Korean nationalists are not quick to admit that other countries influence their society. The “home grown” Korean arts are no exception. To a Korean, Tang Soo Do is proudly considered to be a strictly Korean Martial Art form; to say otherwise would cause major upheaval by purists. However, the influence of three other Asian societies greatly influenced the early development of Tang Soo Do. This is evident in the first forms or “Hyungs” introduced by founder Hwang Kee.
The first “forms” taught within the system were of Japanese and Okinawan origin. The style included a mix of well-known forms from other systems. Basic movements and motion were obviously influenced by older and more widespread styles.
The traditional style of Tang Soo Do as taught by Hwang Kee was altered by Ki Whang Kim to include his knowledge of Chinese Kempo and Wushu. He added Ju-Jitsu and Aikido skills to his teaching regimen. He also brought open tournament competition into the mix, where his version of fighting skills significantly influenced the beginning of “Point Karate.”
Mr. Kim immigrated to California in the late Fifties and established his base of instruction. By the mid-Sixties, Mr. Kim had established his base of operations in Silver Spring, Maryland, a suburb on the Washington DC border. Eventually, Black Belts promoted by Mr. Kim left his school to form their own clubs and student followings. Most, however, stuck to the traditional teaching of the style formed and established by Mr. Kim.
By the mid-Sixties, American Black Belts were dominating the Martial Arts on the east coast. Women and children were being assimilated into the Martial Arts. As more and more schools opened, instructors “Americanized.” The macho attitudes of early Karate styles were forced into the background by economics. Instructors couldn’t pay the rent by beating students into submission. These early cultural changes formed the origins of Kinney Karate.
