In Korea the indigenous arts of self
defense (Soo Bahk Ki and Tae Kyun) we combined with other fighting
principles (Northern and Southern Chinese Kung Fu) and moral
guidelines such as the philosophy of Do (Tao), No Ja (Lao Tzu) and
Kong Ja (Confucius) by Founder Grandmaster Hwang Kee, into what is
now known as Soo Bahk Do (Tang Soo Do) Moo Duk Kwan . This
combination of techniques and philosophy resulted in the development
of a form of self defense and mental conditioning unrivaled in the
modern world.
Grandmaster
Hwang Kee created the Moo Duk Kwan on November 9 1945. Grand
Master Hwang Kee was first inspired to study the Martial arts in
1921 when he was about seven years old. At a traditional Festival
called "Dan O" he was visiting a nearby village, where they had
archery, wrestling and many other festivities. As Grand Master was
enjoying the festival, a group of seven or eight men had a dispute
with another man. Suddenly the group of men attacked the lone man,
who began evading and counter attacking with his feet, eventually
defeating the group of men. This ability to defend oneself against
several attackers so impressed Grand Master Hwang Kee that at that
moment he knew he wanted to learn the martial arts.
For several years Grand Master Hwang Kee studied and researched
every available source, and at the age of 22 he was recognized as a
Master among other martial artists. In May of 1935 Grand Master
Hwang Kee began working for the Korean railroad company which
allowed him to travel. In May of 1936 he met a Chinese Kung Fu
master named Yang, Kuk Jin. Grand Master trained with Master Yang
until 1946, at that time China became a communist country. The
training consisted of Seh Bop (postures), Bo Bop (steps), Ryun Bop
(conditioning) and Hyung (Forms) with their applications. November
9th 1945 Grandmaster Hwang Kee founded the Moo Duk Kwan. The basic
ideal of the Moo Duk Kwan is the development of its participants.
Strong individuals in Spirit and Body make strong communities,
strong communities make strong nations, Strong and peaceful nations
make a strong and peaceful world.
- From
www.soobahkdo.com