Is Tang Soo Do still relevant?

JazzKicker · Orange Belt

Since this is a day of retrospective at KF, I think this is a question worth asking. Times change, right? Just like there's web alternatives to forums like this now, there's also so many alternatives and expanded knowledge in martial arts.

Indeed, it was 20 years ago I answered this question for myself, "Yes", but not in the same way. The things we do in life, like getting an education, become part of us, and with that, we move on with those skills and experience.

There's a Zen saying, "Once you cross the stream, you don't need to keep carrying the boat".

And so it is for me- I still practice the techniques, the principles I learned back then, and more. But it is became a basis for me to build on. I come to KF for a reminder of those roots, that the learning is still valid today, even if what I practice now looks different.

bushido_man96 · KF Sensei

Great retrospect. I think instead of asking, "Is it still relevant?" the appropriate question would be "How do I keep it relevant?" If this includes different ways of looking at the self-defense aspects, application training, etc, it's important for us as Martial Artists to continue to work and to make sure what we do is still relevant.
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sensei8 · KF Sensei

For me, it being relevant isn't relevant anymore whenever it comes to my martial art betterment. I train in Shindokan, more importantly, the MA because I want to, and not for any other reasons. If anything needs to be relevant, is my MA journey, and not the style of said MA.

How can something be deemed irrelevant when it's still inside of ones heart of hearts...how can it be dead within me if it's alive to me...it's not dead, and if it's dead inside of me...who wrote the death certificate...anyone ever conduct an autopsy...anyone knows that when something is dead, that the next of kin must be notified...I'm the next of kin, and nobody notified me at all!!

It's relevant to me, and if it's not to others, then they train their way and I'll train mine.

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DWx · KF VIP

It depends what you mean by relevant. Does it enrich your life or take away from it? If your main goal is self defense you can adapt your current training or you can find something else. If your goal is fitness and wellbeing likewise.
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sensei8 · KF Sensei

Himokiri Karate · Green Belt

Yes its very relevant because it is the glue that can bind boxing with traditional martial arts together.

Tang Soo Do is a mixed traditional martial arts. For an MMA fighter who wants to learn some traditional martial arts can enjoy the colorful techniques of Tang Soo Do since it has hand techniques, various kicks from taekwondo and old school karate as well as various moves from Kung Fu.

In a way, Tang Soo Do is a form of karate that is more flexible in ideology and in kicking techniques. Yet its not free style karate. Also there is different Tang Soo Do styles. Some are more like karate and some look like modern taekwondo but most look like a bit of both with kung fu flavor.

Its a beautiful art form and it has the perfect blend of being open minded but also rooted in a culture.
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scohen0300 · Orange Belt

There's a Zen saying, "Once you cross the stream, you don't need to keep carrying the boat".

First of all, I love this quote. Now, what if you want to cross over that same stream again? What if you forgot some supplies? What if you want to try crossing that stream without a boat? What if you’re simply carrying the boat to become stronger?

I think that was a little cheesy, but you get what I’m saying. On my martial arts journey, I went from BJJ, to Muay Thai/Boxing/BJJ, to Okinawan Karate, back to BJJ, back to Okinawan Karate, back to Muay Thai, back to BJJ, and now I’m in Tang Soo Do (I love it) with some BJJ on the side. I’ve constantly gone back and forth with something that many consider to be outdated, and something that many others consider to be one of the most effective ways to train.

I love the traditional ways of training. It’s good for my mind, it’s good for my soul. I prefer it, actually. But when I’ve gotten in fights in the past, I’ve always relied on my BJJ - so I still train in that. Does that make Tang Soo Do or Karatedo irrelevant? Not for me! I still need it. So I’m going to keep doing it.

In terms of self defense. I mean, it’s still kicking, punching and various body mechanics that relate to combat. So if I’m standing and the fight hasn’t gone to the ground yet or we get back up, I like to think I’m still more prepared for that than the average joe.

Great post! Very thought provoking.
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Shojiko · Orange Belt

is Soo bhak do and Tang so doo one and the same?

bushido_man96 · KF Sensei

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