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Tang Soo Do literally means "Chinese hand way". The same characters are pronounced
karate-dō in Japanese. The first character, 唐, (which initially referred to
China) was later changed to 空, by Funakoshi Gichin, to mean "empty" rather
than "China". Outside of the far east, the term "Tang Soo Do" has primarily
become synonymous with the Korean martial art promoted by Hwang Kee. The
origin of Tang Soo Do can not be definitively traced to any single person.
Lee Won Kuk is credited as being one of the first instructors of Tang Soo Do
in Korea. Lee Won Kuk had an established dojang in Korea during the Japanese
occupation of Korea. This school was called the Chung Do Kwan, or "Blue Wave
School". Lee Won Kuk received dan ranking from Funakoshi Gichin in Japan and
claimed to have studied taekkyeon on the street An Gup Dong in Seoul, Korea
and Kung Fu in Henan and Shanghai, China |
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Though variation is
extensive, Tang Soo Do free sparring is similar to competitive matches in
other traditional Okinawan and Korean striking systems and often shows
elements of American freestyle point karate. Tang Soo Do sparring consist of
point matches based on the three point rule (first contestant to score three
points wins) or a two minute rule (a tally of points over one two minute
round; but see also AAU taekwondo point sparring handbook). Lead and
rear-leg kicks and lead and rear-arm hand techniques all score equally (one
point per technique). Open hand techniques (but see AAU taekwondo point
sparring handbook) and leg sweeps are typically not allowed. As in karate-do
kumite, scoring techniques in Tang Soo Do competition should be decisive;
that is all kicking and hand techniques that score should be delivered with
sufficient footing and power so that if they were delivered without being
controlled they would stop the aggressive motion (incapacitate or kill) of
the opponent. This rule means that many of the airborne blitzing techniques
that are scored in American freestyle point karate would not score here,
even if contact was made. Much of the footwork is the same, but the position
of the body when executing blows is markedly different between the styles of
competition. Rapid fire pump-kicking seen in American freestyle point
sparring is often used in Tang Soo Do competition. However in order to
score, the final kick in the pump-kick combination should be delivered from
a solid base and with sufficient power or the technique is not considered
decisive. Consequently, the pace of a Tang Soo Do match is somewhat slower
than would be seen at a typical NASKA type tournament, but the techniques
(theoretically) should be somewhat more recognizable as linear, powerful
blows that are delivered from deeper stances as seen in Japanese karate-do.
However, variation between Tang Soo Do competitions is extensive. Because
traditional Tang Soo Do gave rise to taekwondo and because many taekwondo
players enjoy Tang Soo Do competition, the powerful rear leg and spinning
kick techniques used in both ITF and WTF taekwondo are commonplace
traditional Tang Soo Do competitions, but are not delivered with full
contact to the head.
Tang Soo Do sparring is a contact event. Though often billed as "light" or
"no-contact", the typical level of contact is full (but controlled) to the
body and light to the head. Contact in Tang Soo Do sparring is essential in
understanding proper technique and developing mental preparedness and a
level of relaxation critical to performance in stressful situations. Lessons
learned from contact sparring can be applied to all aspects of life. That
said, unnecessarily or disrespectfully harming your opponent in Tang Soo Do
sparring is not tolerated. Health and longevity of practitioners are major
goals of Tang Soo Do practice. Consequently, serious injuries are
counterproductive because they retard a level of physical training that is
needed to foster emotional and intellectual growth. However, minor injuries
such as bumps, bruises and the occasional loss of wind may be invaluable to
teachers. Each match should begin and end with respect, compassion and a
deep appreciation for the opponent. Though Tang Soo Do sparring is
competitive, competitions are more of an exercise, or way to develop the
self, than they are a truly game-like competitive forum. Introspection and
personal growth are fostered through this semi-contact competitive forum |
