Taekwondo vs. Tang Soo Do

Attribute	Taekwondo	Tang Soo Do
Origin	Korea	Korea
Meaning	"The way of the foot and the fist"	"The way of the Chinese hand"
Focus	Emphasis on kicking techniques	Emphasis on hand techniques
Uniform	White uniform with colored belts	White uniform with colored belts
Forms	Known as "poomsae"	Known as "hyung"
Sparring	Known as "kyorugi"	Known as "kumite"

History

Taekwondo and Tang Soo Do are both Korean martial arts that have a rich history dating back centuries. Taekwondo was developed in the 1940s and 1950s in Korea, while Tang Soo Do has roots that trace back to the ancient Korean martial art of Soo Bahk Do. Taekwondo was officially recognized as a martial art in 1955, while Tang Soo Do was founded in the 1940s by Grandmaster Hwang Kee. Both martial arts have evolved over time and have gained popularity worldwide.

Techniques

One of the main differences between Taekwondo and Tang Soo Do lies in their techniques. Taekwondo is known for its emphasis on kicking techniques, with practitioners often using their legs to strike opponents. In contrast, Tang Soo Do incorporates a combination of hand and foot techniques, with a focus on both striking and blocking. While both martial arts include forms, sparring, and self-defense techniques, the specific techniques and movements vary between Taekwondo and Tang Soo Do.

Philosophy

Another key difference between Taekwondo and Tang Soo Do is their philosophical foundations. Taekwondo places a strong emphasis on the tenets of courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control, and indomitable spirit. Practitioners of Taekwondo are encouraged to embody these values both inside and outside of the dojang. On the other hand, Tang Soo Do emphasizes the principles of discipline, respect, humility, and self-improvement. Both martial arts promote personal growth and character development through training and practice.

Uniforms and Belts

When it comes to uniforms and belts, Taekwondo and Tang Soo Do have some similarities and differences. In Taekwondo, practitioners typically wear a white uniform called a dobok, with colored belts to signify rank and progression. The belt system in Taekwondo usually consists of white, yellow, green, blue, red, and black belts. In Tang Soo Do, practitioners also wear a white uniform, but the belt system may vary depending on the school or organization. Some Tang Soo Do schools use a belt system that includes white, yellow, green, brown, and black belts.

Competition

Both Taekwondo and Tang Soo Do offer opportunities for competition and testing of skills. Taekwondo is known for its Olympic sport status, with competitions held at the national and international levels. Taekwondo competitions involve sparring, forms, and breaking techniques. Tang Soo Do competitions may include similar events, but the focus is often on traditional forms and self-defense techniques. While both martial arts provide avenues for practitioners to test their skills in a competitive setting, the rules and regulations may differ between Taekwondo and Tang Soo Do competitions.

Training and Schools

When it comes to training and schools, both Taekwondo and Tang Soo Do offer structured programs led by qualified instructors. Taekwondo schools may be affiliated with national or international organizations such as the World Taekwondo Federation or the International Taekwon-Do Federation. Tang Soo Do schools may be part of associations like the World Tang Soo Do Association or the Moo Duk Kwan. Training in both martial arts typically involves a combination of physical conditioning, technique practice, sparring, and forms training. Students progress through a series of belt ranks as they advance in skill and knowledge.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Taekwondo and Tang Soo Do are both Korean martial arts with unique characteristics and attributes. While Taekwondo is known for its emphasis on kicking techniques and philosophical tenets, Tang Soo Do incorporates a combination of hand and foot techniques and focuses on discipline and self-improvement. Both martial arts offer opportunities for competition, personal growth, and physical fitness. Whether you choose to practice Taekwondo or Tang Soo Do, you will be embarking on a journey of self-discovery and martial arts mastery.