The Art - Soo Bahk Do

Soo Bahk Do translates literally as “hand strike way” or “way of the striking hand”. The history of Soo Bahk Do can be traced back over 2000 years to the Ko Ku Ryo Dynasty in ancient Korea.

In Soo Bahk Do Moo Duk Kwan, Soo Bahk Do is the art (the technical side) and Moo Duk Kwan is the style (the philosophical side – see: The Organisation for more information).

The difference between Soo Bahk Do and all other martial arts, and the thing that makes Soo Bahk Do unique, are its versatility and philosophy. Throughout the centuries, Korea has been attacked and invaded by its surrounding neighbours many times, and as such Soo Bahk Do became versatile out of necessity. This has resulted in an art that demands mastery of the whole body, not just kicking and punching. The challenging techniques taught range from fast, spontaneous movements to slow, graceful flowing movements that not only give variety but challenge students at all levels.

As a classical martial art, the purpose of Soo Bahk Do is “to develop every aspect of the self in order to create a mature human being who totally integrates intellect, body, emotions and spirit”. Soo Bahk Do is an art, not a sport and a great emphasis is placed on the fact it is non-competitive, however Soo Bahk Do does have strong combat and self-defence applications.

The Organisation - Moo Duk Kwan

School of Martial Virtue or "Style to teach Moo (military) and Duk (virtue / ethics / discipline) through training in the martial arts"

On 9 November 1945, Kwan Jang Nim Hwang Kee opened his first Do Jang in Seoul, Republic of Korea. The martial art taught was Hwa Soo Do (this name was later changed to Soo Bahk Do) and the style was Moo Duk Kwan. In other words, Soo Bahk Do is the technical side and Moo Duk Kwan the philosophical side of Soo Bahk Do Moo Duk Kwan.

The Moo Duk Kwan is the scientific use of the body in methods of self defence, combined with a strict philosophy guiding the student towards discovering their full potential. Learning fighting techniques without a strong philosophy creates dangerous people that become a burden on society.

Learning Soo Bahk Do with the Moo Duk Kwan philosophy helps students emphasize "virtue in action" by demonstrating courage, confidence, humility, discipline and respect. The Moo Duk Kwan is philosophy in action; you won't just heard us talking about it, you see it! The benefits and secrets of training in Soo Bahk Do Moo Duk Kwan cannot be bought at any price other than serious and rigorous training.

For a complete explanation of the history of the Moo Duk Kwan, visit the World Moo Duk Kwan website.