Tang Soo Do ? Is it for Me? ......... Is a question only you can answer.

On this page we will try to explain the principles and ideals of Tang Soo Do in basic terms to allow you to decide whether you could be interested in Martial Arts and therefore answer that question.

Tang Soo Do is a Traditional Korean Martial Art, in that it upholds the principles and ideals that have been part of it for 2000 years. All classes in which Tang Soo Do is taught will revolve around Discipline, Respect, Humility, and Integrity.

All forms of Martial art are made up of many parts, which when combined in particular combination make each art individual. The idea of training in a martial art, has certain similarities whatever the style you may choose. If you are trying to find a style you will have already decided that you want to take up Martial Art training.

Korean Karate will develop your mind, body and spirit; it will teach you to have a feeling of security through physical fitness, awareness, meditation and self-defence. It is much, much more than just a system of fighting.

Children will benefit from the classes in many ways. Physical development, co-ordination, confidence, self-esteem, balance and self discipline. Improved confidence, self-esteem, and concentration will aid children in all aspects of their school work.

Adults will see results almost immediately upon the start of training. You can relieve the stress and tension of everyday life through physical training and meditation. Gain improved concentration, self-discipline and self-esteem.

Tang Soo Do - a way of life not just a interest

Let us move back one step and ask why should I take up a Martial Art as opposed to keep fit, aerobics, a sport etc.

Fitness, Self Discipline, Self Esteem, Respect, Integrity, Spirit, Humility, Understanding, Indomitable Spirit, Self Defence are all benefits which we all gain or improve through Tang So Do training.

The reasons will obviously be different for adults and children, and then there are always reasons why parents want their children to train in a martial art.

One thing that becomes clear very quickly if you start to train in Tang Soo Do you do it because you want to, not for someone else. At some point in training you will need your self determination to overcome an obstacle in your path. At this point it will be you who decides to overcome that which stops you from progressing further in our Martial Art.

As an adult we feel able to make decisions on what we do, and do not, want in our lives, and that we can therefore, take that first step towards a goal we wish to achieve. Or can we? Perhaps we lack the self confidence, or the self esteem to do that. Perhaps we feel that we do not have the level of fitness required.

One thing that is evident, is that of those people who choose to train in a martial art, more often than not, it is those who have to work at something, those willing to give something extra to achieve what it is they want, that continue to progress along their chosen path, and not those with natural ability, or those who think that it is easy.

For children the decision is much simpler, their friend goes to a martial arts class and they want to go to. Or perhaps the current thing to do is martial arts. May be the last film they saw had a martial arts content, as most these days do. What ever the reason the only way to decide is to try. So come along to one of the classes and watch to see if you are still interested or join in and find out what it is all about.

The World Tang Soo Do Association is a large family of Martial Artists and many classes and clubs are made up of father and son, mother and daughter, brother and sister, sometimes a whole family may train, many adults start Tang Soo Do as a result of their children starting to train.

Remember you won’t know how hot the water is if you don’t dip your toe to find out.

For those parents who wonder if martial arts would benefit their children the following statements may help you decide.

What can Martial Arts do for my child?

1. Build Self Esteem - Make people feel good about themselves, build a positive healthy self concept. That delicate ego and self-image that we all have, constantly needs assurance, positive affirmations, and realistic self appraisal in a constructive manner.

2. Generate Enthusiasm - Means “the spirit within” Enthusiasm is contagious. Excellent Tang Soo Do instructors create excitement, stimulate people emotionally, establish an upbeat atmosphere and willingness to learn ... People like to be around such an environment.

3 Develop Self-Confidence - Comes from words meaning “intense faith in one’s self” our promotion and belt system is specially designed to grow achievement orientation in people and believing in one’s abilities and potential. Confidence building naturally takes place as Tang Soo Do is conducted. Simply look at a youngsters face when they break their first board, complete their first form successfully, take down a bigger opponent. Success builds success, and we make sure success and achievement take place. Learning leadership capabilities to help avoid peer pressure and to “Just Say No!”

4.Healthy Mind and Body - Consistent with education, learning Tang Soo Do promotes diligent study habits, rewards achievers with certificates of achievement from our World Tang Soo Do Association, and maximises one’s physical potential by developing coordination, endurance and balance.

5. Promote Self-Defence and Non-violence - in our civilised society, education fosters the power of the mind, articulating yourself out of a confrontation, using your head not just your heart, being diplomatic, no one wins a war, be smart. The martial artist has practiced the art of defence and the need for controlling the situation, similar and compatible with education.

As Sun Tzu proclaims, “The true object of war is peace”. We emphasize “Pyung Ahn” as “calmness and peacefulness” of mind and body.

Lao Tzu gives us, “Who conquers himself achieves the greatest victory”, The leading martial artists advocate the best defence as walking away, smiling confidently, and trying to diffuse the situation, win over the angry uncontrolled attacker to calmness ... genuinely honouring friendship.