"What does Tang Soo Do mean?" You ask.
His answer:
Tang - T'ang dynasty of China.
Soo - Hand, implies fist, punch or strike.
Do - Way of life or art.
"What's the story behind Tang Soo Do?" You ask.
So the man sits you down and tells you the story of the martial art.
"Early Tang Soo Do can be traced back to when a mystical land, Korea, was divided into three kingdoms; Koguryo was founded in 37 BC in Northern Korea, Silla was founded in 57 BC in the Southeastern Peninsula, and Paekche was founded in 18 BC. The Silla Dynasty was the most famous for it's decelopment of the martial arts. A group of young men called "Hwa Rang Dan" was the major group who developed these arts. After a long series of wars, and with the help of the "Hwa Rang Dan" and China, the Silla Dynasty defeated the other two kingdoms and unified Korea. The Silla Dynasty Ruled Korea from 668 AD - 935 AD. The "Hwa Rang Dan" furnished many of their leaders. The Silla Dynasty was overthrown by Wang Kin, a warlord, in 935 AD. During the time of the Ko Ryo, Tang Soo Do was developed. It was also called Kwon Bop, Tae Kyun, Soo Bahk, and Tang Soo."
" Why are the men yelling like that?" You ask.
His answer:
"We yell to develop spiritual strength with concentration, power and confidence."
"Why are the men bowing to each other?" You ask.
His reply,
"We bow to show sincerity of respect. It is also a Korean form of greeting, and we bow when: to the flags when we enter the dojang (school), when we see the Master Instructor anywhere and anytime we see him/her, we bow to higher level belts and fellow students whenever we see them."
"Why do you break boards?"
"We break boards to develop power, precision, concentration, and to test the effectiveness of various techniques."
"Why do you meditate?"
"We meditate to gather spiritual awareness, and to produce a feeling of calm and relaxation. This serenity can become a habit even in highly stressful situation. In such situations, with the mind cleared of emotion and unecessary distractions, self-control is maintained and the proper action can be taken. Also, meditation becomes concentration when action is required."
"Does Lady Poca know these techniques as well?"
"Lady Poca was my first student. She is very accomplished in the art of fighting, and can best even her highest officers. She trains with them whenever possible, and can definitely hold her own on a field of battle, with and without a weapon."