The words Moo Duk Kwan literally translate as martial arts of virtue. Grand Master Jae Joon Kim stated that the purpose of Tang Soo Do training is three fold:

• Self defense to protect our lives and possessions from an injustice or danger
• Health to promote our physical health and enjoy strong bodies and sound minds through rigorous training
• To be a better person in striving to be of better character through endurance and hard work.

Grand Master Jae Joon Kim passed on a number of principles and creeds that address all aspects of this martial art.

• The 7 Tenants of Tang Soo Do are integrity, concentration, perseverance, respect and obedience, self-control, humility, and indomitable spirit. Each of these tenants are developed and nurtured at United States Tang Soo Do, in both our youngest and oldest, beginners and experienced, students and masters alike.
• Grand Master Jae Joon Kim has stated there are 14 Attitude Requirements to master Tang Soo Do:

1. Purpose of training should be enhancement of mental and physical betterment.
2. Serious approach.
3. All out effort.
4. Maintain regular and constant practice.
5. Practice basic techniques all the time.
6. Regularly spaced practice sessions.
7. Always listen and follow the direction of the instructor or seniors.
8. Do not be overly ambitious.
9. Frequently inspect your own achievements.
10. Always follow a routine training schedule.
11. Repeatedly practice all techniques already learned.
12. When you learn new techniques, learn thoroughly the theory and philosophy as well.
13. When you begin to feel idle, try to overcome this.
14. Cleanliness is required after training. Keep yourself and your surroundings clean.

At United States Tang Soo Do we not only encourage this attitude in our students, but each of our Masters and Instructors demonstrate this attitude each day. It is this attitude that develops a Black Belt, both in ability and in spirit, no matter age, skill, or natural physical ability of the student when he or she first begins. A Black Belt is a White Belt who never gave up.

Grand Master Jae Joon Kim has defined 5 requisites on Mental Training: Oneness with nature, complete awareness of environment, experience, conscious, and culture. He stated that we should have a reverence for nature, develop physical concentration, be courteous, modest, thankful, be willing to self-sacrifice, cultivate courage, be strong on the inside as well as mild on the outside, develop endurance, and to read.

1. There are 10 Key Points with emphasis on Physical Training:
2. Vocal exhalation for thoracic strength.
3. Focus of sight.
4. Continuous balance during movements.
5. Flexibility of the body.
6. Correct muscle tone for maximum power.
7. High and low speed techniques.
8. Exactness of techniques.
9. Adjustment for proper distance.
10. Proper breathing for endurance.
11. Conditioning hands and feet.

These points are emphasized during each class, through drills and the practice of choreographed forms. Students learn how each of these elements creates a smarter fighter, and allows small to defend against big. These points encourage power, strength, speed, focus, coordination, precision, stability and endurance.

Equally important are the 10 Key Points of Tang Soo Do Training:

1. Vocal Harassment.
2. Consolidation of Power.
3. Correctness of Detail.
4. Breath Control
5. Maintain Visual Contact.
6. Move Quickly when Changing Position.
7. Move the muscles in the correct sequence.
8. Coincide your movements with opponent.
9. Systematically harden the striking surfaces.
10. Make each move and effective move.

All or most of these Ten Key Points should be execute while engaged in the movements of karate in forms, free sparring, and drills, to the best of the ability of each student.

The most important principles of the Moo Duk Kwan are Responsibility, Sincerity, and Justice. Grand Master Jae Joon Kim has defined 10 creeds of a Moo Duk Kwan martial artist of Tang Soo Do:

1. Be loyal to your country.
2. Be obedient to your parents.
3. Be lovable between husband and wife.
4. Be cooperative between brothers.
5. Be respectful to your elders.
6. Be faithful between teacher and students.
7. Be faithful between friends.
8. Be just in killing.
9. Never retreat in battle.
10. Accompany your decisions with action and always finish what you start.