Tang Soo Do
Train strength, steadiness, confidence and calm focus
Step by step, in a welcoming club culture
- Traditional syllabus
- Beginner friendly
- Suitable for ages 6+*
Taught in line with the syllabus, standards, and guidance of the
UK Tang Soo Do Federation
* Children must be accompanied by an adult for the duration of the session.
Benefits of Learning a Traditional Martial Art
Get fitter
without feeling like you need to
“get fit first”
Build real confidence
through practical skills, consistency, and self-control
Sharpen focus & resilience
through structured practice
Find Your People
in a respectful, supportive training community
What is Tang Soo Do?
Tang Soo Do is a traditional Korean martial art built on strong basics, powerful kicking, forms (hyung), partner drills, and practical self-defence. Training is structured and progressive, helping students improve fitness, technique, confidence, and composure under pressure.
What we Practice:
- Mobility exercises to support long-term health, movement, and fitness
- Basic techniques and principles to build confidence, consistency, and resilience
- Pad work to develop power, coordination, and accuracy
- Forms (hyung), which carry a range of influences and applications, with some tracing back hundreds of years
- Partner work to develop timing, control, confidence, and respect in training with others
Your First Class
What to bring:
Loose, comfortable clothes you can move and stretch in
Water to stay hydrated
What to expect:
A warm welcome and clear guidance throughout
To be grouped with students at a similar level where appropriate
To begin at your own pace
Encouragement to challenge yourself in a safe and manageable way
My Teaching Style:
“Traditional instruction, tailored to the individual”
I teach Tang Soo Do in a traditional way, with clear structure, strong foundations, and high standards, in line with the syllabus and expectations of the
UK Tang Soo Do Federation.
Alongside that, my teaching is informed by psychotherapeutic study, mental wellbeing, and meditation practice. This helps me respond thoughtfully to individual students while keeping training rooted in the discipline, structure, and standards of traditional Tang Soo Do.
About the Instructor
I’m Master Chris Smith, a 4th Dan Tang Soo Do instructor. I have trained with the UKTSDF since 1998, and I’m grateful that this journey has given me the opportunity to represent Great Britain in competition on two occasions.
I care deeply about creating a training environment that is welcoming, challenging, and supportive, where beginners feel safe to start and experienced students are encouraged to keep developing.
Federation and Standards
UK Tang Soo (Soo Bahk) Do Federation
Hidden Dragon Holistics provides Tang Soo Do classes within the tradition and standards of the UK Tang Soo Do Federation (UKTSDF). The syllabus, grading requirements, and technical expectations followed in class come from the federation, helping ensure that training remains traditional, consistent, and recognised within the wider UKTSDF structure.
The federation has specialised in Tang Soo Do in the UK since 1974 under the guidance of Grand Master Kang Uk Lee (10th Dan), and it sets the syllabus and grading standards we follow. UKTSDF is recognised by Sport England as the sole governing body for the instruction of Tang Soo Do in the UK.
Class Times and Locations
| Day | Location | Time | Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuesdays | Winlaton Centre, NE21 6BY | 18:45 – 20:15 (1.5hr) | All levels welcome |