Our approach
Philosophy
The school offers classes to heal and improve the Mind, Body and Spirit of its students and transform their lives towards better.
Objectives of Tang Soo Do
To help the individual develop Mentally, Physically and Spiritually, and in doing so gain more knowledge of the self — by increasing self-awareness and developing a greater sensitivity towards all things in nature.
In nature, be like water.
At rest, like a mirror.
Respond like an echo.
Be subtle, as though non-existent.
Objective one
Mental Development
Tang Soo Do develops the intellectual capacities of the student. It concentrates on developing the student's ability to analyse new situations; to reason quickly, and to think and act through knowledge and spirit.
It also offers the student a higher degree of mental development by introducing each individual to a state of mental consciousness that is non-intellectual. This is achieved by helping each student to perceive experiences, interactions and situations as they occur, through the utilisation of all of the senses. In Tang Soo Do, the student learns to further develop and utilise all of the senses, and is not restricted to the belief that the human mechanism consists only of the five senses as recognised by the Western world.
Objective two
Physical Development
Each individual has different physical abilities and limitations. In Tang Soo Do, students learn to recognise and cope with their limitations but, more importantly, they learn to develop all of those qualities and physical abilities they are capable of attaining.
The practice of Tang Soo Do exercises both the internal and external systems of the human anatomy, which results in keeping one younger, healthier and more physically fit for a longer period of time. Since Tang Soo Do practice involves the utilisation of the entire body, the student develops better coordination and quicker reflexes. The muscular fibres of the body do not deteriorate and atrophy, and the internal and autonomic systems of the body function more efficiently.
Within each living thing in the Universe there exists an internal physical force that is the necessary ingredient for the perpetuation of life. The student of Tang Soo Do does not learn to develop this physical force — since it already exists — but rather develops an awareness of it, and develops a means of utilising it in conjunction with all other physical properties of the human body. Mere physical or muscular strength is not all that is involved; instead, each student strives to develop a means of getting “in touch” with their inner force and strength, in an attempt to become a more complete physical being that is part of, and not separate from, the Universe.
Objective three
Spiritual Development
The practice of Tang Soo Do enables one to grow spiritually by developing within each student a positive philosophical approach to life. One of the main purposes of Tang Soo Do is the development of character. Students strive to improve their character and mental perspective through a system of training that requires a high concentration and disciplining of the mind and body.
The ultimate goal of the art is creation: a spiritual awakening of the mind and body towards a sensitivity and appreciation for the beauty of life, and love and reverence for nature. Students develop humility and a change in personality by gaining a sensitivity of which they are not usually aware. They learn to respond to their innermost feelings and become more self-confident, more self-sufficient as a person, more independent, mature and inner-directed.
Students able to maintain this communion with themselves outside the school are able to meet any conflict or situation in a more able manner, using their entire “being” to deal with life.
A rare poem
Sip Sam Seh
Never neglect any of the Sip Sam Seh.
The source of the will is in the waist.
Pay attention to the slightest change from full to empty.
Let energy flow through the whole body continuously.
Stillness embodies motion, motion stillness. Seek stillness in motion.
Surprising things will happen when you meet your opponent.
Give awareness and purpose to every movement.
When done correctly, all will appear effortless.
At all times pay attention to the waist.
Relaxed, clear awareness of abdomen — the energy can be activated.
When the base of the spine is erect, energy rises to the top of the head.
The body should be flexible. Hold the head as if suspended from a string.
Keep alert and seek the meaning and purpose of your art.
Bent and stretched, open and closed, let nature take its course.
Beginners are guided by oral teaching.
Gradually one applies himself more and more.
Skill will take care of itself.
What is the main principle of the martial arts? The mind is the primary actor and the body the secondary one.
What is the purpose and philosophy behind the martial arts?
Rejuvenation and prolonging of life beyond the normal span.
So, an eternal spring.
Every word of this song has enormous value and importance. Failing to follow this song attentively, you will sigh away your time.
One teacher, three arts
All classes are taught by Master Thirumoorthy Gunasekaran, who has more than 28 years of studying these healing arts and is a Certified International Master Instructor from the Healing Arts Center, Fremont, California, USA. He is a student of Grand Master David Bell, and this school is in affiliation with Fremont Tang Soo Do.
Come and see for yourself
The philosophy is best understood on the floor, not on a page.
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