Soo Bahk Do Moo Duk Kwan
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Dolby Soo Bahk Do Karate is a nationally certified studio with the U.S. Soo Bahk Do Federation.
Call us at 562-274-5811 or
562-857-5567
Our Art
Grandmaster Hwang Kee
Our Founder Grandmaster Hwang Kee (1914-2002)
Grand Master Hwang Kee was first inspired to study
the Martial arts in 1921 when he was about seven
years old. At a traditional Festival called "Dan O"
he was visiting a nearby village, where they had
archery, wrestling and many other festivities.
As Grand Master was enjoying the festival, a group
of seven or eight men had a dispute with another
man. Suddenly the group of men attacked the lone
man, who began evading and counter attacking with
his feet, eventually defeating the group of men. This
ability to defend oneself against several attackers so impressed Grand Master Hwang Kee that at that moment he knew he wanted to learn the martial arts.
For several years Grand Master Hwang Kee studied and researched every available source, and at the age of 22 he was recognized as a Master among other martial artists. In May of 1935 Grand Master Hwang Kee began working for the Korean railroad company which allowed him to travel. In May of 1936 he met a Chinese Kung Fu master named Yang, Kuk Jin. Grand Master trained with Master Yang until 1946, at which time China was experiencing a communist revolution. The training consisted of Seh Bop (postures), Bo Bop (steps), Ryun Bop (conditioning) and Hyung (Forms) with their applications. November 9th 1945 Grandmaster Hwang Kee founded the Moo Duk Kwan. The basic ideal of the Moo Duk Kwan is the development of its participants. Strong individuals in Spirit and Body make strong communities, strong communities make strong nations, Strong and peaceful nations make a strong and peaceful world.
What makes Soo Bahk Do different?
There are many fine styles of martial arts. Two of the many things that separate Soo Bahk Do from all other arts and make it unique, are its versatility and philosophy. Because ancient Korea was constantly attacked by both Japan and China, Soo Bahk Do became versatile out of necessity, the result being an art which demands mastery of the whole body, not just kicking and punching. Challenging techniques ranging from quick and spontaneous movements to slow graceful flowing movements gives not only variety but also challenges everyone. Second, many styles teach effective self defense and fighting principles but Soo Bahk Do offers much more than just that. Learning fighting techniques without a strong philosophy is to burden society with more dangerous people. We use Soo Bahk Do to realize our full potential and emphasize "Virtue in action" demonstrating courage, discipline, confidence and humility through our sincere efforts in training and our behavior towards others. You won't just hear our philosophy you'll see it in action. THIS is what makes Soo Bahk Do VERY DIFFERENT!
What is Soo Bahk Do?
First it is important to understand that Soo Bahk Do is the Art and Moo Duk Kwan is the style. Soo Bahk Do is the technical side, and the Moo Duk Kwan is the philosophical side of "Soo Bahk Do Moo Duk Kwan." Soo Bahk Do (combat with bare hands and feet) is the only Korean martial art handed down from the Ko Ku Ryo Dynasty, thereby making it the oldest Korean martial art (aprox. 2,000 years old)
Translated literally, Moo Duk Kwan means "Institute of Martial Virtue." It is the scientific use of the body in methods of self defense, combined with a strict philosophy guiding the practitioner towards discovering their full potential. Soo Bahk Do, translated means "Hand Striking Way", and is the means to forge a body towards gaining ultimate use of its faculties through intensive physical and mental training.