Tang Soo Do (Moo Duk Kwan), is one of the best-known martial arts practices worldwide. Originating in Korea before Taekwondo (TKD), this Korean art can still be practiced worldwide today and has had an enormous influence on other martial arts like Karate and Kung Fu; many principles and techniques from Moo Duk Kwan can also be seen within Taekwondo with some distinct differences present between both styles.
Understanding tang soo do history and development requires knowledge of some background information on this martial art. When first introduced in Korea in the 1940s, tang soo do was an offshoot of Okinawan karate and Chinese martial arts styles; Grand Master Hwang Kee incorporated many forms from these styles into his tang soo do system while emphasizing kicking, punching and mental training in addition to loyalty to country and honor as principles to help his students both in combat situations and life overall.
Following World War 2, Korea became independent, and post-occupational emigres returned home. Grandmaster Hwang Kee formalized Tang Soo Do into schools or kwans where students learned martial art techniques while developing individual fighting styles of their own. Kwans also trained their members for instructor roles. Over time, Tang Soo Do spread outside Korea.
Tang Soo Do was used by South Korean soldiers during the Korean war to fight more effectively, drawing praise from military leaders and President of Republic of Korea Syngman Rhee who recognized its effectiveness for close quarters combat. Rhee ordered that all soldiers train in Tang Soo Do in order to increase their defensive abilities and enhance their chances of victory in battle.
Grand Master Hwang Kee
Grand Master Hwang Kee traveled widely, learning different martial arts styles from around the world. When he returned to Korea, he shared these techniques with his students – beginning the evolution of Tang Soo Do into its modern form.
Tang soo do is still an increasingly popular martial art today, with more people studying it from teachers and martial arts organizations across the world. While most modern practitioners can trace their lineage back to Hwang Kee’s practice of the discipline, some may have their own distinct methods and teaching approaches resulting in numerous associations, federationss, alliances and brotherhoods each with its own distinctive teaching approach and methods.
Tang soo do is rapidly growing in popularity, which means more schools are opening. This bodes well for students as there will be more places they can get their martial arts education needs met. Furthermore, as more instructors specialize in Tang Soo Do it gives students the best possible opportunity to learn it; those that combine correct martial arts techniques with strong teaching abilities and an ethical code tend to do best as instructors.
My passion for martial arts goes beyond practice; it is a philosophy that shapes my writing, bringing a distinctive edge to my narratives and advice. I hold black belts in two martial arts disciplines and have competed internationally, experiences that enrich my storytelling with authenticity and excitement.