Soo Bahk Do is notable for its use of strong, deep stances as in Shotokan Karate, while also emphasizing a very active use of the hip to help generate force in each movement performed.
Additionally, its pyong-an (Pinan) utilize many of direct, linear forms similar to Shotokan Karate Kata, while the individual blocks, strikes and techniques themselves often utilize the more circular constructions of other Korean martial arts, as influenced by Northern Chinese martial arts styles throughout history.