The practice of Hyeong or the forms is one of the most important parts of any martial arts. Forms are basically predefined techniques and moves which are arranged in a specific sequence and are repeatedly practiced by the practitioners in order to achieve the perfect training. These techniques involve basic movements such as kicking, many empty hand fighting styles and also some of them make use of different weapons during the performance. It is generally based on several complicated self defense techniques. The forms are categorized into two broad groups. They are Weh Ka Ryu and the Neh Ka Ryu. The Weh Ka Ryu refers to the external style of fighting which includes moves with lots of energy and power. Aggression is the key rule behind these kinds of external moves. This style was influenced by the schools in Southern China. On the other hand the Neh Ka ryu or the internal techniques lay emphasis on the concentration on the inner strength. They were influenced by the Northern Chinese institutions.
As in case of various martial art forms, Tang Soo Do also has a ranking system. The progress of a practitioner is marked with the progressive change of his belt color. Different colors of the belt are used for denoting different level of achievements. The learners are given a white belt in the beginning which symbolizes purity and genuineness. The next belt is the yellow belt. It means the student is in a stage where he is revealing his newly discovered skills through the practice sessions. The orange belt denotes the emerging of the new found knowledge. Red and the green belts are for the growth and development. It includes the basic learning, which is required to achieve the expertise. During this phase of training one learns how to maintain the right energy level with proper coordination of the body and the brain. The final achievement is represented by the midnight blue belt.
Nowadays, Tang Soo do is one of the most popular martial arts known in the world. It has expanded its wings through out the globe through several schools and training centers all over the world. In this present hectic world one needs a way to reduce the stress level and to enhance the physical strength; the best way is through practicing Tang Soo Do.
