THE SALUTE
"It's Background and Meaning"

      Virtually all Martial Arts Systems include some type of salutation. In many styles, the traditional bow is the salute of choice, while in others, a hand gesture or bow combined with a hand gesture is used to demonstrate respect.
Salutes are used for a variety of reasons. Students may salute or bow as they enter or exit the training area, at the beginning and end of a class, before sparring or as they begin and/or end the demonstration of a Form. They also serve a more subtle purpose. They are used as a way to clear the mind, as a reminder to leave problems outside the training hall, and to prepare the Martial Artist for a difficult performance by triggering an attitude appropriate for competition.
One of the most common salutes in the martial arts is an early Chinese version called the "Shaolin Fist". Since the origin of Tang Soo Do is China, it is appropriate that we use a modified version of the Shaolin Fist (as shown above) for our salute. Much symbolism is read into this gesture and the meaning will vary with each system. Here is a brief rundown on some the interpretations. It was first used in ancient China as a hand sign to recognize members of a secret society. In one system the right hand fist, represents five people, the thumb is self and the fingers are four friends. When formed into a fist they unite to stand against adversity. The left hand, open, indicates that the student has no weapons, only what is within him.
      Another version says that the open hand is hiding the treasure (the fist). The fist represents the student's ability and reminds him to keep his skills hidden and never take advantage of them. Another version is called "Life Hand, Death Hand". The death hand is the right fist, representing the ability to kill. The life hand is the left, open hand, representing benevolence and compassion. The fact that the "Life Hand" covers the "Death Hand", reminds the student to seek solutions to problems before fighting. Other styles interpret the Shaolin Fist salute to mean, "Peace overcomes Power", or, "I keep my weapon in its sheath".
Yet another interesting version of the Shaolin Fist is the "Warrior/Scholar". In this one, the right hand represents the warrior and the left a scholar, referring to the human being's need to maintain both physical and mental/spiritual strength to be victorious. Some believe that the open hand of light covers the fist of darkness.

The mechanics of the A.T.F. Tang Soo Do salute are as follows:
      The feet are together, the left hand, open and straight comes up at a 45 degree angle, elbow down, finger tips about chin high. The right hand comes up at a 45 degree angle, fist closed, palm down. The knuckles of the fist are pressed against the open palm at the first joint of the index finger of the open hand. Both elbows are down at a 45 degree angle. Bend slightly at the waist in a traditional bow and at the same time extend the open hand and the fist, together, slightly outward or forward toward your opponent or the person you are saluting. At the extension of the hands you will verbally salute by saying "Tang Soo". Immediately recover the hands back to the side. The salute is complete.

      In our system, we believe that "the open hand of knowledge will always prevail over the fist of violence…. I extend this hand of knowledge to you and I will teach you the way of the hidden fist.

      Each salute conveys specific messages about the teachings of a particular system and can reveal the true essence of the art. Salutes are indicative of a style's purpose and philosophy, helping distinguish it from all others. They will give you a clue about a systems teaching methods and training purpose. Is the salutation treated with reverence or used casually in an informal manner? This is an excellent indicator of a systems attitude. When a salute is treated with great respect, it is a sign of a high level of formality and an emphasis on tradition and discipline. On the other hand, schools, which treat salutes as optional and with less attention to detail, tend to have a more informal and relaxed attitude toward training. Simply put, Salutes are used to show respect for yourself, your art and for others.