Soo Bahk Do is guided by an “action philosophy” — the idea that thought and action are one and the same. Rather than treating philosophy as something separate from technique, Wasatch Martial Arts Academy teaches virtues like courage, patience, humility, discipline, and respect directly through training, using frameworks passed down by Moo Duk Kwan founder Hwang Kee.
Action Philosophy
Each class at Wasatch Martial Arts Academy is filled with East Asian philosophy (not religion) that teaches virtues, ethics, and discipline. Soo Bahk Do adheres to an “Action Philosophy.” The late Moo Duk Kwan founder Hwang Kee taught about action philosophy in this manner: “If someone were to try to hit you in the nose, would you think about blocking the attack, or physically block it?” Action and thought should be one and the same.
Various principles will be taught such as courage, patience, humility, discipline, and respect to your elders. These principles will be discussed and then put into action during our training. This is unique to our academy and our art.
MOO DO CREED
The purpose of Moo Do is Hwal — to cultivate ourselves. Moo Do does not end in offense or defense. It is one step further, the purpose is life itself. Even facing the enemy, our goal is to save them. The principles of Moo Do are the principles of Nature. Guided by Moo Do we may achieve the goal of Hwal in the principles of Nature. To do so we must concentrate, stress the beauty, line, speed, and study scientifically. To provide all this is our creed. — Hwang Kee
5 Moo Do Values
Your identity as a Moo Duk Kwan practitioner is shaped by five core values:
역사 (Iyok Sa) — History. Honoring the past — of Moo Sool, Korea, Soo Bahk Do, and your own Dojang — as the backbone of identity and a clearer sense of direction forward.
전통 (Jeon Tong) — Tradition. The ceremonies, protocols, and rank system that preserve a Moo Do life connected to its original purpose.
기강/존경 (Ki Khang / Jon Kyung) — Discipline & Respect. The foundation and natural order underlying all training — discipline built on respect, practiced both ways.
철학 (Chul Hak) — Philosophy. The principles that guide training toward the deeper nature of the art.
기술 (Ki Sool) — Technique. Effective, physiology-based self-defense skill — the tool through which History, Tradition, Philosophy, and Discipline/Respect are actually experienced.
The 8 Key Concepts
Yong Gi — Courage
Chung Shin Tong Il — Concentration
In Neh — Endurance
Chung Jik — Honesty
Kyum Son — Humility
Him Cho Chung — Control of Power
Shin Chook — Relaxation/Tension
Wan Gup — Speed Control
10 Articles of Faith on Mental Training
Be loyal to your country; sacrifice yourself for your duty to your country and your people. This is based on the spirit of the Hwa Rang Do
Be obedient to your parents; children should be dutiful to your parents and parents should be charitable to their children
Be loving between husband and wife; love and affection between the sexes develops mankind’s happiness and harmony in life
Be cooperative between brothers; hold together with cooperation and concord
Be respectful to your elders; protect the rights of the weak with courtesy and modesty
Be faithful between teacher and student; learn the truth through practice of duty and affection
Be faithful between friends; be peaceful and happy with harmony and faith towards each other, regardless of race, and towards all mankind
Face combat only in justice and with honor; be able to distinguish between good and bad with fairness and rightfulness
Never retreat in battle; Sacrifice for justice with capability and bravery
Always finish what you start; Move to action with sureness and hope
Song of Ship Sam Seh
Never neglect any of the Sip Sam Seh. The Source of the will is in the waist. Pay attention to the slightest change from full to empty. Let energy flow through the whole body continuously. Stillness embodies motion, motion stillness. Seek stillness in motion. Surprising things will happen when you meet your opponent. Give awareness and purpose to every movement. When done correctly all will appear effortless. At all times pay attention to the waist. Relaxed clear awareness of abdomen, the energy can be activated. When the base of the spine is erect, energy rises to the top of the head. The body should be flexible. Hold the head as if suspended from a string. Keep alert and seek the meaning and purpose of your art. Bent and stretched, open and closed, Let nature take its course. Beginners are guided by oral teaching. Gradually one applies himself more and more. Skill will take care of itself. What is the main purpose of the martial arts? The mind is the primary actor and the body the secondary one. What is the purpose and philosophy behind the martial arts? Rejuvenation and prolonging of life beyond the normal span. So an eternal spring. Every word of this song has enormous value and importance. Failing to follow this song attentively, you will sigh away your time.
In 1989, Grand Master Hwang Kee developed Mission 2000 — six guiding policies laying out his vision for Moo Duk Kwan schools into the 21st century. Together, they express the greater purpose behind Soo Bahk Do training: contributing to world peace through improved human relationships, spanning everything from local class culture to global federation stewardship.
Human Relationships: Continue to develop the atmosphere of Respect, Courtesy, Friendship, Brotherhood, Cooperation and Goodwill, within the Soo Bahk Do membership.
Human Relationships (Worldwide): The atmosphere identified in number one should become consistent throughout the world. The U.S. should be the leading energy force developing and distributing this atmosphere.
Moo Do Organization: We are a martial (Moo Do) organization and we must continue to develop appropriately.
Administration of the Organization: The officers and the Board of Directors should take a more active role regarding the administration of the Federation.
Members’ Organization: This is a member’s organization. We must all work to produce a caring and helpful atmosphere for mutual benefit.
Financial Stability: We should take a more aggressive approach toward creating a financially stable organization.
About the Author
Brian Corrales, Sa Bom is a 6th Dan (Yuk Dan #36364) and certified Sa Bom in Soo Bahk Do Moo Duk Kwan — the art’s highest teaching certification — with direct lineage to founder Hwang Kee. He serves on the USA Soo Bahk Do Moo Duk Kwan Technical Advisory Committee as Moo Duk Kwan Heritage Liaison, appointed in 2021 by H.C. Hwang, Kwan Jang Nim, and is a member of the Ki Sul Bu. He has trained in the art for over 35 years, completed Ko Dan Ja certification through 2026, and has taught in Salt Lake City since 2007.
Training outside Salt Lake City? He teaches this same curriculum — with rank testing by video submission — through Digital Dojang.
