Self Defense - we protect our lives and possessions from injustice and danger.
The Korean term we use for Self Defense is Ho Sin Sul and is interpreted from the Korean language as: Ho, meaning protecting or guarding; sin meaning body or self and sul meaning art or techniques.
Our Tang Soo Do practice involves a lot of kicks and punches, but it is important to note that the use of these techniques should only be for Self-Defense and never to provoke or attack. The main of objective of ho sin sul is not to destroy your opponent, but rather to resolve the situation with a gentle, yet firm strength against the assault. Through our Tang Soo Do practice we learn many different applications of various motions. These stem from the basic techniques learned in the forms and one step sparring techniques and can be used in a self defense situation against an attack be an armed or unarmed assailant.
When we use the term 'self defense' we often think of a physical act, but this is not always the case. Winning the battle without the use of a physical confrontation would prove to be the best form of ho sin sul. If this type of self defense is achieved you have prevented any injuries to yourself, your potential opponent and any others that may be involved in the altercation. We do not learn Tang Soo Do to challenge another; rather it is to be learned to assist in improving your wisdom in all areas of your life, including self-preservation. It is not shameful or cowardly to avoid a fight, rather is it wisdom at work.
Health - we promote our physical and spiritual health and enjoy strong bodies and sound minds through rigorous training.
"Tang Soo Do is a harmonious training of the body, mind and spirit. When anyone reaches this higher state of achievement, mysterious mental and physical strengths can be achieved that even modern science cannot comprehend" - Jae Chul Shin - Traditional Tang Soo Do Volume 1 - The Essence.
Training in Martial Arts can be tough yet rewarding. When you look at the components of health related fitness: cardiovascular endurance, muscular endurance, muscular strength, flexibility; and skill related fitness: power, speed, agility, balance, co-ordination, reaction time; martial arts targets every fitness component through the intense training. This in turn makes a Tang Soo Do practitioners physical health much greater than the average person.
The training not only improves these physical aspects but also improves the mind because of the increasing difficulty of techniques as students progress through the ranks. Each new rank brings more new techniques for students to study which creates an atmosphere of constant learning and development.
Training the body and the mind leads to spiritual realisation that comes with character development. To gain spiritual power, one must master self and overcome physical limitations. Technical achievement alone is not enough to Master Tang Soo Do. One must go beyond techniques and strive to understand nonphysical power, namely the power of spirit. The goal should be to constantly learn its philosophy while practising its physical techniques.
Better Person - we strive to be of better character through endurance and hard work.
A Tang Soo Do practitioner's ultimate goal is not only to possess excellent techniques but, more importantly, to develop and perfect one's character as well.
When learning and practicing new techniques there's a big emphasis on working to constantly improve its quality. Working on a technique is like a sculptor working on an art piece, constantly chipping away, smoothing over and refining the piece until it becomes something special to look at. While a student takes time working on themselves, creating stronger, more effective techniques, they are actually developing their own character as this constant refinement filters into their everyday lives making them strive to become better in every way.
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