Tang Soo What?

Two years ago, I decided it would be fun to join my child in Martial Arts, little did I know that this would take me down an amazing path where I found confidence, and strength, but also a love for the traditions of the practice.
I get asked a lot what martial art I practice, when I respond with Tang Soo Do, I get loks of what? did she mean Taekwondo, which leads me to go into a long description of the two practices. The type I study is the more traditional Korean martial art, I usually explain that we learn traditional weapons and Korean culture as well as forms, and sparring. It has a long history, and for me I have taken to forms as my specialty
A form? its a group of moves almost like a dance, that highlight offensive and defensive moves. I am currently working on Pyung Ahn firms which is a group of 5 forms that make up one large form which comes from the traditional Japanese Martial Arts.
I have learned so much on this journey, and as a cultural historian I have found it fascinating the traditons and adaptablitily of the moves and weapons, since for some time, weapons and martial arts were banned in Korea. Take the fighting fan, it is a traditional fan, but when used as a weapon by adding blades, a simple item can be used to defend oneself.
I recently made it to my red belt, which means I have four more belts and three more years to my black belt, and I am looking forawrd to the journey ahead. Its through this practice that keeps me going, I get a chance to grow both physically and mentally, and I have found friendship and purpose through out my time.
If you want to find out more, or want to join in with me I practice at Lane Academy of Martial Arts in Arvada, CO or check around you, its fun and excitin seeing how much you can grow!
and as we say:
Tang Soo!