Soo Bahk Do™ Philosophy

The ultimate goal of the Moo Duk Kwan school is building in its practitioners in mental and physical strength, and the ability to deal with both inner and outer conflict with forthrightness and virtue.

The art we practice is Soo Bahk Do, the style is Moo Duk Kwan. Moo = Stop conflict or to want peace, Duk = Virtue and Kwan = School. The Moo Duk Kwan philosophy draws from Confucianism, Taoism and the code of conduct taught to the Hwa Rang (Korean Knights).

The Moo Duk Kwan philosophy is one based on action: in the Moo Duk Kwan action leads to understanding theory. We believe like Confucius said "Action speaks louder than words," so there are strict guidelines and traditional protocols in the Moo Duk Kwan style.

GrandMaster Hwang Kee wrote "Rockets fly to the moon, the rocket evolved from the Wright brothers' airplane, which can be traced to the theories of Leonardo Da Vinci. It appears that rockets were developed through difficult endeavors and studies over many years. In the state of the martial art the present is based on history of the past." So we in the Moo Duk Kwan school follow a disciplined traditional philosophy.

Five Moo Do Values

Eight Key Concepts

Yong Gi - Courage
Chung Shin Tong Il - Concentration
In Neh - Endurance
Chung Jik - Honesty
Kyum Son - Humility
Him Cho Chung - Control of power
Shin Chook - Tension and relaxation
Wan Gup - Speed control

Ten Articles of Faith in Training

1- Be loyal to your country
2- Be obedient to your parents
3- Be loving between husband and wife
4- Be cooperative between brothers and sisters
5- Be respectful to your elders
6- Be faithful to your teacher
7- Be faithful to your friends
8- Face conflict with justice and honor
9- Never retreat in battle
10- Always finish what you start

Mission 2000

Mission 2000 is GrandMaster Hwang Kee's and the Moo Duk Kwan school's goal to be reached by the year 2000. Mission 2000 is world peace through improved human relationships, and includes six areas of development for the Moo Duk Kwan discipline:

1- Human Relationships - National
Continue to develop the atmosphere of Respect, Courtesy, Friendship, Brotherhood, Cooperation and Goodwill within the Soo Bahk Do membership.

2- Human Relationships - International
The atmosphere identified in number one above should become consistent throughout the world. The U.S. should be the leading energy force in developing and distribution this atmosphere.

3- Moo Do Organization
We are a Martial Arts (Moo Do) organization. We must continue to develop as a Martial Arts organization.

4- Administration of the Organization
The Officers and the Board of Directors should take a more active role regarding the administration of the Federation.

5- Members Organization
This is a members organization. We must all work to produce a caring and helping atmosphere for mutual benefit.

6- Financial Stability
We should take a more aggressive approach toward creating a financially stable organization.

Student Creeds

The student creeds are part of the children's training, to help them set their intention for personal growth as a result of Soo Bahk Do.

Creed #1

I intend to develop myself in a positive manner and avoid anything that would impair my mental growth or physical health.

Creed #2

I intend to develop self-discipline in order to bring out the best in myself and others.

Creed #3

I intend to us the skills I learn in class constructively and defensively; to help myself and my fellow man, and never be abusive or offensive.