Martial Arts in Michigan - Origins Tang Soo Do

 Tang Soo Do is a traditional Korean martial art with a history that blends ancient Korean practices, influences from China, and modernization during the 20th century. Here’s an overview of its historical evolution:

Three Kingdoms Era (57 BCE - 668 CE):

• Martial arts in Korea can be traced back to the Three Kingdoms: Goguryeo, Baekje, and Silla.
• Subak (hand-striking techniques) and Taekkyeon (a traditional martial art focusing on kicks and flowing movements) were popular during this time.
• The Hwarang warriors of the Silla kingdom practiced martial arts and incorporated values of loyalty, respect, and honor, which influenced Tang Soo Do's philosophy.

Chinese Influence:

• Trade and cultural exchanges with China brought influences from Chinese martial arts, particularly during the Tang Dynasty.
• The name “Tang Soo Do” reflects this connection, as “Tang” refers to the Tang Dynasty, symbolizing respect for Chinese martial arts.

Japanese Occupation (1910 - 1945):

• During this period, Korea was under Japanese rule, and many traditional Korean practices, including martial arts, were suppressed.
• Korean martial artists were exposed to Japanese martial arts, particularly Karate, which influenced the technical development of Tang Soo Do.

Post-Liberation (1945 Onward):

• After Korea’s liberation from Japanese rule in 1945, Korean martial artists began to revive and systematize traditional practices.
• In 1945, Late Supreme Grand Master, Hwang Kee, often credited as the founder of modern Tang Soo Do, opened the Moo Duk Kwan school. He combined elements of Subak, Taekkyeon, and Karate to form Tang Soo Do.

Philosophical and Technical Aspects:

• Tang Soo Do emphasizes discipline, respect, and personal growth.
• Techniques include powerful strikes, high kicks, forms (hyung), and self-defense tactics.

1. In the mid-20th century, Tang Soo Do spread internationally, particularly to the United States, due to the efforts by America's first black belt, Grand Master Dale Droulliard, Dan # 757
2. It gained popularity in the U.S. through martial arts schools and the entertainment industry. For example, Chuck Norris, a renowned martial artist and actor, trained in Tang Soo Do, bringing greater visibility to the art.

Today, Tang Soo Do is practiced worldwide, blending traditional techniques with modern approaches. It maintains a focus on physical fitness, mental discipline, and the philosophy of humility, respect, and integrity.

Grand Master Kang Uk Lee started training in Korea which was a very rough place after the Japanese occupation. His way of training was 2-fold: to respect the way of teaching and to think on how to improve while working hard consistently. He was asked many times about his favorite forms but held true to his beliefs that each form is important because they each have their own techniques, methodology, and a way to improve each student.
 

He defines blackbelt as having a basic knowledge of the Moo Duk Kwan style. Once achieved, he believed that it was time to understand how to do the movements correctly while making constant refinements. He felt that mentally, the black belt has reached a point to realize self-improvement in a way of thinking as well as respectfulness with others, and how to conduct oneself properly. He believed that the rank of Master means that someone truly understands each technique, hip twist, ki energy from the Dan Jun all in one motion. Also, a Master would possess the mental strength to live in harmony or at least try to adapt to the Tao for a harmonious life.
 

Although not an academic, he lived and breathed this philosophy. His only instructor for his lifetime was Supreme Grand Master Hwang Kee. His defining moments were as the Central Gym instructor during the golden age of Tang Soo Do Moo Duk Kwan when 75% of martial artists were Moo Duk Kwan. At this point, anyone who wanted to test for black belt was tested by Grand Master Kang Uk Lee. Another pivotal moment in his life was creating and unifying all Tang Soo Do in Malaysia which was not an easy feat based on the number of islands in that country. He was also the head coach of Japan vs Korea on two separate occasions when Korea had representatives from other schools, not just TSDMDK. He felt that, in order to train in TSD as a lifelong art,  meant to train properly. He taught not just for self-defense, but for health as well. He was a very strict instructor in his own right, as I’m sure Grand Master Drouillard will attest to. He made his students train, then go out in the dead of winter (-10 degrees) and do pushups outside, and then go back inside for more hard training. 

He is a 10th Dan and was the first American awarded a black belt by Supreme Grand Master Hwang Kee back in 1957. He was inspired to start training Tang Soo Do because he was always small and wanted to be able to protect himself. He returned to the US and was the first to teach Tang Soo Do Moo Duk Kwan in 1958.  Hi influence of martial arts in Michigan is world-renowned.
 

He says that his most demanding instructor was Grand Master Sang Kyu Shim. When asked what advice he would give someone looking to make Tang Soo Do a lifelong journey, he said that “in the beginning, we are hungry for knowledge with an intense desire to improve. Always keep that beginner’s mindset throughout life. Additionally, physically train smart.” His favorite GUP form is Pyung Ahn Cho Dan as it covers all the basic hip actions. On the meaning of being a black belt, he says that after gaining some mastery of the basics, black belt is the beginning. His favorite Dan form is all of the Nai Han Chi forms.
 

When asked to define Master, he said that when he trained in Korea, it meant you ranked as an instructor. His favorite Master form is Yuk Ro 6 Dan.  And, finally, in response to the question, what is the most meaningful lesson his instructors taught him, he said, “once you start training, Tang Soo Do is a lifelong endeavor.” The highest ranking, most senior black belt in North America, Grand Master Dale Drouillard, Dan number 757!

Dan number 1084, is an incredible woman, she earned the rank of Sergeant Major in the Korean army. Trained under Supreme Grand Master Hwang Kee and the recently departed Grand Master Kang Uk Lee. She started training because she always wanted to protect herself and others. Her advice to new practitioners of Tang Soo Do is to train with patience and confidence while following your instructor. Her favorite Gup form is Bassai because it has many varied movements for both offense and defense.

Her definition of a black belt is that it is just the beginning of your martial arts journey. Her favorite Dan form is Kong Song Koon. Her definition of Master is someone who contributes to the growth of their organization and leads members. Her favorite Master form is Ship Dan Goom 10 Ro. When asked about the most meaningful lesson from an instructor, she responded with the 5 basic principles of Tang Soo Do:
 

1. Be loyal to your country
2. Obey your parents and elders
3. Respect your instructor
4. Self control
5. Never misuse your art
    

She says that Grand Master Kang Uk Lee was her most intense instructor, and when asked about a defining moment in her martial arts career, she said that Supreme Grand Master Hwang Kee sending her to the US in 1970 as the first Korean Woman instructor.

Dan number 21336!  He started training in 1968 because kids were picking on Grand Master Collins Jr. His first instructor was Tom Burns at Wally’s in Davison. As most know, he is a Master in Kendo as well as TSD. At one time, he had over 60 swords. His favorite aspects of Kendo are discipline, honor and respect.

His advice to someone starting TSD is to learn each movement of a form, and work on each separate move 3 at a time for any self defense. His favorite Gup forms are Kicho Hyung Sam Bu and Bassai So.

He describes being a black belt as a lot of hard work. His favorite Dan form is all of them. When asked to describe what a Master is, he says that its someone who has been in it a long time, and should know everything. His most intense/demanding instructor was Tom Burns, mainly because of punching stones in a bucket. And, when asked about a defining moment in Tang Soo Do, he said he hasn’t killed anybody, but may have broken a leg or two. He credits GM Kang Uk Lee as being the greatest influence in his Tang Soo Do career.

Grand Master Collins Jr. started training in 1969 at the age of 4 because his dad told him to get to class. When asked what advice he would give a new practitioner of Tang Soo Do Moo Duk Kwan, he said they would go through many stages of victory and defeat, and when defeat comes, you have to try harder and reach higher.

His favorite Gup form is PA O Dan because of it’s flow, stance changes, speed changes, and height changes. His favorite Dan form is Chil Sung Sa Ro because of it’s uniqueness. His favorite Master form is O Sip Sa Bo mainly because of the use of spear hands. When asked “what does it mean to be a black belt?” he believes that it’s part of a linear path to success. Once someone has earned their black belt, they should pause to reflect, and say “I did it’. But, they also know that there is much more to come. Earning a black belt is not final, but rather transitory. Further, he feels that people who earn their black belt should know that they have attained skills for life, and that they persevered when others quit.

When defining what a Master means to him, he said it is another stage of accomplishment in their Tang Soo Do journey. At this point, they have achieved mental strength as well as physical, and yet realize that their journey is not over. Regarding the most meaningful lesson his instructors have taught him, Master Collins beamed that it is Master Collins Sr who never gave up on martial arts. However, he was quick to point out that MC Sr did this through actions not words, ending that indeed his father is a true martial artist. He named two defining moments in his martial arts career: first, learning the business end of martial arts when he got out of the Marine Corp from Kim Chung Sik. He stated that Kim Chung Sik was way ahead of his time from the business aspect of martial arts.

His other defining moment is working with Grand Master Drouillard and appreciating his humbleness. As far as pursuing Tang Soo Do Moo Duk Kwan as a lifelong practice, he said that if you truly love the art, just do it for that love. It should not be about the money but rather the love of the art. Finally, when asked who his most intense/demanding instructor was, he answered without hesitation, Kim Chung Sik who was a very hardcore person all around. 

 
As a student of Grand Master Drouillard, he honors the roots of Tang Soo Do, by maintaining a close relationship with his teacher and hosting Master Drouillard for monthly training with his Masters and school owners. 

His influence of martial arts MI lead to his founding of PKSA Karate in 2000, building it into one of the largest organizations in the US!

Founder of PKSA Karate Royal Oak, Dan # 58119.  Master Jackson began his training under Master Shawn Folkwein of PKSA St. Claire Shores.  Master Jackson's vision for his school was to provide a community feel, while training in a traditional martial art.  His style of teaching led to the development of several leaders under his guidance, leading a successful school for several years.

Master Jackson transferred ownership of the school to Kyo Sa Nim Aaron Richmond in September 2023, but remains an influence on curriculum and training.

A student of Master Jeff Jacksons, "Miss Ronni", (Dan # 62235) as she is known to her students, leads the Little Ninjas programs.   Her Little Ninjas Program focuses on improving basic motor skills, listening, and focus skills. Little Ninjas will learn how to work with others and follow directions from their instructors, which will in turn help them to become better students at school and better listeners at home. Our program will enhance positive development in a fun and motivational way. 

In addition to leading the ninjas, she gives instruction in classes of all ranks.  Miss Ronni is notable for delivering her Women's Self Defense Courses.  Her classes are designed to empower women with the essential skills for personal safety and confidence.  

A student of Master Jeff Jacksons, Kyo Sa Nim Richmond (Dan # 66503) has assumed the mantle of ownership of PKSA Karate Royal Oak.  He has continued to expand on the vision of his predecessor, reaching out and working with local schools and organizations to offer classes to students 

Kyo Sa Nim Aaron has developed several young leaders, some of who have earned Junior Assistant Instructor certification and are responsible for teaching under his guidance.  

Mr. Aaron's philosophy is that any person with a desire to learn, regardless of ability, shall have an opportunity.  It is his desire to see the continued growth of Tang Soo Doo and be renowned at the stand out of Martial Arts MI!

Sources for the history of Tang Soo Do:

Books and Manuals:

• "Tang Soo Do: The Ultimate Guide to the Korean Martial Art" by Kang Uk Lee – Provides an in-depth look at the history, philosophy, and techniques of Tang Soo Do.
• "The Way of the Warrior: Martial Arts and Fighting Styles from Around the World" by Chris Crudelli – Offers a broader perspective on martial arts, including the historical development of Tang Soo Do.

Martial Arts Organizations:

• World Tang Soo Do Association (WTSDA): Their historical outlines and training materials provide details about the art's roots and modern development. (www.wtsda.com)
• Moo Duk Kwan Schools: Hwang Kee's foundational organization, which documents his role in Tang Soo Do's history and its evolution.

Academic Research:

• “A History of Korean Martial Arts” by Dr. He-Young Kimm – Covers the development of Korean martial arts, including Tang Soo Do, in detail.
• Scholarly articles on Korean martial arts history available via academic journals like The International Journal of the History of Sport.

Online References:

• Martial Arts History Museum – Includes sections on the development of Tang Soo Do and its cultural significance.
• PKSA.com