Tang Soo Do is an evolutionary art which encourages its' participants to develop their sense of creativity and evolve the art in their own way.  The majority of modern Tang Soo Do originates back to the Founder of the Tang Soo Do Moo Duk Kwan - Great GrandMaster Hwang Kee who founded the Moo Duk Kwan (School of Martial Virtue) in 1945.

 

The Art was designed not only for personal health and wellbeing, but also to revive his country's national pride during the Japanese Occupation of Korea.   During his time, the Founder faced a great deal of challenge in promoting his art and had the strength of character to be able to make this difference in the face of challenge.  And this is why his spirit has resonated through the art of Tang Soo Do that it is practiced by millions around the world.  A more detailed history can be found here.

 

The style we practice has originated from the latter refinements of Tang Soo Do up until Great GrandMaster Hwang Kee passed away.  This was taught to us by one of the Founder's Direct Students - GrandMaster Andy Ah Po

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Grandmaster Andy Ah Po - Tang Soo Do Martial Way Association

As the art of Tang Soo Do continues to evolve, Grandmaster Andy Ah Po is at the forefront of that evolution.  With coming at training from a practical and “Moo Do” or “Martial Way”, Grandmaster Ah Po brings 65 years of martial arts experience, an impressive fighting record, and tireless leadership to martial artists all over the world. 

Known for his work with Ki (internal energy known as Mana in his native Hawai'i) and with his martial arts background in Si Lum Kung Fu (Shaolin Hard Style), and black belts in Aikido, Shotokan Karate, and Jiu-Jitsu, Grandmaster Ah Po passes on his extensive Tang Soo Do experience with the teachings of Grandmaster Hwang Kee and his own development over the 50 years in this art. Grandmaster Ah Po passes on martial art as a “living” art, with the understanding that the student is just as involved in their development as their teacher. The teaching is a “base” from which the individual develops.
 

The current practice of the Community Tang Soo Do Association

The style begins with the practice of Weh Ga Ru (Hard Style/External) and the effective use of Ho Hup (Breath control in order to maximise efficient power).  This takes time to Master the timings and the journey you will take to 1st Dan will mainly be on mastering the timing of the breath control whilst correctly executing a technique that minimises the risk of injury.

 

The next style is the Neh Ga Ru ('Soft' style/Internal) which is introduced nearer to 1st Dan.   Again, there is a different style of breathing and motion.  Combined together allows the practitioner to experience a rejuvination of energy (Ki or Chi) as this flows throughout the body.

 

The third stlye is Choong Ga Ru (Middle/Balance way) which is an incorporation of the two styles.  Some say its the inbetween way, that would suggest removing elements.  We like to think of Choong Ga Ru as more of embracing both the hard and soft style together into an 'energy efficient' style that maximises power whilst rejuvinating energy.  Turning the practioner from a standard lightbulb into an energy efficient lightbulb that lasts for years!   This style is practed throughout the Dan Grade system.

 

This is why senior practioners are able to perform the higher Chil Sung Hyung which are famous for the length of each hyung are able to practice this over and over again without stopping.

 

GrandMaster Ah Po always talked very positively about the Founder and has been an incredible influence on the style of Tang Soo Do we practice and developed our recent practice that promotes internal health benefits through the practice of Chi Gong.

 

Personal note from Master Preston

" This practice has been instrumental in strengthening my own emotions.  This is why after the death of my Daughter,  thanks to GrandMaster Ah Po, I had developed the internal strength to continue to move forward with hope and this is why I want to make a similar difference in others.  I also want to thank Great GrandMaster Hwang Kee, although I have never been in his presence, for allowing us to practice and explore the art that has given us the tools to live a positive life in the face of challenge.