How does Family Martial Arts Centres Compare?

Family Martial Arts Centres teach the martial art of Tang Soo Do.

Tang Soo Do is a traditional Korean martial art that shares similarities with other martial arts but also has its own distinct characteristics. Here’s a comparison of Tang Soo Do with other popular martial arts:

Tang Soo Do vs. Shotokan Karate

Similarities:

• Origins: Both Tang Soo Do and Shotokan Karate have roots in traditional martial arts and share similar techniques. Both teach the development of the mind, body, spirit with an emphasis on character development, discipline and respect.
• Techniques: Emphasis on striking techniques, including punches, kicks, knees and elbows. Both including blocking techniques with hands and feet.
• Both teach self-defence against weapons and multiple opponents. Both teach close range and long-range self-defence techniques including pre-arranged sequences of moves.
• Forms (Kata/Hyung): Both use forms or patterns to teach and practice techniques.
• Belt System: Both use a coloured belt system to indicate rank and progress.

Differences:

• Historical and Cultural Origins: Originating in Korea, Tang Soo Do was formalized by Hwang Kee in the mid-20th century. It incorporates elements from traditional Korean martial arts, Chinese martial arts, and Japanese Karate. The art places a strong emphasis on Korean cultural traditions and philosophies​. Developed in Japan by Gichin Funakoshi in the early 20th century, Shotokan Karate is one of the most widely practiced styles of Karate. It has its roots in Okinawan martial arts and Japanese Budo principles, emphasizing a more Japanese cultural approach and the philosophical underpinnings of Karate-do (the way of the empty hand)​.
• Forms and Techniques: In Tang Soo Do, forms (called hyung) are an essential part of training and include a variety of techniques from different martial arts traditions. The art is known for its high, fast kicks and dynamic, flowing movements. Tang Soo Do practitioners often practice a wide range of kicks and focus on fluid, circular motions​. Shotokan Karate places a strong emphasis on kata (forms), which are more linear and direct. The techniques in Shotokan are characterized by deep stances, powerful linear movements, and explosive strikes. Shotokan Karate focuses heavily on the fundamentals of striking, blocking, and basic stances, with less emphasis on high kicks compared to Tang Soo Do​.
• Philosophical Approach and Training Methodology: The philosophical approach in Tang Soo Do combines elements of Korean martial arts philosophy with an emphasis on personal development, respect, and discipline. The training often includes traditional Korean customs and may incorporate meditation and other practices aimed at developing the mind and spirit alongside physical skills​.Shotokan Karate’s philosophy is deeply rooted in Japanese Budo, emphasizing the development of character, mental fortitude, and perseverance through rigorous physical training. The training methodology in Shotokan is systematic, with a strong focus on kihon (basics), kata, and kumite (sparring). The discipline is enforced through a structured approach to training that prioritizes technical precision and repetitive practice​.

Tang Soo Do vs. Taekwondo

Similarities:

• Origins and Historical Development: Both Tang Soo Do and Taekwondo originate from Korea and share a common historical background. Tang Soo Do was developed by Hwang Kee in the mid-20th century, incorporating elements from traditional Korean martial arts, Chinese martial arts, and Karate. Taekwondo was formalized in the 1950s by General Choi Hong Hi and other martial arts leaders, drawing from traditional Korean martial arts and Karate as well​.
• Emphasis on Kicking Techniques: Both martial arts are known for their emphasis on kicking techniques. Tang Soo Do and Taekwondo practitioners train extensively in a wide variety of kicks, including high kicks, spinning kicks, and jumping kicks. This focus on dynamic and powerful kicking techniques is a hallmark of both styles, making them distinct from many other martial arts that prioritize hand techniques​.
• Forms and Patterns: Both Tang Soo Do and Taekwondo incorporate forms (known as hyung in Tang Soo Do and poomsae in Taekwondo) into their training. These forms are sequences of movements that simulate combat against multiple opponents and are used to practice techniques, improve coordination, and develop mental discipline. Practicing forms is an essential part of the curriculum in both martial arts, reflecting their shared emphasis on traditional training methods​.

Differences:

• Focus on Kicking: Tang Soo Do places an equal emphasis on the use of hands and feet for striking. Taekwondo places a heavier emphasis on high, fast, and spinning kicks.
• Sport vs. Traditional: Taekwondo is more sport-oriented with an emphasis on Olympic competition, while Tang Soo Do maintains a more traditional martial arts approach.
• Forms (Poomsae vs. Hyung): Different forms are practiced, with Taekwondo using poomsae and Tang Soo Do using hyung.

• Historical Development and Philosophical Focus: Tang Soo Do was developed by Hwang Kee in the mid-20th century and incorporates elements from traditional Korean martial arts, Chinese martial arts, and Japanese Karate. The philosophical focus of Tang Soo Do includes a strong emphasis on traditional martial arts values, personal development, and mental discipline. It maintains a connection to its historical and cultural roots, often emphasizing the philosophical and spiritual aspects of martial arts practice. Taekwondo was formalized in the 1950s and 1960s by General Choi Hong Hi and other Korean martial arts leaders, with a significant influence from Karate and indigenous Korean martial arts like Taekkyeon. Taekwondo places a stronger emphasis on sport and competition, particularly with its inclusion in the Olympic Games since 2000. The focus is more on physical development, athletic performance, and competitive sparring, with less emphasis on traditional philosophical teachings compared to Tang Soo Do​.
• Technical Emphasis and Training Methods: The training in Tang Soo Do includes a balanced mix of striking techniques (punches, kicks, blocks), forms (hyung), self-defence, and sometimes weapon training. Tang Soo Do is known for its diverse kicking techniques but also places significant importance on hand techniques and traditional forms practice. The training methods are comprehensive, incorporating various aspects of martial arts practice to develop well-rounded martial artists​.Taekwondo is renowned for its emphasis on high, fast, and powerful kicks. While it includes hand techniques and forms (poomsae), the primary focus is on dynamic kicking techniques and sparring. Taekwondo training methods often emphasize agility, speed, and athletic performance, with a significant portion of practice dedicated to drills and sparring exercises designed for competition. This sport-oriented approach differentiates it from the more traditional and diverse training methods of Tang Soo Do​.
• Forms and Competition: Forms, or hyung, in Tang Soo Do are rooted in traditional martial arts and are used to practice techniques, improve coordination, and develop mental discipline. These forms often have a strong connection to their historical and cultural origins. Tang Soo Do also includes traditional sparring (one-step sparring) and self-defence techniques, with less emphasis on competitive sparring compared to Taekwondo​. The forms, or poomsae, in Taekwondo are designed to showcase the art’s techniques and are often used in competition. Taekwondo has a strong competitive aspect, with a significant focus on sport sparring. The rules and techniques in competitive Taekwondo sparring are tailored for point-scoring and safety in a controlled environment, which is a key difference from the more traditional and diverse focus of Tang Soo Do forms and sparring​.

Tang Soo Do vs. Judo

Similarities:

• Emphasis on Discipline and Respect: Both Tang Soo Do and Judo have a martial arts philosophy which emphasizes the importance of discipline, respect, and the development of character. Practitioners are taught to show respect to their instructors and fellow students, and to adhere to a code of conduct that promotes integrity, humility, and perseverance. This shared emphasis on mental and ethical development is a cornerstone of both martial arts​.
• Belt Ranking System: Both Tang Soo Do and Judo use a belt ranking system to signify a student’s progress and proficiency in the martial art. Students advance through various coloured belts as they demonstrate increased skill and knowledge, culminating in Blackbelts and higher Dan ranks. This system provides a structured path for learning and personal development in both martial arts​•Self-Defence Focus: While their techniques differ, both Tang Soo Do and Judo include a focus on practical self-defence. Tang Soo Do teaches strikes, blocks, and joint manipulations for self-defence, whereas Judo emphasizes throws, joint locks, and ground control techniques. Both martial arts aim to equip practitioners with effective skills to defend themselves in real-world situations​.

Differences:

• Type of Techniques and Combat Focus: Primarily a striking martial art, Tang Soo Do focuses on kicks, punches, blocks, and forms (hyung). It emphasizes dynamic and high kicks, hand strikes, and traditional forms for technique development and self-defence. A grappling martial art, Judo emphasizes throws, joint locks, pins, and ground control techniques. The main objective in Judo is to throw the opponent to the ground, immobilize them, or force them into submission with joint locks or chokes.
• Training and Practice Methods: Training in Tang Soo Do includes a mix of basic techniques, sparring, and self-defence techniques. Students practice traditional patterns to perfect their movements and participate in controlled sparring sessions to apply techniques. The training is comprehensive, covering various aspects of martial arts practice, including flexibility, strength, and endurance​. Judo training is centred around repetitive practice of throw entries, practice of completing, and randori free sparring. There is a strong emphasis on live practice against resisting opponents to develop timing, balance, and technique. Groundwork is also a significant part of training, focusing on pins, escapes, and submissions​.
• Philosophical and Cultural Focus: Rooted in Korean culture, Tang Soo Do incorporates elements of Korean martial arts philosophy, emphasizing personal development, discipline, respect, and mental fortitude. Developed in Japan by Jigoro Kano, Judo is deeply influenced by Japanese Budo principles. It emphasizes the concepts of mutual welfare and benefit and maximum efficiency with minimum effort. Judo practitioners follow a strict code of conduct and etiquette, reflecting the martial art’s focus on moral and ethical development alongside physical training​.
• Self-Defence vs. Sport: Judo has a strong emphasis on sport and competitions, while Tang Soo Do emphasizes traditional martial arts and self-defence, including against weapons and multiple opponents.

Tang Soo Do vs. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ)

Similarities:

• Self-Defence Focus: Both Tang Soo Do and BJJ place a strong emphasis on practical self-defence techniques. Tang Soo Do teaches striking, blocking, and joint manipulation for self-defence, while BJJ specializes in ground fighting and submissions to neutralize threats. Both martial arts aim to equip practitioners with skills to defend themselves in real-world situations​.
• Discipline and Mental Development: Both martial arts emphasise the importance of discipline, respect, and mental development. Practitioners of Tang Soo Do follow traditional protocols, showing respect to instructors and fellow students, and developing character through rigorous training. BJJ also fosters discipline through its belt ranking system, respect for training partners, and the mental challenge of learning complex techniques​.
• Physical Fitness and Conditioning: Both Tang Soo Do and BJJ require and develop high levels of physical fitness. Tang Soo Do training includes aerobic and anaerobic conditioning, flexibility, and strength training through striking drills and forms. BJJ training involves intense physical activity, including rolling (sparring), which improves cardiovascular fitness, strength, and flexibility. Both martial arts promote overall physical health and conditioning as part of their training regimen​.

Differences:

• Focus: Tang Soo Do focuses on striking and blocking techniques using both hands and feet as well as elbows and knees, while BJJ specializes in ground fighting and submissions and has little emphasis on kicking and punching.
• Training Method: Tang Soo Do includes forms, striking drills, and sparring, while BJJ focuses on live rolling (sparring) and technique drills. Tang Soo Do students often use a variety of equipment including punch bags, strike shields, safety weapons etc. whereas this is not necessary for a BJJ student.
• Self-Defence vs. Sport: BJJ has a strong emphasis on sport grappling competitions, while Tang Soo Do emphasizes traditional martial arts and self-defence, including against weapons and multiple opponents.

Tang Soo Do vs. Kung Fu

Similarities:

• Historical and Cultural Influences: Both Tang Soo Do and Chinese Kung Fu have deep historical roots in their respective cultures, drawing from centuries-old martial traditions. Tang Soo Do incorporates elements of traditional Korean martial arts as well as influences from Chinese martial arts, specifically Kung Fu. Kung Fu, also known as Wushu, is an umbrella term for various traditional Chinese martial arts styles that have been developed over thousands of years​.
• Forms and Techniques: Both Tang Soo Do and Chinese Kung Fu place significant emphasis on practicing forms (known as hyung in Tang Soo Do and taolu in Kung Fu). These forms are sequences of movements that simulate combat scenarios and help practitioners develop their techniques, balance, and coordination. Forms practice is a fundamental aspect of training in both martial arts, serving as a means to preserve and transmit traditional techniques​. Both martial arts encompass a wide range of techniques, including strikes, kicks, blocks, and joint manipulations. Tang Soo Do is known for its high, fast kicks and dynamic movements, which are influenced by both Korean and Chinese martial arts. Kung Fu includes a variety of striking and kicking techniques, as well as animal-style movements and complex combinations​.

Philosophical Foundations: Both Tang Soo Do and Kung Fu emphasize the development of the mind, body, and spirit. They promote values such as respect, discipline, perseverance, and humility. The practice of these martial arts is seen not just as physical training, but as a way to cultivate character and achieve personal growth​. Both martial arts take a holistic approach to training, integrating physical conditioning, mental discipline, and sometimes spiritual aspects. This comprehensive approach aims to develop well-rounded individuals who are not only skilled fighters but also balanced and ethical people​.

Differences:

• Historical Origins and Development: Tang Soo Do originated in Korea and was formalized by Hwang Kee in the mid-20th century. It integrates elements from traditional Korean martial arts, Chinese martial arts, and Japanese Karate. The formation of Tang Soo Do was influenced by the historical context of Japanese occupation in Korea, which impacted its development and techniques​.Chinese Kung Fu, also known as Wushu, has a much longer history, spanning thousands of years. It encompasses a wide variety of styles, each with its own unique techniques, philosophies, and cultural influences. Kung Fu styles often reflect the diverse regions of China and include famous systems such as Shaolin, Wing Chun, Tai Chi, and many others​.
• Techniques and Training Focus: Tang Soo Do emphasizes high, fast kicks, dynamic striking techniques, and the practice of hyung (forms). It has a balanced approach, incorporating both hand and foot techniques, with a particular focus on powerful, precise kicks. Tang Soo Do also includes elements of self-defence, one-step sparring, and sometimes traditional weapons training​. Kung Fu techniques vary widely across different styles, but generally include a combination of strikes, kicks, joint locks, throws, and weapons training. Some styles of Kung Fu, like Wing Chun, focus on close-range combat and quick, efficient strikes, while others, like Shaolin, include acrobatic movements and complex forms. Kung Fu often emphasizes fluid, circular movements, mimicking animals, and incorporating traditional Chinese medicine principles​.
• Philosophical and Cultural Emphasis: Tang Soo Do incorporates Korean cultural elements and martial arts philosophy, emphasizing discipline, respect, and personal development. The training often includes traditional Korean customs and rituals, and the philosophical teachings are rooted in the Hwa Rang Do code (Korean knights of the Silla Dynasty), which promotes loyalty, filial piety, and honour​. Kung Fu is deeply intertwined with Chinese culture and philosophy, including Taoism, Buddhism, and Confucianism. The philosophical teachings of Kung Fu often emphasize harmony with nature, balance, and the cultivation of internal energy (qi). Many Kung Fu styles incorporate meditative practices, breathing exercises, and concepts from traditional Chinese medicine to enhance overall health and well-being​.

Tang Soo Do vs. Kickboxing

Similarities:

• Emphasis on Strikes: Both Tang Soo Do and Kickboxing focus heavily on striking techniques. Practitioners of both martial arts train extensively in punches and kicks.
• Physical Fitness and Conditioning: Both martial arts place a strong emphasis on physical fitness. Training sessions in both Tang Soo Do and Kickboxing include conditioning exercises to improve strength, endurance, agility, and overall physical health.
• Self-Defence Applications: While Tang Soo Do has a traditional aspect with forms and philosophical teachings, both martial arts incorporate practical self-defence techniques. Practitioners learn to defend themselves against various attacks using effective striking and blocking techniques.

Differences:

• Origins and History: Tang Soo Do originated in Korea in the mid-20th century and incorporates elements from traditional Korean martial arts, Japanese Karate, and Chinese martial arts. Tang Soo Do has a strong emphasis on tradition and philosophy. Kickboxing developed more recently in the 1960s and 1970s and combines elements of traditional Karate with Western boxing. It originated primarily as a competitive sport and fitness regimen, emphasizing practical combat techniques and physical conditioning​.
• Training Focus and Techniques: In addition to practical self-defence techniques, Tang Soo Do training includes a significant focus on forms (kata/hyung), which are predefined sequences of movements. These forms are practiced to develop technique, balance, and mental discipline. Training in Kickboxing is heavily oriented towards sparring and full-contact fighting. The focus is on developing powerful strikes, speed, and agility through drills and sparring sessions.
• Self-defence techniques: Whilst techniques learnt in Kickboxing can be used in self-defence there is a much broader curriculum within Tang Soo Do. This includes close range and long range techniques using different hand strikes, kicks, knees, elbows, locks and sweeps. Tang Soo also includes specific self-defence techniques against an opponent who is armed with a knife, stick, staff or baseball bat.
• Philosophy and Cultural Context: Embedded in Korean culture, Tang Soo Do places a strong emphasis on respect, discipline, and the development of character. Students learn about the martial art’s history, philosophy, and cultural significance, and they often follow traditional protocols and etiquette during training​. Kickboxing is a more modern and sport-oriented martial art, with less focus on philosophy and more on competition and fitness.

Tang Soo Do vs. Krav Maga

Similarities:

• Focus on Practical Self-Defence: Both Tang Soo Do and Krav Maga emphasise practical self-defence techniques. While Tang Soo Do includes traditional forms and kata, it also teaches effective striking, blocking, and joint manipulation techniques that can be used in real-life self-defence scenarios. Krav Maga is entirely focused on practical self-defence, with techniques designed to neutralize threats quickly and efficiently in real-world situations.
• Striking Techniques: Both martial arts incorporate a variety of striking techniques. Tang Soo Do includes punches, kicks, knee strikes, and elbow strikes, similar to Krav Maga, which also emphasizes aggressive and effective strikes, including punches, kicks, knees, and elbows. Both systems train practitioners to use these strikes to defend themselves and incapacitate attackers​.
• Fitness and Conditioning: Training in both Tang Soo Do and Krav Maga places a strong emphasis on physical fitness and conditioning. Practitioners engage in exercises to improve strength, endurance, flexibility, and overall fitness, which are essential for executing techniques effectively and sustaining the physical demands of self-defence situations​.

Differences:

• Origins and Philosophies: Tang Soo Do originated in Korea and was formalized in the mid-20th century. It combines elements of traditional Korean martial arts, Chinese martial arts, and Karate. Tang Soo Do emphasizes discipline, respect, and the development of character, along with traditional forms (hyung) and techniques. Krav Maga was developed in Israel by in the 1930s. It is a modern self-defence system designed for the Israeli military. Its philosophy is based on real-world effectiveness and practicality, with techniques aimed at quickly neutralizing threats. Krav Maga emphasizes simplicity, instinctive movements, and aggression, without the traditional or philosophical aspects found in Tang Soo Do​.
• Training Focus and Techniques: Tang Soo Do training includes a balanced mix of striking techniques (punches, kicks, blocks), traditional forms (hyung), sparring, and sometimes weapon training. It places a strong emphasis on precision, proper form, and the practice of forms to develop technique and mental discipline​. Krav Maga training focuses on practical self-defence techniques, including striking (punches, kicks, knees, elbows), grappling, ground fighting, and defence against weapons (knives, guns, sticks). The emphasis is on real-world applications, with scenarios that simulate realistic attacks. Krav Maga training is designed to be straightforward and efficient, prioritizing effectiveness over traditional forms or rituals​.
• Cultural and Training Environment: Tang Soo Do classes are typically conducted in a traditional martial arts setting, with formal attire, bowing, and adherence to specific etiquette. The training environment often includes rituals, respect for instructors, and a focus on martial arts as a way of life. The progression through ranks (belts) is also a key component of training​. The training environment in Krav Maga is more informal and pragmatic, often resembling a combat training session rather than a traditional martial arts class. There is less emphasis on ritual and formality, and more focus on practical drills and scenario-based training. Krav Maga does not follow a traditional ranking system as strictly as Tang Soo Do, and the attire is usually more relaxed and functional​.

Conclusion

Tang Soo Do provides a balanced approach to martial arts, combining striking techniques, forms, and self-defence with traditional martial arts values. While it shares similarities with Karate and Taekwondo, it maintains its unique identity through its philosophy, stances, and forms. Each martial art has its own strengths, and the choice of which to practice often depends on personal preferences, goals, and the qualities one seeks in martial arts training.