About Soo Bahk Do

Soo Bahk Do translates literally as "hand strike way" or "way of the striking hand". The history of Soo Bahk Do can be traced back over 2000 years to the Ko Ku Ryo Dynasty in ancient Korea.

In Soo Bahk Do Moo Duk Kwan, Soo Bahk Do is the art (the technical side) and Moo Duk Kwan is the style (the philosophical side – About the Organisation).

The versatility of technique and the philosophy of Soo Bahk Do Moo Duk Kwan make it unique among martial arts. Throughout the centuries, Korea has been attacked and invaded by its surrounding neighbours many times, and as such Soo Bahk Do became versatile out of necessity. This has resulted in an art that demands mastery of the whole body, not just kicking and punching. The challenging techniques taught range from fast, spontaneous movements to slow, graceful flowing movements that not only give variety but challenge students at all levels.

As a classical martial art, the purpose of Soo Bahk Do is “to develop every aspect of the self in order to create a mature human being who totally integrates intellect, body, emotions and spirit”. Soo Bahk Do is an art, not a sport and a great emphasis is placed on the fact it is non-competitive, however Soo Bahk Do does have strong combat and self-defence applications.

About the Organisation

Moo Duk Kwan translates as "School of Martial Virtue" or "Style to teach Moo (military) and Duk (virtue / ethics / discipline) through training in the martial arts".

On 9 November 1945, Kwan Jang Nim Hwang Kee opened his first Do Jang in Seoul, Republic of Korea. The martial art taught was Hwa Soo Do (this name was later changed to Soo Bahk Do) and the style was Moo Duk Kwan. In other words, Soo Bahk Do is the technical side and Moo Duk Kwan the philosophical side of Soo Bahk Do Moo Duk Kwan.

The Moo Duk Kwan is the scientific use of the body in methods of self defence, combined with a strict philosophy guiding the student towards discovering their full potential.

Learning fighting techniques without a strong philosophy creates dangerous people that become a burden on society. Learning Soo Bahk Do with the Moo Duk Kwan philosophy helps students emphasize "virtue in action" by demonstrating courage, confidence, humility, discipline and respect. The Moo Duk Kwan is philosophy in action; you won't just hear us talking about it, you see it! The benefits and secrets of training in Soo Bahk Do Moo Duk Kwan cannot be bought at any price other than serious and rigorous training.

For a complete explanation of the history of the Moo Duk Kwan, visit the World Moo Duk Kwan website.

About the Australian Federation

The Australian Federation is currently divided into 3 Regions.

Region 1: Northern Territory
Region 2: Western Australia
Region 3: Australian Capital Territory & New South Wales

Each region has administrative and technical sides to ensure that there is a smooth flow of information to members.

Technical (Moo Do) Structure

The technical side of our organisation relates to the passing of information regarding the techniques and philosophy from the Kwan Jang Nim to all members of World Moo Duk Kwan. This information passes through the World Designee (determined by the Kwan Jang Nim For each country) to the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) and regional examiners and then to the Instructors. In Region 3, Glenn Sa Bom Nim fills the role of TAC member and is also the World Designee. M. Koina Sa Bom Nim is the regional examiner an is responsible for the running of Dan Shim Sa (gradings) and ensuring that members meet all of the requirements set by the World Moo Duk Kwan and the Australian Federation. This applies to the technical abilities of our instructors and all instructors need to be certified through the World Moo Duk Kwan as recognised instructors before they can promote members to a new rank.

Administrative Structure

The Australian Soo Bahk Do Moo Duk Kwan Federation is a non profit, Tax exempt organisation. The constitution is available from Do Jang Instructors, local committee members or from Headquarters. Contact information is available from your instructor.

The Australian Soo Bahk Do Moo Duk Kwan Federation is also a Registered Australian Body with the Australian Security Investments Commission (ASIC), which is a national registration of the organisation.

Administrative structure

This Figure also shows the expected communications between organisations.
S1, S2,… represent studios or Do Jangs in each region

Australian Soo Bahk Do Moo Duk Kwan Federation Committee

Presently, there is a committee of nine members that look after the administrative requirements of the Australian Federation and currently they are made up of representatives from all regions in Australia.

There are 4 office bearers (Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, Treasurer and Secretary) as well as 5 or 7 committee members. Although it is not indicated implicitly within the structure the Designees and the Australian Soo Bahk Do Moo Duk Kwan Federation committee need to work closely supportively and constructively with each other. With each others ongoing support significant growth is bound to occur in the organisation.

The committee must meet a minimum of three times per financial year (July – June).

Regional Organisations

Australia is divided into regions, currently three. The regional organisations are given in the table below.

Region	Name	States
1	Soo Bahk Do Moo Duk Kwan Association – Region 1 Inc.	NT, VIC
2	Connor Martial Arts	WA, SA
3	Soo Bahk Do Moo Duk Kwan Oriental Physical Culture, Education and Science Inc.	ACT, NSW

The regions each have there own committees that make decisions to support the wider group of Do Jangs and their members. The constitutions for each region are professionally based on that of the Australian Federation.

The Regional Organisations are responsible in supporting for growth and wider public awareness of Soo Bahk Do Moo Duk Kwan within their region.

Do Jang

Each Do Jang is part of the region, whilst connected via the regional structure operates as separate entity, by the principal instructor / manager. The Do Jangs across Australia are set up as a range of entities. These include Companies, Businesses (Registered) community groups and incorporations.

Chief Instructor

At each Do Jang there may be more than one Instructor. Communications should pass through the Chief Instructor.