Tang Soo Do is a traditional martial art which teaches concepts such as self-respect, discipline, respect for others and achievement through work. It has been shown in studies that martial arts has proven to be beneficial for all children; especially those children who are either under achieving through lack of self-respect or discipline and those with control and behavioral issues. The techniques involved give children a sense of achievement, allow the development of self-respect and raise self-esteem through attainment. Experience has shown that children become more focused, disciplined and achieve more if they have high self-esteem and self-awareness. Children undertaking the classes will be taught techniques which will allow them more control of their reactions to pressure situations and allow them to develop strategies for dealing with stress and bullying situations.

  Training in Tang Soo Do has been shown to give the following

            Improved ability to focus and concentrate

                    Better grades in school

                            More self confidence

                                    Higher self esteem

                                            Improved physical fitness

                                                    More respect for self and others

                                                            More self-discipline

                                                                    Become more responsible

                                                                            Make new friends in a positive environment

                                                                                    Greater self-control

                                                                                            More able to handle pressure in everyday life

                                                                                                    Able to be calmer in the face of conflict

                                                                                                            Learn leadership skills

The Traditional Tang Soo Do Federation™ offers a range of classes catering to all age groups and abilities.  

                                                                                 Tigers

This class is designed for children aged from four to six years of age. The Tigers classes are very much an introduction to martial arts and the course is specifically tailored to this young age group. The syllabus encourages the physical growth and development of the younger student in a safe and friendly learning environment. Program develops motor and listening skills, balance, self control, concentration, respect for others and a positive attitude while learning the basic techniques of Tang Soo Do in a fun environment. The program also includes basic SAQ^® training (there is a little more on SAQ^® training at the foot of this page). The tigers are encouraged to maintain strong links between the class and their school classes with the use of motivational sheets which show any achievements in school and in class.  This enables the child to be praised for good behaviour and achievement in all areas of their education.

                                          Dragons

This class is designed for children aged seven to twelve years of age. The classes provide a fun martial arts curriculum for children.  This structured high energy program also includes lots of kicking, pad work and SAQ^® course drills. It instills the positive, life changing benefits of the Korean Tang Soo Do traditions: respect for others, self confidence, courtesy, humility, perseverance, honesty, integrity and self-control.  Emphasizes goal setting and positive reinforcement of personal success while teaching children how to stay safe and avoid violent situations. The Dragons and Tigers are taught separately as both groups have very different learning abilities and requirements. Physically both groups are also quite different as the Dragons muscle and bone development are at a more advanced stage. The syllabus is specifically designed to bear the needs of this group in mind and will develop both the students physical and mental abilities. 

                                            Adult

Senior classes are aged thirteen years and above. These classes are progressive, in that the level of physical and mental requirements of the classes increase gradually with your ability and your advancement through the 'belt' system. Whatever your age and ability you will be able to join in a martial arts class. A perfect way to reduce stress, increase muscle tone and have fun at the same time.  Training includes highly effective combination hand and foot striking techniques. Practice real life self-defense scenarios, controlled sparring and challenging forms to simulate multiple attackers.  Curriculum also improves balance, hand-eye coordination and strength. Your physical fitness and aerobic capacity (endurance) will increase steadily and gradually. Anyone of any age or ability can join in these classes and have a great time. The benefits of controlled regular exercise in these days of increasing inactivity and obesity are obvious. What might not be so obvious is the excitement and energy of the class, of trying new things and meeting new people; as a form of exercise it is by far more exciting than the local treadmill.

We also hold separate Adult and Black Belt classes. These are Taught By Master T. J. Trudgill and held every Friday at the Treorchy Do Jang.

                                                                                  Speed, Agility, Quickness.

About SAQ^®

SAQ^® Training s a system of progressive exercise and instruction aimed at amongst other things developing fundamental motor abilities, balance and coordination and ultimately complete control of body movement.  

All coaches managers, and trainers want athletes with explosive acceleration, lightning responses and reactions, control of movement and a reduced risk of injury. As individual martial artists these are attributes we would definitely aspire to. 

Such skills have traditionally been considered natural talents that can't be developed. However all athletes, whatever their size and shape, whether young or old, professional of amateur can improve their fundamental movement ability and enjoy tremendous performance improvements with SAQ^®  Programmes and the SAQ® Training drills that comprise them.

Agility is the ability to change direction without the loss of balance, strength, speed or body control, it is fundamental for improved performance in athletes of all standards, something often neglected in traditional training sessions. Programs emphasise the importance of agility training to equip athletes with the best methods and techniques for greater quickness, speed, control and movement. Agility training has many other benefits for the athlete including a reduced risk of injury and improved body awareness.

The key to creating an instinctively quicker athlete is to remove the unnecessary, inefficient and extra steps that athletes often take. This is achieved by developing the neuro-muscular links within the body. The vast majority of quickness work involves improving the athletes biomechanical efficiency. 

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Excerpts from above reproduced from SAQ© International and reproduced with kind permission.