Information
Tang Soo Do is a Korean martial art that is derived from Chinese styles of Gungfu and the Korean style of Soo Bahk Do. Tang Soo Do is a defensive style that relies on blocks and deflections more than kicking or punches. The Origins can be observed in the approximate translation of its name, Tang is derived from the Chinese Tang dynasty, Soo can be translated as open hand or defensive strike, Do is loosley translated as development or way of/art.
When an offense is required open hand techniques feature prominetly in this style. However Tang Soo Do contains a wide variety of closed hand techniques and kicks that can be flowed toghether to adapt to many situations. Tang Soo Do utilizes many weapons that increase in their quality and complexity as more ranks are gained. Starting with a staff or a Bo you can learn how to efficently use knives and swords among a variety of other more exotic weapons.
Forms are one of the fundamental concepts in Tang Soo Do. Starting as a white belt forms are used to convey the techniques and their logical flow from one to another in mock fight sequences. Forms are one of the best tools for the Martial Artist to practice the techniques that are taught/learned in the class. Forms are divided up as the student gains ranks from the basic forms, through the first four ranks to the standard Tang Soo Do forms that are learned from rank five until rank ten. When a student attains the rank of Black Belt they begin to learn the classical forms that are tributes to the history of the style.
