What is Tang Soo Do?

Tang Soo Do is a Korean martial art which teaches empty hand and foot fighting, fighting forms, self-defense, and weapons. Tang Soo Do also teaches people to live a healthy and harmonious life. This ancient martial art traces its lineage back 2,000 years to the Korean peninsula.

In today's society, there is no doubt that martial arts training is on the rise and that people are becoming more interested in learning self-defense skills. Tang Soo Do is an extremely effective method of self-defense. But there are many other reasons why men, women and children from all walks of life have taken up Tang Soo Do training. This ancient form of martial art is known for having the most effective training methods for self-discipline, self-confidence, physical fitness, stress management and the ultimate form of self-defense techniques. Our membership includes women, children and older adult students. Our students range in age from 4 years old to 50 years old.

Whatever brings each of us to Tang Soo Do, we all set goals in our training; BLACK BELT or MASTER. But, Belts only symbolize the goal, they are not the goal itself. The real value of Tang Soo Do is not the belt you earn, but the changes that occur within you, in your quest for them. These changes include the betterment of your mind, body and spirit and the development of individual character and respect for others. The true goal of Tang Soo Do training is to use the lessons you learn in the studio to enrich every part of your life.

A Brief History of Tang Soo Do?

Tang Soo Do is one of the oldest martial arts, with its origins in Korea around two thousand years ago. It is thought by many to be the classical form of Korean karate with its techniques and philosophy still taught as they were in ancient times. For those who commit themselves to the art, it provides a way of thinking and acting which guides and teaches its students in all areas of life. There is no doubt that many have benefited from increased self confidence and well being as a result of studying its techniques.

One consequence of the Japanese occupation of Korea between 1909 and 1945 was the restriction of the practice and teaching of martial arts. This restriction was lifted after World War II, and martial arts training schools began to re-establish themselves.

In 1965 all the various systems were united and became known as Tae Kwon Do. Tang Soo Do remained a traditional martial art, while Tae Kwon Do developed into a sport - most recently in the Sydney 2000 Olympics as a demonstration event. In 1968 Master Jae Chul Shin went to the US and soon after, this traditional and classical art was quickly accepted.

After fourteen years, a reorganisation was carried out. As a result, a new constitution was introduced, a new logo and insignia chosen and the uniform and belt system were revised. It was at this point that Master J.C. Shin (pictured above) was recognised as Grandmaster of the World Tang Soo Do Association. Tang Soo Do is a well respected traditional martial art, whose genuine interest is in the art rather than being sport oriented. With associations from Australia to Greece, Great Britain to South Africa, Tang Soo Do is a truly global organisation.

Who is the Grandmaster?

Grandmaster Jae C. Shin is the founder of the World Tang Soo Do Association, and is one of the leading figures of martial arts in the world today.

He was born in Korea in 1936, and began his long and distinguished career in martial arts at the age of twelve. During his childhood, an unknown monk initially inspired in him a strong desire to learn martial arts. Later, he joined Seoul Moo Duk Kwan central gym and began serious study under Grandmaster Hwang Kee, a founder of the Korean Moo Duk Kwan system.

By the time he was 1st Dan, he had already started his teaching career as an assistant instructor at the central gym. After that, he taught at Korean University, Seoul Central YMCA, various colleges, and many police and military institutions. His many years of teaching experience and his extreme dedication have added to his scientific and unique methods of teaching Tang Soo Do. His six fields of expertise include self-defense, forms, breaking, weapons, health care, and meditation. He has evolved these separate arts into one of the finest and most effective martial arts; The World Tang Soo Do system.

When he was recruited to the Korean Air Force in 1958, he had his first experience teaching American soldiers. After receiving his Master's degree in Political Science at Korea University, he came to the United States in order to extend his instruction of foreign students in 1968.

The year he came to the United States of America, Black Belt Magazine honored him for all time by devoting a full chapter to him in the book, "20th Century Warriors," putting him in the company of the most legendary martial arts figures ever. Grandmaster Shin, one of the most respected and well known masters in this century, is one of the few masters who has devoted his entire life to the traditional martial arts. In addition to insisting on disciplined, rigorous training and exacting techniques, he has always preached that the true value of martial arts training is in the application to everyday life. Teaching children is one of his favorite pastimes and he has become an expert in child development. His advice to his Black Belt instructors is good advice for teachers of all kinds, "When examining your abilities as an instructor, examine your young student's manners, attitudes, school reports and health conditions. Their improvements should mirror your own."

He raised three Mottoes for his leadership of nearly 8,000 black belt members: TRADITIONALISM, PROFESSIONALISM AND BROTHERHOOD and he brings these qualities with him wherever he travels and teaches. Grandmaster Shin is respected as a true leader, teacher and master of masters.

About our club

People join our association for many different reasons:- Self defence, fitness, stamina, friendship, confidence. Your first class is free.

All sessions begin with a warm up & stretch in order to prevent during training. We practise our basic punching, blocking and kicking techniques. These techniques are combined into forms which we learn as part of each grading sylabus. In addition to learning forms we learn one step techniques which can be used in self defence.

In addition to the general training we often improve techniques by using pads to kick or punch. In preparation for championships we practise sparring. We are not a full contact art and therefore do not suffer injuries during sparring, it is a very controlled art. For higher grades a session may also include additional self defence techniques or weapons training.

There is a lot practising within our training sessions which helps to improve the technique and then speed for each of the movements. This also helps with improving discipline and the focus in what we do. The class has a friendly family atmosphere with many parents and children attending training together. Discipline, focus, fitness and determination are all skills which are taught within our association that can be used in our everyday life.