Programs
Karate / Tang Soo Do
American Tang Soo Do is the core martial arts system behind America's Best schools — discipline, respect, and a clear path to Black Belt.
Overview
America's Best martial arts training is rooted in old-school American principles that emphasize discipline and respect. Programs serve both juniors and adults, with a comprehensive approach that focuses on the mental and physical sides of martial arts.
For families, the curriculum is a tool for building responsible, confident students — using positive reinforcement to develop self-confidence and discipline. For adults, it is a dynamic way to manage life physically and mentally. As students progress through the ranks to Black Belt, they face challenges that foster personal growth.
The program is more than self-defense instruction — it is a self-improvement journey with Black Belt as the ultimate reward. Workouts are engaging and enjoyable while teaching practical skills for everyday situations.
American Tang Soo Do is one of the most respected Korean martial arts, practiced by hundreds of thousands of martial artists around the world. Affiliated schools become part of that tradition under the America's Best brand.
History of American Tang Soo Do
Tang Soo Do has a history spanning more than 50 years, tracing its roots to Grand Master Hwang Kee, who began teaching in Seoul, Korea, in the fall of 1945. Having mastered traditional Korean arts such as Soo Bahk Do and Tae Kyun, he traveled to northern China in 1936 and studied the Tang Method of Kung Fu. Combining those principles with Soo Bahk Do, he formed Tang Soo Do — blending hardness with the fluidity of northern Chinese Kung Fu.
The art spread under Grand Master Hwang Kee and the Tang Soo Do Moo Duk Kwan Federation. The name reflects the art’s philosophy: a brotherhood and school of stopping inner and outer conflict and developing virtue according to the way of the worthy hand. Tang Soo Do is not merely a sport; it is a classical martial art meant to develop intellect, body, emotions, and spirit.
American Tang Soo Do, a distinct adaptation of that tradition, owes its origins to Chuck Norris. Returning to the United States as a new black belt, he saw that while Tang Soo Do offered a vast kicking arsenal, it needed stronger hand techniques for tournament sparring. Training with Japanese martial artists, he blended powerful punching with Tang Soo Do kicking to create American Tang Soo Do.
Norris became a dominant competitive figure in the 1960s and 1970s — including six consecutive World Karate Championships — and helped popularize martial arts in the United States. Today, American Tang Soo Do continues that legacy: physical skill paired with discipline, respect, and self-improvement.
Core values
- Courtesy – Treat people with kindness
- Integrity – Honesty
- Perseverance – Goal setting (always trying your best)
- Self-Control – Controlling your thoughts and emotions
- Indomitable Spirit – Never give up
- Respect – A formal expression or gesture of greeting, esteem, or friendship
Student oath
- I shall observe the tenets of Tang Soo Do.
- I shall respect instructors and seniors.
- I shall never misuse Tang Soo Do.
- I will be a champion of freedom and justice.
- I will build a more peaceful world.
Student creed
- To build true confidence through knowledge in the mind, honesty in the heart, and strength in the body.
- To keep friendship with one another, and to build a strong and happy community.
- Never fight to achieve selfish ends, but to develop might for right.
Gallery
Training in action
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Affiliation
Affiliate for Karate & Tang Soo Do
Full-school affiliation with America's Best brings branding, curriculum standards, and instructor development for Tang Soo Do and related programs.
What affiliation supports
- Core America's Best Tang Soo Do / karate curriculum for full-school operations
- Brand recognition, naming clarity, and parent-organization backing
- Paths into specialty systems (AKMF Krav Maga, Team 3 BJJ) when your school is ready