Buckeye Tang Soo Do

If you look at different styles, you will notice that while there are basic similarities, there are also distinct differences. On a very broad level, arts that originate from Korea are different from those originating in Japan, China, Europe, Africa, the Philippines, etc.

However, over the years, as these societies have been in contact with each other, the arts have all influenced each other. Despite this interaction, all martial arts have a distinct (yet sometimes very subtle) way of moving, striking, etc.

Which martial art is the best? This is an impossible question to answer. Everyone has their own biases and will usually not hesitate to tell you their art is the best. Who's lying? Nobody; the problem lies in the question being asked. A more accurate question is "Which martial art is right for me?" No one can answer that question for you. You must carefully examine all of the options available, and make your decision based on your observations. What is it *you* want out of a martial art?

At BTSD, we strongly recommend all students visit 3-4 clubs to see which one best suits them. Interact with the instructor, ask lots of questions, and think about the answers you receive. Try a class with each group and see how you like the way you are treated.

In general, arts can be classified in the following ways:

Empty-Handed striking arts (Tae Kwon Do, some systems of Karate)
Empty-handed grappling arts. (Judo, Jiujitsu, Wrestling)
Striking and Grappling Arts (Hapkido, Shuai Chiao)
Arts that supplement empty handed training with weapons (Tang Soo Do, Some styles of karate, Arnis)
Arts that are exclusively weapons based. (Kendo, Naginata-Do, various Kobudo schools.)

Tang Soo Do is primarily a striking art, focusing heavily on striking with the hands and feet. Some basic joint locks and throws are taught. Weapons such as staff, sword, knife and cane round out the Buckeye Tang Soo Do curriculum.