Soo Bahk Do means art of worthy hands, Soo denotes the hand while bahk do signifies the art, ways and methods.
It is a method of bare hand, foot and weapon fighting. It emphasizes the systematic use of the hands, legs and other parts of the human body through scientifically applied punches, kicks and blocks in self-defence based on the prinicples of yeilding, circular motion and penetration.
Spiritual or mental training is the other aspect of the art which is important towards cultivating a disciplined mind, body and spirit. Its ultimate goal is to protect and preserve life even that of an enemy.
Soo Bahk Do - brief history
- an ancient martial art which originated some 2000 years ago in Korea.
- Promoted by Chinese Buddhist monks during the 4th century A.D.in Korea
- Silla Dynasty (A.D.668-935) saw the rapid spread of martial arts and known for its military prowess of its young warrior class, the Hwa Rang. The existing tenets of the art originated from the tenets of these warriors.
- During the Yi Dynasty (A.D.1390-1907) the National Martial Arts Manual was published and term Soo Bahk Do (art of worthy hands) was introduced and became widely used.
- Japanese occupation of Korea from year 1907 to 1945, caused disruption to the practice of the martial arts.This gave the many masters of Soo Bahk Do no choice but to practice secretly or to leave the country.
- Following the liberation of Korea in year l945, it saw the formation of Moo Duk Kwan and a few other marial art schools.
- Later Moo Duk Kwan joined hand with another martial art school to form the Korean Soo Bahk Do Association in 1960 for the purpose of developing the traditional Korean martial arts. The art Soo Bahk Do geared up and has since spread through out the world.
- It was first introduced to Kuching in year 1968 and has since being practised and spread through out the region.
The Art as it is Today
We are still striving to maintain the traditional value of the art, its principles, ideologies and philosophy as they were taught in the ancient times, although the system has adjusted to the physical needs of the modern lifestyles. Nevertheless the art has continued with its design to develop individual character, self-discipline, mental strength, self-control, respect for others, etiquette and ultimately to a better person than he was.
It is truly an international art for young and old irrespective of sex.
(the above article is subject to discussion...)
Its Significant & Objective
- Practising the art is not just the ability to fight though the art has much to do with it, but: ....it is the knowing when to be humble and when to be firm; ....it is the knowing when to stand up for yourself and when to back down; ....it is courtesy to others but the demanding of respect from them in return.
- Basically trying to live with it.
- To avoid fights if at all possible, but still to let others know that you are a person and expected to be treated as one.
- To be humble when the situation calls for humbleness and firm when firmness is needed.
- Whenever at the point of losing your temper to examine the situation and other point of view and most times, because of the principles, mental training gain. you are able to control and realize that harsh words are not necessary if you can smile, talk and communicate with them.
& Objectively
- To provide and develop the art.
- To provide training for any martial enthusiasts on the physical and spiritual aspects of the art.
- To provide a common place whereby all martial enthusiasts coming from different races, backgrounds and academic qualifications can be together to promote goodwill, harmony and of one community.
- To provide recreation activities to students to refrain them from mixing with bad societies and drugs taking.
