INTRODUCTION TO TANGSOOLOGY

By

The Center for TangSooDo Studies

 

                Tangsoology is the disciplined study and practice of a physical, mental, intellectual and spiritual syllabus which encourages the practitioners to implement better habits, behaviors and spiritual beliefs into their daily lives.

 

                Tangsoology credits its development to the experiences and teachings of Master Jong Hyan Lee (b. 1938 - d. 1985).  Master J.H. Lee studied the Korean Martial Arts for over thirty-five years.  Master J.H. Lee spent many years learning and later teaching Grandmaster Hwang Kee’s (b. 1914 – d. 2002) TangSooDo MooDukKwan style, also known as SooBahkDo, to hundreds of students from the mid 1950's till his death in 1985.  Master J.H. Lee holds the rank of Seventh Dan in the SooBahkDo MooDukKwan, was presented the rank of Eighth Dan by the Black Belt Committee of the Institute of Tangsoology in 1979 and was promoted to 10th Dan in 1985 in Memoriam.  Presently Master J.H. Lee is referred to as Grandmaster Lee by the Korean Karate Association of Santee, California headed by Master Casey Mahon.

 

                Master J.H. Lee relocated to the United States in the year 1962 and resided in San Diego, California.  Master J.H. Lee held the rank of SamDan at that time.  The Art of TangSooDo MooDukKwan is the foundation of Tangsoology.

 

                TangSooDo MooDukKwan is the creation of Korean Grandmaster Hwang Kee’s (now known as SooBahkDo) ideas and refinements of ancient arts of “self-defense” with a strong emphasis on many varied kicking techniques.  TangSooDo contains a wide assortment of hand techniques from many Chinese, Okinawan, Japanese and Korean styles.  TangSooDo is a physical and mental discipline based on the effective use of the human body for the express purpose of self-protection.

 

MooDukKwan (martial virtue school) is a school of study that emphasizes intellectual and spiritual disciplines, for the express purpose of personal and social betterment.  This is the guiding tenet of MooDuk.

With this having been stated here is the current problem; so many practitioners have been taught and therefore know the MooDukKwan tenets, yet so few practice them.  To practice means to live by the tenets established and not give in to frail human temptation merely to gratify one’s own ego or use the Art for selfish material gain.  A serious student can recognize this lack of “practice”; for instance, just look for tournaments with haughty circus-type demonstrations, “wild” breaking techniques, training with anger and aggression, using training sessions as a stress releaser, or demonstrations conducted with a feeling of superiority, etc.  This type of common standard practice should open our eyes and remind us all to teach the way of peace early on to impressionable young minds.  Many people teach and train for all the wrong reasons!

                As stated previously, Tangsoology is the study of physical, mental, intellectual, and spiritual character refinement.  In Tangsoology the integrity of the art relies on the practitioners’ relentless pursuit in upholding the tenets set forth by the school and the practices and teachings of Master J.H. Lee.  Therefore, in principle it can be deduced that MooDukKwan and Tangsoology are essentially one and the same.

 

                MooDukKwan and Tangsoology {schools} emphasize higher goals which practitioners should strive toward.  The operative word in Tangsoology is “self”: self-motivation, self-improvement, self-competition, self-discipline, self-confidence, self-reliance, self-esteem, self-education and self-sacrifice.

 

Tangsoology promotes greater social awareness and emphasizes the importance of being a positive influence within society.  There is enough pugnaciousness in the world.  Etiquette, meditation (Muk Nyum), individual hand and foot techniques, forms (Hyung), combinations, techniques, one-steps (HoSinSul), conditioning the body, educating the mind and engaging the spirit to overcome the pressures and ignorance of the outside world constitutes 98% of a students training.  With all of this to work on, who has time to fight with anyone?  When you practice the “way” of peace you must embody this total philosophy in your daily life.  Otherwise you deceive yourself as well as others.

 

TEACHINGS OF MASTER JONG HYAN LEE

 

TANGSOOLOGY

 

                Tangsoology is the study of disciplines which enlightens an individual physically, mentally, intellectually and spiritually.

 

 

CHARACTERISTICS OF TANGSOOLOGY:

 

                Tangsoology is a Physical, Mental, Intellectual, and Spiritual Art.  Anyone can learn the Art with consistent effort and faith.  You can practice the Art anywhere.  You can practice individually or as a group.  The Art protects your life.

 

 

TANGSOOLOGY CREED

Created in 1994 for the Tangsoology Institute of Colorado Springs

                I pledge to contribute my spiritual, intellectual, and physical improvement to the human race in order to unite and cooperate with others to ensure a more peaceful society, to recognize falseness, and align myself with truth, to lend assistance to others less fortunate than myself and to further the teachings and traditions of Tangsoology.

THE PHILOSOPHY

 

  1. Endeavor to live by moral principles.
  2. Develop habits which are conducive to self-improvement and learning.
  3. Organize and attempt to achieve higher goals.
  4. Fulfill duties and responsibilities.
  5. Maintain a high state of mental, physical, intellectual and spiritual well-being.
  6. Strive for perfection within all your endeavors.
  7. Be truthful with yourself and gain the respect and admiration of others.
  8. Learn to recognize and respect the achievements of others.
  9. Become aware of individual and social forces which may impact upon you negatively.
  10. Become a contributing member of your community; help to promote peace and understanding.

 

 

YOUR ATTITUDE

 

  1. The purpose of training is to enhance your mental, physical, intellectual and spiritual self.
  2. Sincerity and great effort are necessary.
  3. Maintain a consistent practice schedule.
  4. Always do your best during training.
  5. Do what is asked of you without question; listen, watch and learn.
  6. Examine closely every aspect of your practice; recognize excessive ambitious behaviors.
  7. Attempt to overcome feelings of laziness, worthlessness, depression, and mental agitation.
  8. Accept your limitations in such a manner as you do your abilities.

 

 

CODES FOR YOUR CONDUCT

 

  1. Love and respect your parents.
  2. Be respectful toward all elderly people and your peers.
  3. Be cooperative with others and trust your friends.
  4. Be loyal to your teacher and fellow students.
  5. Establish an understanding between your teacher and yourself.
  6. Have a reverence for nature and all things within it.
  7. Avoid killing animals.

 

 

MENTAL TRAINING REQUIREMENTS

 

  1. Oneness with nature.
  2. An awareness of your surroundings.
  3. Mental exercitation.
  4. Courtesy, integrity, and humility.
  5. Modest and thankful heart.
  6. Self-discipline and self-sacrifice.
  7. Be patient and strong inside; mild and kind outside.
  8. Cultivate endurance, courage and belief in yourself.
  9. Empty your mind and seek to understand the meaning of basic motions, techniques, and forms.

 

 

PHYSICAL TRAINING REQUIREMENTS

 

  1. Vocal concentration.  {ki-yup}
  2. Focus of sight; maintain eye contact.
  3. Breath control, balance, flexibility and speed.
  4. Exactness of technique.
  5. Always make each move an effective move.
  6. Try to give meaning to your motions.
  7. Correct muscle response, for the consolidation of power.
  8. Systematically condition the body, hands and feet through repetitive muscle toning and muscle stretching techniques.

 

A REMINDER TO ALL WHO WISH TO TRAIN AT THIS SCHOOL

 

                Tangsoology training is not about competition with others.  It is about competing with yourself.  The Dojang is not a place for “fighting”.  It is a place where you come to learn and study the way of peace.  An attitude of respect for yourself and others is necessary.  As students we do not come here to use each other as “punching bags”; “No contact” means to keep our elbows, hands and feet from causing injury to ourselves and others.  Training guidelines exist in order to maintain a safe atmosphere for all while in the Dojang.

                Tangsoology training is individual effort; not “team”.  Avoid being lazy mentally or “showing-off”.  Practice with sincerity; you are training to enhance yourself.  The school requires group effort.  Students support the school with their attendance in the classes thereby enhancing each other.  Without individual participation there is no group motivation.  The effort you make to attend classes; quietly following instructions and pushing yourself to learn all the complex movements of the Art, contributes to the development of a strong body, a sharp mind and an unyielding peaceful spirit.  Instructors and students should remember politeness, sincerity and modesty constitute the Way.

 

 

REQUIRED GUIDELINES FOR MEMBERSHIP AND TRAINING

 

                In order to communicate to all members what is expected of them and maintain discipline, dignity, safety, and orderly conduct in the Dojang, the following rules need to exist.

  1. Be of good moral character.
  2. Be in good standing; financially {i.e. dues current} and with regular weekly attendance.
  3. Read and study the Teachings of Master J.H. Lee.
  4. Complete written paper assignments as they are assigned.
  5. Care and cleaning of the Dojang is everybody’s responsibility.  {Not even the Instructor is above this duty.}
  6. Prior to entering or leaving the studio, members should extend courtesy and respect to the Instructor, fellow students and the Tangsoology system by bowing.
  7. For safety reasons; no rings watches or other jewelry should be worn during practice.  No gum, cough drops etc.
  8. The body and hair should be clean; fingernails and toenails should be trimmed.  Try to maintain dignity and self-control during practice.
  9. Shoes should be removed upon entering the Dojang.  Absolutely no shoes on the work-out mat.
  10. Members should arrive early to dress, sweep or clean, warm-up, do forms etc.  If you are late for class please do not walk out on the mat.  Stand at attention and wait to be noticed; the Instructor or senior student will signal, then you may bow and take your place in line.
  11. It is disrespectful to leave once practice has begun.  Inform the Instructor or a senior student before class begins should you need to leave early.
  12. The proper way to conduct yourself during practice is to stand either at “attention,” or at “rest,” position.  You may also sit with legs crossed; or on your knees, hands on your thighs.
  13. There should be no unnecessary noise or talking before, during or after practice on the main floor.  Please no roughhousing, playing around or profanity in or around the studio.
  14. Senior {Sun Beh} students should not show advanced combinations, techniques, forms, etc. which are not required of junior {Hu Beh} students.  All students are required to status test.
  15. Members should have clean, neat uniforms.  Belts should be tied evenly.
  16. Always “turn away” when adjusting uniform {dobok} or belt {dee}.  Always walk behind other students when possible.
  17. Members visiting other schools or activities should always act courteously and respectfully.
  18. Members unable to attend regular classes should phone in to inform the Instructor.  If a member needs to have a leave of absence or resign, he/she needs to inform the school in writing.

 

TANGSOOLOGY INSTITUTE MEMBER INFORMATION

 

  1. Master J.H. Lee founded his first TangSooDo Karate School back in 1962 on October 18 in San Diego, California.  The Institute of Tangsoology was founded in the year 1975.  The passing of Master J.H. Lee occurred in the year 1985, November 28. He is buried at El Camino Memorial Park, Sorrento Valley, San Diego California at Marker 148.
  2. The TangSooDo Institute was founded in the year 1987, October 1 by Mr. Vernon A. Medeiros in Colorado Spring, Colorado.  The Tangsoology Institute formally established itself on November 28, 1994.  The Center for TangSooDo Studies formally established itself on January 1, 1998.
  3. The uniform of Gup rank students is white.  The 1st, 3rd, and 5th gup ranks wear trimmed uniforms; lapel and cuffs in their respective belt colors.  The Dan ranked uniform is Royal Blue trimmed in midnight blue with a midnight blue belt.  The pants are white.  Absolutely no patches, writing or drawing of any kind should be on the dobok.  All members shall adhere to the uniform policies set forth by the Center for TangSooDo Studies.
  4. There are 8 gup ranks below the YuDanJa.  They are as follows: white, (*yellow-stripe) yellow, (*green stripe) green, green-trim, brown, brown-trim, red, red-trim.  Gup ranks are determined through promotional examination. (*stripes are used for special circumstances)
  5. The purpose of a promotional examination is to grant the student an opportunity to demonstrate what he/she has learned and to allow the Instructor to evaluate the effectiveness of his/her teachings.
  6. Tangsoology testing occurs twice a year; usually January and July.  All students are required to status test regardless of rank testing--no exceptions.  Promotional tests require a fee of $15 for gup ranks.  Dan rank fees are as follows:  $100 for Chodan, $125 for Eedan, $150 for Samdan, $175 for Sadan, $200 for Ohdan and $225 for Yukdan.   Status tests are not charged a fee.
  7. Family rates are available.  A family is defined as all members of a single household. Example: boyfriend/girlfriend living together.  Please ask an instructor for more information.
  8. Regular weekly attendance of students is required in order to maintain a healthy school.  Examples: 1 day, hardship, 2 days, average, 3 days, exceptional, 4 days, superior student.

 

 

GRAND MASTER JONG HYAN LEE CONDENSED BIOGRAPHY

 

  1. Born - April 19, 1938 in Anjoung Village, near Seoul, Korea.
  2. Promoted to 1st Dan in 1953 (Dan #885).
  3. Promoted to 2nd Dan in 1955.
  4. Promoted to 3rd Dan in 1959.
  5. First came to the US from Korea in 1960. Had to return to Korea because of an expired Visa in 1961. He returned to the US in 1962.
  6. Founded his first Tang Soo Do school in San Diego, CA under Kwan Jang Nim Hwang Kee in October 18, 1962.
  7. Returned to Korea and promoted to 4th Dan from Kwan Jang Nim Hwang Kee in 1964.
  8. Was appointed by Kwan Jang Nim Hwang Kee to represent Tang Soo Do in CA in 1965.
  9. Flew to Korea and promoted to 5th Dan in 1968.
  10. Flew to Korea and promoted to 6th Dan in 1972.
  11. Flew to Korea and promoted to 7th Dan in 1975.
  12. Founded the Institute of Tangsoology, San Diego, CA in 1975.
  13. Promoted to 8th Dan by the Institute of Tangsoology Black Belt Committee in 1979.
  14. Passed - November 28, 1985.
  15. Promoted to 10th Dan by the Institute of Tangsoology in Memoriam in 1985.

 

 

SABOM NIM VERNON A. MEDEIROS CONDENSED BIOGRAPHY

 

 

1.        Born – December 2, 1952 in Sendai, Japan.

2.        In 1979, Sabom Nim Medeiros began studying TangSooDo at San Diego City College under Master Jong H. Lee.  Sabom Nim remained with the Institute through 1984.

  1. Promoted to 1st Dan in 1987 by Mr. Jose Melendez.
  2. In 1987, Sabom Nim founded the TangSooDo Institute in Colorado Springs, CO. The Institute was renamed “San Shin Kwan” (mountain spirit school) in 1993.
  3. Promoted to 2nd Dan in 1993 by GM Chun Sik Kim, International TangSooDo Federation.
  4. In December of 1997, the San Shin Kwan officially closed.
  5. Promoted to 3rd Dan in 1997 by the Tangsoology Institute.
  6. In January of 1998, Sabom Nim founded The Center for TangSooDo Studies.
  7. Sabom Nim officially taught at the Center for TangSooDo Studies until summer of 2004.
  8. Promoted to 4th Dan in 2008 by Jugensoku Aikido and the Center for Aikido and TangSooDo Studies.
  9. Promoted to 5th Dan by the Colorado Purple Mountain Dojo/Dojang Association in 2009.
  10. Sabom Nim currently teaches at the Center for TangSooDo Studies in Hagerstown Maryland.

 

 

 

 

 

Revision #1:  12/04/2006

Revision #2:  12/16/2006 – Added SBN VAM Bio, GM to M Lee’s title.

Revision #3:  12/17/2006 – Added birth/death dates for GM Lee/GM Kee.

Revision #4:  1/27/2009 – Updated GM Lee & Sabom’s information.