What is Tang Soo Do?
Tang Soo Do is the Korean pronunciation of Karate-Do as originally written, using the “Kara” character meaning “China Hand or Tang Hand”.
Brought from Japan to South Korea in 1944 by Grandmaster Won Kuk Lee, the highest-ranking non-Japanese student of Shotokan founder Gichin Funakoshi, Tang Soo Do has evolved, becoming a Traditional form of Korean Karate spreading worldwide.
Master Yun Tak Bong’s dojang, Chong Dong Ri, South Korea 1985
Chung Nam Yun Tang Soo Do
Here, the art of Chung Nam Yun Tang Soo Do is shared as taught by the late Master Yun Tak Bong in Chong Dong Ri, South Korea, and his student Kevin W. Putala.
The art focuses on personal development and strengthening the body, mind, and spirit to prepare individuals to defend themselves and give them the tools to become warriors in life.
The Logo/Patch
The Chung Nam Yun Tang Soo Do logo was designed and created by Kevin Putala, honoring the Tang Soo Do legacy and his martial arts journey. The different facets are explained below.
- Red Circle – As a follower of Jesus Christ, Kevin made the red circle on the outside a brush stroke and represents the saving power of the blood of Jesus Christ, just as blood was painted over the doors of God’s people during Passover, saving them from the angel of death. Chung Nam Yun uses sound Biblical principles as our moral guide, as well as the Tang Soo Do tenets in our training.
- Tiger —The tiger represents Korea, where the art of Tang Soo Do is from and Master Yun’s dojang is located. The tiger is also the national animal of South Korea. It represents the fighting spirit that all Tang Soo Do practitioners should seek to develop, fighting only when necessary and fiercely to win.
- Hanja Characters – The writing to the left of the tiger is called “Hanja” and is a Chinese character used in the Korean language with Korean pronunciation. These characters say “Tang Soo Do” or Way of the China Hand, and pay homage to the true history of Tang Soo Do from Korea, back to Japan, Okinawa, and China. It also represents the martial journey of Kevin Putala, having studied traditional Japanese and Chinese arts along his journey.
Praise be to the LORD my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle.
– Psalm 144:1, NIV
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“Tang Soo Do is for Life and Defense.”
– Master Yun Tak Bong, 7th Dan
Current Project
Online Courses
Begin Your Martial Journey
Have you always wanted to learn a martial art but never started?
train when you were younger and want to get back into it?
don’t live near a school or can’t afford the rising cost of classes?
If you said “Yes” to any of those questions, check out Kevin’s highly-rated courses on the Udemy learning platform.
Earning his black belt studying under the late Master Yun Tak Bong in South Korea, Kevin has dedicated 40 years to teaching and passing on this popular martial art.
These courses have helped over 650 students in 43 countries begin and continue their journey in the art of Traditional Tang Soo Do. Learning in your own home and at your own pace, you will build a solid foundation in Tang Soo Do and martial arts, improving your body, mind, and spirit.
You get lifetime access to every course and you can contact me if you have any questions or need help directly through the course! You will not find this level of instruction for the price ANYWHERE. Start your journey today!
Show Your Warrior Spirit!
Show your warrior spirit with high-quality tees, mugs, and more! Check out our inspirational and motivational merchandise presenting Chung Nam Yun Tang Soo Do, martial arts, fitness, and just being a warrior in life.
All designs are created and hand-drawn by Kevin Putala himself.