What is Tang So Do karate?

Answer 1

Tang Soo Do is a Korean martial art similar to Tae Kwon Do. "Tang" is the name of the dynasty ruling China at the time, Soo means hand, and Do means art. So it is the hand art of the Tang dynasty. The Korean government merged all of its various martial arts were consolidated into one national art-- this became known as Tae Kwon Do. To escape consolidation, which was viewed as a degradation of ancient traditions, many Korean martial artists relocated, often to America. Therefore Tang Soo Do is very popular in the U.S.

Even more popular is the Americanized version, known simply as American Tang Soo Do, which is similar to traditional Tang Soo Do but also contains many influences from Japanese and Chinese arts as well. The forms taught can be traced directly to the forms created and taught in the Okinawan styles of Karate, having been brought to Korea by people that learned them in Japan.

One of the most famous practitioners of Tang Soo Do was Grandmaster Hwang Kee. Chuck Norris learned Tang Soo Do while stationed in Korea with the US Air Force. Chuck Norris Karate Schools actually taught the art before moving to Tae Kwon Do.

In traditional Tang Soo Do, the highest colored belt is a "midnight blue" belt. This was changed to a black belt in American Tang Soo Do because it was more easily recognized by the public.

If you want to practice Tang Soo Do, the American version, at least, is easy to find in most states. If you're not an American resident or want to do the more traditional Korean version, it might be harder to find. But you can always try the yellow pages.