THE FULL STORY

             Tang Soo Do is a traditional Korean Martial art, with it’s history dating back many centuries. It is a very varied art, covering kicks, hand techniques, blocks, grappling, locks and pressure points, forms, and weapons techniques.  It is an art of self defence, which has both ‘hard’ and ‘soft’ elements within it, using kicking and punching techniques as the foundation for the defence. Tang Soo Do also utilises the staff, knife, sword and walking stick within its armoury, and a variety of different techniques for all of these are taught. Techniques are taught as individual and combination movements and these are choreographed into patterns or forms, These are known as Hyungs in Korean and are similar to Karate’s Kata’s. The words “Tang Soo Do” translate from Korean to English as ‘Way of the China Hand” where Tang comes from the Chinese Tang Dynasty. Tang Soo Do also has a lot in common with Japanese Karate.

              People from all walks of life, religion, culture and gender can be found in the Tang Soo Do training hall. Although the art originated in the East, there are no barriers or secrets that are kept from people outside of the Korean homeland. Students are accepted from the age of 5 years with no real upper age limit. There are many benefits to be gained by practising a martial art. Practitioners find it builds confidence, they become more disciplined as well as learning to defend themselves if need be. It keeps you fit and for most becomes a way of life. Children gain a lot of confidence as well as becoming more disciplined both at home and school. Many parents have even found their children’s school work has improved through their children’s training. It teaches respect for elders and higher ranks and can give your child a goal in their lives and achievements for them to accomplish. It is also gives a chance to make new friends and can help them understand their physical abilities and limitations. Adults find it helps them to build self-confidence and for some helps them cope with everyday stress. As well as learning to defend themselves it also gives the potential to protect our lives and possessions from injustice and danger and promotes physical and spiritual health so that we may enjoy strong bodies and minds. Families that practice together have found it has brought them closer as a family through having the same interests and sharing the same ideas, as well as helping to appreciate each other.