Soo Bahk Do is a Korean martial art from the Moo Duk Kwan school. It combines hand and foot techniques, formal patterns, self-defence and breathing practice.
Soo Bahk Do Moo Duk Kwan is a Korean martial art developed by Hwang Kee within the Moo Duk Kwan school. Its practice combines hand and foot techniques, movement, formal patterns and partner work.
A class may include basic techniques (kicho), forms (hyung), set attack-and-counter drills (il soo sik), self-defence (ho sin sool), breathing exercises and, depending on the school, free sparring or breaking practice.
Soo Bahk Do and Tang Soo Do are connected through the history of the Moo Duk Kwan school, but present-day names, organizations and curricula can differ. This card focuses on Soo Bahk Do Moo Duk Kwan.
Hwang Kee founded the Moo Duk Kwan school in Korea in 1945. The teaching was first called Hwa Soo Do; in 1947, he also incorporated Tang Soo Do, a name that was better known at the time.
In 1957, Hwang Kee studied the Korean martial treatise Moo Yei Do Bo Tong Ji and renewed his study of Soo Bahk. The Korean Soo Bahk Do Association was registered in 1960. Today's Soo Bahk Do Moo Duk Kwan tradition is part of the distinct history of Hwang Kee's school.
Within the Moo Duk Kwan tradition, technical practice is paired with discipline, self-control and respect for one's partner. Training also emphasizes breathing, rhythm, balance and the quality of movement.
The French federation's charter places respect for life and conflict prevention at the centre of its practice. Forms and partner drills help practitioners study techniques while developing control and attention.
Soo Bahk Do may suit people looking for a structured Korean martial art involving kicks, hand techniques, forms, self-defence and breathing practice.
The place of sparring, competition and contact varies by federation and club. Ask how partner exercises are supervised and what progression is offered to beginners.
