About us
Brief History of Tang Soo Do
Tang Soo Do is a traditional martial art. As an art form it is concerned with theory, form and aesthetics. As a traditional martial art Tang Soo Do draws on the accumulated wisdom of Korean, Chinese and Japanese martial artists from the past and present.
Tang Soo Do is based on the traditional martial arts of Korea. During the occupation of Korea, all Korean martial arts training was forbidden by the Japanese, and practitioners were forced to go to Japan or Okinawa for school or work and while they were there they learned Japanese styles. Others went to China where they practised Chinese martial arts. After the liberation of Korea many of these people returned to Korea to teach martial arts and brought these different styles with them. One of these was Grandmaster Hwang Kee who founded Tang Soo Do in 1945, a style which is both hard and soft using hands and feet to great effect.
Martial arts training enhances all aspects of your life. Considerable importance is placed on basics, courtesy, sincerity, respect and discipline. Martial arts training builds character, confidence, coordination of mind and body, concentration, calmness, physical fitness and self defence. Tang Soo Do training is for the ordinary person, however, it is up to the subpage how far he/she wishes to pursue the art.
Every care is taken to ensure safe training, however, it must be clearly understood that injuries, while extremely rare, can and do occur because of the very nature of the activity. This must be fully understood and accepted by the student or parent/guardian before starting your career in martial arts. Nothing worthwhile is ever gained easily and dedication and regular training are necessary to ensure a high standard.
Tang Soo Do can become a way of life that does not promote violence. Our way of teaching makes a student aware of, and respectful of others. When you become fitter, more controlled and centred in the body and mind you become a healthy, happy person, which is our aim – betterment of the self.
If you are sincere and train hard, Tang Soo Do will help you in many ways throughout your life.
Welcome to Tanner Tang Soo Do
Master Steve Tanner
No. 29082
Years in The Business
Happy Students
Offered Courses
Locations
Flags & Uniform
Tanner Tang Soo Do flag
The fist is the symbol of justice. It should be used only in self defence and should not be used aggressively, or for purposes which would bring discredit to you or your martial art.
The five fingers of the fist in a clenched position denotes control over the five senses. The knotted belt symbolises achievement over one’s mind and body through determination, dedication, willpower and conscientious effort. When the five senses of human beings are properly controlled and channeled the meaning of life unfolds and the otherwise impossible things in life become a possibility and a reality.
At Tanner Tang Soo Do, students train and discipline the body, mind and spirit through the study of martial arts, to overcome conflicts at physical, mental, emotional and spiritual levels thus enabling one to live a life in harmony with oneself, nature and society.
The Korean Flag
The Korean national flag, the symbol of the Republic of Korea, is named “T’aegukki”. The name was derived from the taeguk circle in the centre. In the centre of a white background is a circle divided equally and in perfect balance with each part resembling a comma. The upper red comma represents the yang and the lower blue comma the um (yin in Chinese).
According to traditional oriental philosophy, the two symbolise the great cosmic forces, which oppose each other but achieve perfect harmony and balance (an ancient symbol of the universe that is in perfect harmony and balance). This red and blue swirl and sometimes the flag itself is call the the t’aeguk. The central thought in the t’aeguk form illustrates constant motion in the sphere of infinity where there is also balance. For example, the opposite of rain is drought. Crops must have rain but too much rain will cause a flood and hardship, this there must be a balance. These two harmonious forces, both complementary and in opposition express the dualism of the cosmos or the absolute—fire and water, day and night, good and evil, hot and cold. The t’aeguk circle stands for the eternal principle that everything in the universe is created and develops through the interaction between um and yang; thus it symbolises creation and development.
The four trigrams surrounding the circle denote the process of um and yang going through a spiral of change and growth. That means heaven (lo’n) at the upper left, earth (kon) at the lower right, moon (kam) at the upper right and sun (i) at the lower left. The trigrams also illustrate the concept of opposites and balance. The three unbroken bars represent heaven while the three broken bars represent earth. The three bars in the upper right hand corner symbolise water while the three bars in the lower left hand corner represent fire.
The Uniform (Do Bok)
The uniform or training suit is properly called Do Bok. This is a composite word combining Do “way of life” with Bok “apparel” or “clothing”. Since the Do Bok is what you wear when you practice your “Do” or “way”, its care and meaning are very important. Similarities can be found between the current Do Bok and ancient Korean traditional clothing.
Today we maintain the white colour to show purity, reverence for life, and commitment to avoid bloodshed and violence. Action and thought are inseparable. Also the outside appearance and inside attitude are closely linked. When you look your best, you usually feel good too. Keeping this in mind, always appear in class with your uniform clean and pressed, in good repair, and with the proper trim for your rank. Your instructors or seniors will help instruct you in the proper care and wear of your Do Bok