What is Tang Soo Do?

Historical context

Tang Soo Do is a traditional Korean martial art which evolved over 2,000 years ago.

The exact origins of Tang Soo Do is unknown however it is widely believed to have originated in the area now known as modern day Korea and China.

2,000 years ago Korea was dived up into three kingdoms, the Koguryo kingdom founded in 37 BC was the largest and the most powerful kingdom, next was the Paechek kingdom founded in 18BC.

Silla founded in 57BC was the smallest and weakest kingdom situated in the South east region.

After a long series of wars the Silla dynasty unified the area in 668AD and became famous for the development of the martial arts. During this time an army corps developed called the “Hwang Rang Do” developed and formalised Tang Soo Do training.

In 1392 AD the Yi kingdom succeeded and increasingly martial arts became popular with the military and the general public.

By 1790 the world’s first martial art book had been written called “Mooyae Dobo Tongji” the illustrations and theories contained in the book demonstrated that by this time Tang Soo Do had grown and developed into a sophisticated art.

Modern Day Development

The Japanese army invaded Korea form 1909 to 1945 and during this time martial arts training was severely restricted and forced underground. After the World War II these restrictions were lifted and the subsequent period saw a flourishing of martial arts schools.

Master Hwang Kee organized the “Korean Soo Bahk Do Association” on November 9 1945. Other martial arts also developed, but in 1965 these various systems were unified into the Korean Tae Kwon Do association, and were adopted into a system called “Tae Kwon Do”.

The World Tang Soo Do Association

In 1968 Master Jae C Shin travelled to the USA as a representative for the Korean Soo Bahk Do Association. He formed the United States Tang Soo Do Federation in Burlington, New Jersey.

The organization quickly grew and on November13-14, 1982 a charter convention for The World Tang Soo Do Association was held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. A new constitution was passed, a new logo and insignia were selected, the uniform and belt system was revised. And new organizational standards were adopted. Most importantly Master Jae C Shin was recognized as Grandmaster of the The World Tang Soo Do Association.

 Adapted from the WTSDA manual.