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What Is Tang Soo Do?

 

Tang Soo Do is a traditional Korean martial art that has long historical roots extending as far back as 2000 years ago.

 

The word "Tang" is often translated as "to defend and strike." It has also been etymologically linked to the T'ang Dynasty of China and, by extension, the shared cultural background between China and Korea (617-907 AD). The word "Soo" means "hand" in Korean, but implies "fist," "punch," or "strike". The word "Do" means "way of life" or "art".

 

Practicing traditional martial arts combines fighting technique with artistry. The athletic or martial aspect is embellished with a stylized delivery. Thus a long and deep stance, though cumbersome and impractical in combat, conveys stability and balance during the execution of a hyung (a form, or choreographed set of steps).

 

While observing the traditional values of respect, discipline, self-control and etiquette, our ultimate goal is self-improvement -- physical and mental.

 

About Our "Dojang" or School

 

Our focus is on the training and development of both our physical and mental aspects.

 

We work with exercises that build strength, speed, confidence, agility, endurance and concentration. The balance of these traits is different for every student, so our class focuses on the individual's expansion and improvement within the martial arts context.

Class
Black Belt poster
Breaking board with side kick
Il Soo Sik take-down
Grandmaster Yi
Amy on Jeju
Master Meyer - e dan yup chaki
Kum Kang Ryuk Sa II
Yup cha ki
Knife form
Practicing break fall
CA with Bokken
Master Meyer, black belts in Korea
Pyung Hwa Sah Dan
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Clinic with Grandmaster Yi
Ha Dan Maki
Pyung Hwa Sam Dan
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Bong form during belt test
One-step sparring
IMG_4449a
Il Soo Sik

Our classes consist of free sparring, practicing basic techniques, traditional hyungs (forms), and self-defense techniques -- both empty-hand and with the long staff.

 

And as our classes are on the small side (12 to 15 students at one time), we maintain a high level of individual instruction and attention...

 

Affiliations

 

Tang Soo Do of Santa Fe is an affiliate member of the International Martial Arts Association, an international Tang Soo Do organization with schools in seven countries.

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