Soo Bahk Do is a martial art founded and taught by Kwan Jang Nim Hwang Kee, his successor Hwang Hyun Chul, known as H.C. Hwang, and instructors who are certified by member organizations of the World Moo Duk Kwan, Inc. This martial art was originally the ancient martial art of Korea. Hwang Kee created Moo Duk Kwan with influence from "Soo Bahk Do"
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Features
Soo Bahk Do is notable for its use of strong, deep stances as in Shotokan Karate, while also emphasizing a very active use of the hip to help generate force in each movement performed. It is known for its vast array of kicks, a hallmark of Korean martial arts.
Additionally, its pyong-an (Pinan) utilize many of direct, linear forms similar to Shotokan Karate Kata, while the individual blocks, strikes and techniques themselves often utilize the more circular constructions of other Korean martial arts, as influenced by Northern Chinese martial arts styles throughout history.
Ranks
Soo Bahk Do uses a traditional belt ranking system for Korean Martial Arts:
- White (10th to 9th gup rank)
- Orange (8th to 7th gup)
- Green (6th to 4th gup)
- Red (3rd to 1st gup)
- Midnight Blue (1st to 3rd dan rank)
- Midnight Blue with Central Red stripe (4th dan and above)
Note that for some Dojang, a grading system using a Yellow belt prior to orange belt may be employed, especially for the younger practitioners.