Frequently Asked Questions

What is Tang Soo Do? Tang Soo Do is a traditional Korean martial art **with roots dating back 2000 years.

Who can study Tang Soo Do? The simple answer would be anyone. We have students of all abilities and all ages. You are never too old to start, and each person trains to their own ability level, which improves with time.

Why should I study Tang Soo Do? What are, the benefits? Tang Soo Do will improve your flexibility, stamina and general overall fitness. It will promote a strong body and soumd mind, help you to defend yourself and help make you a better person.

Do I need to be fit, strong, flexible? No these things will come with time, however if you are fit, strong or flexible you are likely to progress in a shorter time.

What is in a class? Our classes contain a warm up section, a basic training section, a hyungs section, and a self defence/sparring section.

Is it full contact? No it is not full contact, there will however be some contact in our self defence and sparring. This is considered a light contact, so that the contact is felt but no injury incured.

How much does it cost? Classes fees are £5 per person per class, which is paid monthly on the first day of each month by standing order.We have a discount for more members of the same family, please ask at the class.

Do I need any special equipment? You do not need any special equipment to start training, however once you have decided to train then you will need to purchase a Dobohk (uniform). As you progress, for sparring you will require Sparring gear, Headguard, Hand Mitts, and Foot guards. These can be purchased via your instructor. Similarly when you reach Brown belt, you will start weapons for which you will need to buy a Bong (staff). These are also available from your instructor.

Where and when are classes? Our classes are on Tuesdays and Fridays. Basic classes run from 18:30 to 20:15 on both those nights. We also train with Weapons from 20:10 to 20:30, which is for Brown belts and above.

How often should I train? You can start by training once per week, however the recommendation is that students train twice per week in order to progress. Then from Brown Belt to Red Belt two to three times per week. Cho Dan Bos should train three times per week if possible.

How long does it take to get a black belt? As long as it takes. An average would be four to five years, but this is dependant upon many things. So in Tang Soo Do we set short term goals to achieve the long term goal of Black Belt. Which is why we have different colour grades from White Belt (Beginner) to Black Belt.

What's the difference between Tang Soo Do and other martial arts? Nothing and everything. Our classes may be similar to other martial art classes, some of what we teach may also be similar to other classes. But we are a Traditional Martial Art, that keeps to the age old principles of Tang Soo Do, using the Five Codes, Seven Tenets, Fourteen Attitudes, and Five Virtues.

Do martial arts encourage fighting or violent behaviour? No quite the opposite, learning to defend yourself will bring you confidence. A Martial artist should defend himself and others, not attack anyone. This is something you will learn and anyone with the wrong attitude would be asked to leave the class.

How many times per week should I train? It is recommended that students train twice per week from White Belt to Green Belt. Then from Brown Belt to Red Belt two to three times per week. Cho Dan Bos should train three times per week if possible.Top of page.