Assist Grand Master Mujahid Khan (8th Dan) is the European Director and Chief Instructor of Region 11. The Art of Tang Soo Do
In 1968 Master Jae Chul Shin came to the United States of America as the U.S. He formed the United States Tang Soo Do Federation in Burlington, New Jersey. The organization expanded to all parts of America and foreign countries. This traditional and classical art was quickly accepted and soon grew in popularity throughout America and the world. After 14 years of Tang Soo Do promotion in the U.S.A. and the world, the organisation was re-organised to fit new demands internationally and domestically. On November 13th 1982, a charter convention for the World Tang Soo Do Association was held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. At the charter convention a new constitution was passed, a new logo and insignia were selected, the uniform and belt system were revised, and new organizational standards were adopted. Most importantly, Master Jae C. Shin was recognised as Grandmaster of the World Tang Soo Do Association. With the proclamation of three mottos, Traditionalism, Professionalism and Brotherhood, the advent of the World Tang Soo Do Association evoked the interest of many international martial artists, whose genuine interest was in the Art, and was not sports oriented. In the past three decades, the Association has expanded from 17 member studios to 400 plus, from 164 charter members to over 150,000 members. As of 2010, the following global locations are training under the banner of the World Tang Soo Do Association; Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Bolivia, Canada, China, Chile, Columbia, Costa Rica, Great Britain, Germany, Greece, Guam, Holland, Italy, Korea, Mozambique, Mexico, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Puerto Rico, Russia, Seychelles, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Sweden, Uruguay and the U.S.A. For the purpose of guidance and regional management, there are 21 region which make up the World Tang So Do Association. The martial art of Tang Soo Do is relatively modern, but it's roots lie in the ancient Korean art of Soo Bahk Do, which can be traced back many centuries. Tang Soo Do is a style composed from three major areas and styles, which are Soo Bahk Do (60%), Northern China Kung Fu (30%) and Southern China Kung Fu (10%) Literally translated, the word TANG means T'ang Dynasty of China which reflects the shared cultural background between China and Korea. SOO means hand, but it implies fist, punch, strike or defence. DO means way of life or art. Thus TANG SOO DO means the korean classical martial art which was influenced by the T'ang method of martial art. The final translation can be put together as the rather poetical - WAY OF THE CHINA HAND
Tang Soo Do is both a 'hard' and a 'soft' style of martial art, with the hard external influence coming from the Soo Bahk and the soft internal from the Northern Chinese systems. Both of which can easily be recognised in the Hyungs (forms) that are practised within the style. The purpose of Tang Soo Do training is not for fighting, but to perfect techniques which will enhance your total self. If the occasion arises when you must defend yourself, of equal importance is the development of the proper spirit to supplement the physical skills which are attained. Tang Soo Do is a classical martial art and it's purpose is to develop every aspect of the 'self' in order to produce a mature person who can totally integrate his intellect, emotions, body and spirit.
