Sense and Honor
meaning is applied to living in today's world. In this context, the Five Codes not only represent a
model of conduct, but also represent a set of ideals which embody the ultimate goal of the Tang
Soo Do practitioner.
Below are the Five Codes broken into their literal meaning and their practical application.
They are as follows:
1. "Nara E Chung Sung" Loyalty to Country Faithfulness, devotion,
sincerity, patriotism,
and contribution
2. "Boo Moo E Hyo Do" Obedience to Parents Respect for others, esteem,
honor, appreciation
3. "Boung Woo Yoo Shin" Honor Friendship Brotherhood, Sisterhood,
trust, unity, responsibility,
credibility, humility
4. "Im Jun Moo Toi" No Retreat in Battle Determination,perseverance,
duty, courage
5. "Sal Sang Yoo Taek" In Fighting, choose Humanity, mercy, wisdom
with Sense and Honor
| The Seven Tenets |
1. Integrity - having honest, sincere, noble, and upright characteristics
2. Concentration-Focusing your mind
3. Perseverance- repeated effort towards "A Goal"
4. Respect and Obedience- a tolerant and sincere effort to understand and appreciate the customs and values of
other people.
5. Self-Control- not losing prudence, discover self first and learn to control that self
6. Humility- the winning power against arrogance
7. 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.
2. Concentration-Focusing your mind
3. Perseverance- repeated effort towards "A Goal"
4. Respect and Obedience- a tolerant and sincere effort to understand and appreciate the customs and values of
other people.
5. Self-Control- not losing prudence, discover self first and learn to control that self
6. Humility- the winning power against arrogance
7. 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.
| What is Tang Soo Do? |
