Soo Bahk Do

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"

Features

Soo Bahk Do is notable for its use of strong, deep stances as in Shotokan Karate, while also employing raising and dropping the centre of gravity between stances and in motions (like in Taekwondo) to help generate force.

Additionally, its pyong-an (Pinan) utilise many of the direct, linear forms of Shotokan Karate Kata, while the individual blocks, strikes and techniques themselves often utilise the more circular constructions of other Korean martial arts, as influenced by Northern Chinese martial arts styles throughout history.

Ranks

Soo Bahn Do uses a traditional belt ranking system for Korean Martial Arts:

1. White (10th to 9th geup rank)     
2. Orange (8th to 7th geup)     
3. Green (6th to 4th geup)     
4. Red (3rd to 1st geup)     
5. Midnight Blue (1st to 3th dan rank)     
6. Midnight Blue with Central Red stripe (5th 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.

See also

• Moo Duk Kwan
• Tang Soo Do

External links

• U.S. Soo Bahk Do Moo Duk Kwan Federation
• U.K. Soo Bahk Do Moo Duk Kwan Federation
• Philippine Soo Bahk Do Moo Duk Kwan Federation