Pil Sung Do vs. Taekwondo: Which Martial Art Should You Try?

When choosing a martial art, the options can feel overwhelming. Taekwondo is often one of the first to appear in searches or conversations—it’s well-known, widely practised, and steeped in tradition. 

But for those seeking a system that goes beyond forms and competition, a more modern, well-rounded alternative exists: Pil Sung Do.

Born in the UK and designed for today’s world, Pil Sung Do is rapidly becoming one of the most respected martial arts in Surrey—and for good reason. While Taekwondo has its place, if you’re looking for a martial art that focuses on practical self-defence, personal development, and inclusive training, then Pil Sung Do deserves serious consideration.

What Makes Pil Sung Do Different?

Pil Sung Do was founded in 1990 by the late Grand Master Seif–El-Nasr Hammouda, who brought decades of experience across multiple systems including Judo, Karate, Taekwondo, Wrestling, Boxing, and more. 

But rather than blend styles for the sake of it, he engineered Pil Sung Do as a complete discipline—built to teach people how to move through life with strength, clarity, and calm.

Whereas many martial arts are rooted in one culture or competition rules, Pil Sung Do is built around real-world needs. 

It teaches you how to protect yourself, how to manage stress, how to become more resilient—not just physically, but emotionally and mentally too.

And that’s where the biggest difference lies: Pil Sung Do isn’t about fighting—it’s about becoming a stronger, more confident version of yourself.

Taekwondo: Popular but Not Always Practical

To be fair, Taekwondo has earned its popularity. 

Originating in Korea, it’s known for its high, fast kicks, beautiful patterns (poomsae), and Olympic recognition. It’s great for developing leg strength, flexibility, and discipline. For many, especially children, it offers an exciting entry point into martial arts.

But Taekwondo isn’t for everyone. Many clubs focus heavily on sport sparring, tournament preparation, or rigid traditional formats that don’t always translate well to self-defence situations. Its effectiveness in real-world conflict is often debated, especially when classes prioritise speed and form over practical application.

If your goal is to learn how to protect yourself or your child from potential threats—not score points in a ring—then Taekwondo may not be the best fit.

Pil Sung Do: A Martial Art That Grows With You

One of the most powerful aspects of Pil Sung Do is its structure. 

It’s divided into three philosophical and practical stages—Hwa Rang, Pil Sung, and Infiniti—each offering deeper layers of training and self-mastery. 

Whether you start as a child, a teen, or an adult, the system is designed to support your growth at every step.

What truly sets it apart is its inclusivity. Pil Sung Do is for everyone—children building confidence, adults looking to get fit and focused, or women seeking practical self-defence in a safe, supportive space. 

There’s no tournament pressure, no rigid traditions, and no one-size-fits-all expectation. 

Instead, there’s a strong emphasis on individual progress, accountability, and long-term development.

In every class, you’ll find a balance of physical conditioning, mental focus, and personal challenge. You’ll be learning how to stay calm under pressure, how to move efficiently and decisively, and how to approach life with a mindset of perseverance and clarity.

Why Parents Prefer Pil Sung Do for Kids

If you’re considering martial arts for kids, especially in Surrey, the choice matters. 

While Taekwondo can be fun and engaging, many parents find it lacks the personal development focus they’re really after.

At Pil Sung Do, our programmes are designed not just to teach movement, but to develop young minds. 

We focus on helping children:

• Gain real confidence, not false bravado
• Improve focus and discipline at school
• Learn respectful behaviour and emotional control
• Handle bullying situations calmly and assertively

It’s not about teaching kids to fight—it’s about teaching them to carry themselves with strength and self-belief.

Why Pil Sung Do is the Better Choice for Adults and Women

Taekwondo classes often attract younger students or those with a competitive streak. 

But for many adults—especially those starting martial arts later in life—Pil Sung Do is simply a better fit.

Our adult and family martial arts classes welcome beginners of all backgrounds. There’s no pressure to perform, just encouragement to improve. For women, especially, the experience is empowering. You’ll build physical strength and real self-defence skills in a supportive environment where you feel safe, heard, and motivated.

Pil Sung Do doesn’t expect you to be an athlete. It’s designed to meet you where you are and help you become stronger in every sense of the word.

Is Taekwondo Still Worth Considering?

For some, yes. If you’re drawn to tradition, high-kicking forms, and the idea of competing in tournaments, Taekwondo might be the right path. It’s particularly appealing to children who enjoy structure and energetic movement.

But if you want a martial art that’s deeply practical, emotionally intelligent, and built to help you thrive beyond the mat, Pil Sung Do offers something more.

Final Thoughts

Choosing a martial art isn’t just about the style—it’s about the experience. At Pil Sung Do, we’ve created a system that prioritises personal growth, safety, and skill development in equal measure. 

It’s not about being the best fighter in the room—it’s about becoming more confident, capable, and resilient in every area of life.

Whether you’re a parent looking for meaningful martial arts for kids, a woman seeking self-defence training in Surrey, or an adult wanting to move with more purpose and power, Pil Sung Do is a path worth exploring.

Join us for a trial class and experience it for yourself. You might find it’s not just the martial art you were looking for—it’s the one you actually need.