Tang Soo Do is a Korean martial art that combines elements of Karate, Kung Fu, and ancient Korean martial arts. One of the key components of the art is the practice of Hyungs, which are pre-arranged patterns that students use to develop their techniques and skills. In this article, we will take a closer look at one of the more interesting Hyung series in the art of Tang Soo Do / Soo Bahk Do: the Yuk Ro Hyung series.
The Yuk Ro Cho Dan Hyung is the beginning form of a series of six forms known as the "Yuk Ro Hyung." These forms were created by Hwang Kee, the founder of the martial art of Tang Soo Do. In 1957, as he studied the Moo Yei Do Bo Tong Ji, Hwang Kee translated and divided the section on Kwon Bup of the manual into 17 patterns called hyungs, 6 of these patterns are the Yuk Ro Hyungs, 10 are the Sip Dan Khum and the last is Hwa Sun. The forms are considered to be more advanced and complex than the basic forms and are designed to help students develop a deeper understanding of the art and to prepare them for more advanced training.
The Yuk Ro Cho Dan Hyung is composed of 42 movements, including the ready positions and is designed to teach the student the basics of the martial art and to develop their coordination, balance, and power. Additionally, the form also focuses on developing fundamental martial arts concepts such as stances, breathing, power generation, focus, and concentration, balance, and coordination, and discipline and respect.
This form is usually taught to students at the 1st Gup level, who have achieved the rank of red belt with two stripes and are getting ready for the Cho Dan (black belt) level. It is considered an essential part of the traditional curriculum of Tang Soo Do and is typically the last form that a student will learn before black belt. It is also used as a method of developing focus and discipline, and it is characterized by its fluid and dynamic movements.
The Hyungs of Tang Soo Do were influenced by three Ryu, or styles: Weh Ga Ryu, Neh Ga Ryu, and Joong Gan Ryu. The Weh Ga Rye and Neh Ga Ryu styles were combined together form the Joong Gan Ryu (middle way style) which is the foundation of the Yuk Ro Hyungs. It emphasizes the development of both hard and soft techniques, and it is characterized by its fluid and dynamic movements. Mastering the basics is crucial in any martial art, and the Yuk Ro Hyung series provides students with a different perspective upon which to build their skills and techniques introduced with Yuk Ro Cho Dan. By learning this form, students will develop the coordination, balance, and power needed to progress to more advanced forms and techniques. Additionally, it also instills discipline, focus, and respect, which are essential in becoming a well-rounded martial artist.
In conclusion, the Yuk Ro Cho Dan Hyung is an interesting form and unique to the art of Tang Soo Do / Soo Bahk Do. On a curious side note, the Yuk Ro Hyung series is also not widely taught or practiced in the Tang Soo Do community. Until then next blog post, "Keep Sharpening your Mind, your Body, and your Character. Take it easy."
