The Syllabus

Practicing Hyungs:

The grading syllabus is very important as it defines the objectives of the school as well as the technical content.

Application forms have been selected to give a balance between the Southern and Northern Chinese schools with the emphasis on Ho Sin Sul.

Up to 1st Dan we concentrate on the Pyung Ahn hyungs which provide excellent all round defence at various distances. They are well structured and not too difficult to learn. They were created approx 100 years ago by the renowned Okinawan Master Anko Itosu. In my interpretation these five forms contain 25 Ho Sin Sul applications which are all tested.

Naihanchi Chodan is then added from the Northern style to provide a variation in movement and power as well as close range protection.
Learning the Naihanchi Kup So sequence will give some pointers to the vital point strikes and applications available. Tando hyung provides an insight into defence against a knife or dagger and to complete the picture the first Chil Sung Hyung serves as an introduction to Tai Chi movement. The result should be a disciplined and well balanced student with good self defence skills.

For 2nd Dan we continue the theme adding the second Naihanchi and Chil Sung forms. At this stage we have the concept of a Free Form choice. Students can choose from Seishan (Northern) or Rohai (Southern) style). Whichever form is chosen it must be complete with Ho Sin Sul applications and an appreciation of the unique characteristics of the form. This will require some research on the part of the student.

For 3rd Dan all of the aforementioned forms must be reprised as well as the 3rd Naihanchi and Chil Sung Hyungs. It must be stressed that a form is never tested solely on the movements alone. The performance is not the end result. A student must progress to a deeper understanding of the significance of the form and it’s particular Ho Sin Sul application. In times gone by a form represented a style or the defensive applications for a particular school or family. They all therefore have hidden secrets to be discovered. It is at this point the student is introduced to aspects of Korean Soo Bahk in Tang Soo Do. The first Yuk Ro hyung (Du Mun) is taught wich is based on Grand Master Hwang Kee's translation of the art of Soo Bahk described in the Moo Yei Dobo Tongji written over 300 years ago. The founder states "I sincerely wish the discipline of Yuk Ro Hyung will be passed down from generation to generation, for the betterment of the practitioner's balance of mind and body."

The concept of close range Parry & Strike is also tested. This is a training drill derived from the double hand parry and strike which increases reflex action and speed for close range punching. As your partner punches with either hand - parry then strike with the free hand. Your partner parries in response and returns the punch. So it continues at an increasing pace until one side decides to parry & pull the opponent off balance before striking, thereby making it impossible for a counter punch.

In addition the basic Kup So and Naihanchi Kup So sequences may be required by the grading examiner.

For Master belts Chil Sung 4 and 5 are tested which now show Chinese movements from Dum Toi, So Ho Yun as well as Tai Chi. In addition further movements from Korean Soo Bahk are included in Yuk Ro (Joong Jol) and Yuk Ro (Po Wol). At 5th Dan, the highest level, the Kwon Bop Do Hae Hyung is tested which was translated by Grand Master Hwang Kee with great importance. To maintain the balance we also have the application form O-Sip Sa Bo (Tiger Form) from the Chinese/Okinawan style.

The Tai Chi application form was devised so that older members could continue their forms and Ho Sin Sul training well into old age. They can study this form rather than the higher Chil Sung or senior traditional forms. In any event there are elements of each in the Tai Chi form itself.

We therefore have three different routes for advancement - Junior members can grade to 1st Dan (but no further) by skilfully demonstrating basics, forms, one step sparring and free fighting. Senior members will incorporate Ho Sin Sul and progress further through the ranks 2nd Dan to 5th Dan. Finally, Senior Citizens can continue to progress with the Tai Chi Ho Sin Sul form.

There are many forms and we simply can not do them all justice. So we have to choose the most appropriate forms for our own self defence regime. We still retain the following forms for demonstration purposes – Bassai, Shipsu, Chinto, Kong Sang Kun, Wangshu & Jion.

Please note the grading syllabus is subject to change at the discretion of the Chief Instructor.

Master David Allerton 5th Dan

Senior Master Instructor
Chief Grading Examiner