The turtle, a symbol of great cultural significance in Korea, was designated by Hwang Kee as the symbol of the Pyung Ahn Hyung. Similar to the Chinese reverence for the dragon, turtle sculptures can be found throughout Korea, dating from historical times to the present, prominently featured in gardens and temples. The turtle’s head signifies…
This study guide will focus on Ki Cho Hyung Il Bu, the main requirement for your first promotion to 9th Gup (white belt with a blue stripe) in Soo Bahk Do. Please visit SooBahkDo.tv in the White Belt Instruction category to view all of the material that we cover at the white belt level. Please…
D.K. Jang Sa Bom Nim will be a new author on our blog. He is a Chil (7th) Dan in Soo Bahk Do and a current TAC member for the US Soo Bahk Do Moo Duk Kwan Federation. He is also one of my favorite instructors who has taught me a lot about Korean culture…
In order to have proper body connection, it is important that each member of the body works together as one harmonious unit. Kwan Jang Nim Hwang often teaches the concept of “chain of command”. The chain of command begins with your mind (general). Your mind, or general, only speaks directly with your huri (waist). Your…
For Christmas, I received a VHS to DVD converter. For years, I’ve had a very old video with footage of Kwan Jang Nim Hwang Kee explaining his Tang Soo Do Moo Duk Kwan system. It’s probably the 10th copy of a copy and the quality is quite poor. Luckily, I was able to convert it…
There are 12 essential points of emphasis that must be followed in order to have an effective technique. With a proper understanding and application of all 12 points, your technique will be efficient, effective, and beautiful. They include: Proper Foundation A proper foundation is centered around Ja Seh, roughly translated as Stance. Literally, Ja Seh…
Eli, my son, just barely turned 3. Before he could even walk, I remember teaching him how to balance on against a chair executing a front and side kick into my palm. He watches me teach and often practices his hyung when I’m supposedly not looking. Soo Bahk Do being a passion of mine, it…
Recently, the US Soo Bahk Do Moo Duk Kwan Federation issued a new Gup/Dan manual for all of our members. All current and active members of the federation are eligible to receive a free manual. You will find that the testing requirements for Cho Dan (1st degree black belt equivalent) has changed. The curriculum has…
Thanks to Master Daniel Segarra, former member of the US Soo Bahk Do Moo Duk Kwan Federation and the current founder of his own art–Moo Sa Do Kwan–for posting these priceless videos of Tang Soo Do Moo Duk Kwan. The first one is Kwan Jang Nim H.C. Hwang himself sparring. The second is an instructional…
