LAWLER’S
TEMPLE TANG SOO DO

Chief Instructor: J. D. Lawler, Hachidan

What Is Tang Soo Do?

Tang Soo Do is a relatively modern martial art founded in 1945 by Grand Master Hwang Kee. A martial arts prodigy, he mastered Soo Bak Do and Tae Kyun by the age of 22. During his travels to northern China, Master Kee studied the Tang method of Kung Fu. The combination of Soo Bak Do (practiced during the Kokuryo Dynasty 37-668 A.D., the Silla Dynasty 668-935 A.D., the Koryo Dynasty 935-1392 A.D., and the Yi Dynasty 1392-1907 A.D.), northern Chinese Kung Fu, and the foot techniques of Tae Kyun led to the development of the martial art Tang Soo Do.  Literally translated, Tang Soo Do means "way of the China knife hand."

The Moo Duk Kwan was one of the main schools of martial arts at the end of the Japanese occupation of Korea in 1945.  Grand Master Hwang Kee was the founder.

As with most Korean martial arts, Tang Soo Do Moo Duk Kwan traces it’s spiritual heritage to a group of young, aristocratic warriors called Hwa Rang who became influential in the development of martial arts during the Silla Dynasty. Tang Soo Do, the style, and Moo Duk Kwan, the philosophy, means "a brotherhood and school of stopping inner and outer conflict and developing virtue according to the way of the rthy hand."

Grand Master Kee relates this about his art. "It is not a sport. Though it is essentially not competitive, it has great combat applications. It is a classical martial art, and its purpose is to develop every aspect of the self, in order to create a mature personality who totally integrates his intellect, body, emotions, and spirit. This total integration helps to create a person who is free from inner conflict and who can deal with the outside world in a mature, intelligent forthright, and virtuous manner."

The Master Instructor Temple Tang Soo Do, located at 2505 Adams Avenue has been in continuous operation by Jesse (J.D.) Lawler for 30 years. The 82 year old Lawler, who presently holds the rank of Hachidan, 8th degree black belt is the owner and Master Instructor of Lawler’s Temple Tang Soo Do. Mr. Lawler has spent more than 50 years studying and living the "martial way." Mr. Lawler began his martial arts studies while in the Navy during World War II. As a member of one of the first underwater demolition teams, he received training in the Phillipine art of Arnis (stick fighting.) While stationed in Okinawa, Lawler studied Shorin-ryu and Shito-ryu. He also spent time in Shanghai, where he studied Paqua. Finally while stationed in Korea, Mr. Lawler studied at the Munsani where he was introduced to Moo Duk Kwan Tang Soo Do by Mr. Pak, one of Grand Master Hwang Kee’s original students. Mr. Lawler chose to continue his studies in Tang Soo Do because it is in his opinion, the most versatile art, encompassing more foot and hand techniques than other arts. Lawler’s Temple Tang Soo Do is a traditional martial arts school. Tournament competition is not a priority. Students are encouraged rather to learn and practice the philosophy and techniques of a traditional martial art. Testing is consistent with the Moo Duk Kwan Tang Soo Do system. In 1978, Lawler founded the Martial Arts International Association, hoping to perpetuate the teaching of pure martial arts undiluted by the incorporation of any sporting aspects. Lawler was recently inducted into the Texas Martial Arts Hall of Fame, as a special recognition for 50 years of participation in the martial arts.

The School

Classes are held at 2505 West Adams, Temple, Texas. All classes are led by Master Instructor J. D. Lawler. Mr. John Wyche, Sa Dan, is the assistant instructor. The school is open from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Adults and children receive the same instruction. Private instruction is available by appointment.