TANG SOO DO – the way of the Tang hand
There are strong historical connections between the traditional karate systems.
For example, when Tang Soo is written using Chinese Hanja characters, the pronunciation in Japanese is Kara Te. Empty Hand. This connection was initially strongly suppressed due to the previously poor relations between Japan, China, and Korea. Many katas (forms) in karate are still similar and sometimes even share the same name.
Between 1936 and 1945, Grandmaster Hwang Kee combined Soo Bahk Do and the Tang method, and then founded Tang Soo Do – Moo Duk Kwan (Institute of Martial Arts).
Tang Soo Do was designed as an effective form of self-defense. In competition, emphasis is placed on outer form, style, and mastery of (defensive) techniques. Competitions are mainly organized to encourage cooperation and brotherhood among practitioners worldwide. The fights are held under the "light contact" or "point stop" system, also focusing on the control of techniques and safety, minimizing the risk of injury. The primary goal is enjoyment.