Hwa Soo Do is a martial art founded in 1945 in Seoul, Korea by
Grand Master Hwang Kee. Its name was later changed to Dang Soo Do at Moo Duk Kwan by the Grand
Master himself. Dang Soo
Do is of a duel
nature: hard and soft, offensive and defensive, passive and
aggressive. Its hardness comes from the aggressive style
of Korean Dang Soo Do, and it's softness from the
flowing motions of the Northern Chinese Kung Fu style.
Although steeped in tradition and military spirit
(Moo Do), Dang Soo Do is a living art that is not
afraid to change, to improve or to explore.
Dang Soo Do technique is based upon clinical, scientific study and the unique style of the
principles involved. It is not a sport.
Dang Soo Do is a classical martial art, and as such, has different
aspirations that some of the more popular "sport styles".
It is not the objective of Dang Soo Do to train one to become a champion over others that are less
talented or capable.
Its purpose is to enrich one's life by
developing every aspect of the self.
This aims to create a
natural person who has a totally integrated intellect, body,
emotions and spirit. This integration helps to build a
person who is free from inner conflict and who can deal with the
outside world in a mature, intelligent, forthright and virtuous
manner.
From 1954-1957 Stephen Yang practiced Hwa Soo Do under instructor
Sung Che Im using "Hwa Soo Do Kyo Bon", by Hwang Kee Kwan Jang Nim.
Stephen Yang began his studies under Grand Master Hwang Kee in
1957. When he became a Cho Dan he continued his studies
under the principles found in "Hwa Soo Do Kyo Bon", authored by
Hwang Kee Kwan Jang Nim and published by "Cho Sun Mun Hwa Kyoyuk Chulpan Sa" in
"Dan Kee 4282, 5, 30) (May 30, 1949).
Dang Soo Do