Tang Soo Do, a traditional Korean Martial Art, is the art of
open hand and foot self defense. Tang Soo Do was developed from traditional
Korean martial arts dating back over two thousand years. Tang Soo Do is
taught as an art rather than as a sport.
Tang Soo Do training allows the body to gain the ultimate use of its faculties
through intensive physical and mental training. It's methods of instruction
are designed to help an individual develop character, integrity, self-confidence,
concentration and a respect for others.
Therefore, the element of competition against an opponent is not a part
of Tang Soo Do's tradition. Students are taught mastery over their own
bodies and minds and to develop their individual potential to its fullest.
Even in sparring, the goal of Tang Soo Do instruction is not to vanquish
an opponent. In Tang Soo Do, sparring is used as a means for students to
help one another achieve a perfection of their techniques.
I'm not particularly athletic. Can
I learn Tang Soo Do effectively?
The training you receive learning Tang Soo Do will develop your
athletic abilities. However, since no two people are alike, each student
is patiently encouraged to learn at his or her own pace. Each student is
inspired to achieve their own potential.
In addition, there is no minimium physical fitness requirement for a person
to join Brown Tang Soo Do. We welcome all persons, regardless of their
physical prowess to enroll in our club.
I'm very concerned about street crime
and violence. Is Tang Soo Do an effective self-defense style?
In addition to traditional Tang Soo Do training, students learn
a variety of controlled self-defense techniques that are quite effective.
However, be aware that while Tang Soo Do provides one with the tools to
defend oneself in undesirable situations, avoiding such situations, if
possible, is still the most proven method of self defense.
If Tang Soo Do is an effective fighting
style, how can it be non-violent in nature?
True non-violence is based on a sense of inner strength and
self-confidence. Tang Soo Do techniques are defensive, and aggressive behavior
among students is not tolerated. Although we will defend ourselves when
given no choice, the self-confidence developed by learning Tang Soo Do
promotes the discipline and awareness to avoid violent confrontations.
Who can join the Tang Soo Do club?
The Tang Soo Do club is open to all members of the Brown community
as well as RISD students. This includes all students, staff, and faculty
members. We actively encourage all people from all walks of life to enroll
in the Tang Soo Do club.