History of Tang Soo Do

As written in the Tang Soo Do Korean Martial Arts Beginners Manual

The exact origin of Tang Soo Do, as well as of any of the martial arts in general, is obscure although there are are a number of historical theories. However, the most credible and traditional view is that the martial arts originated not in any one country, but in almost all parts of the globe, as they were needed by primitive people.

The ancestral art of Korean Tang Soo Do as we know it today, can be traced back about 2000 years to the period of three kingdoms in Korea. Korea was divided into three kingdoms, the Korguryo, the Paekche and the Silla kingdoms. Among these, the Silla Dynasty was most famous for its development of martial arts. A group of young aristocrats who called themselves the "Hwa Rang Dan" was the major group who developed those arts. These warriors were instrumental in unifying the peninsula as the new Silla Dynasty (688 AD - 935AD), and furnished many of the early leaders of that dynasty.

Most Korean martial arts trace thier spiritual and technical heritage to this group. The names of some Korean martial arts reflect this, such as Hwa Rang Do or Hwa Soo Do. Our Five Codes of Tang Soo Do, originated by Won Kwang, a monk, are part of the spiritual heritage.

The unified Silla Kingdom was overthrown by a warlord, Wang Kun, in 918 and he established a new kingdom, called "Koryo," lasted for 475 years. In 1392 a new kingdom, the Yi Dynasty, succeeded the Koryo and lasted about 500 years. In the nearly one thousand year period of these two dynasties, Tang Soo Do became very popular, especially, and most importantly, with the general public.

The very first complete martial arts book was written at this time. This most important book is called the "Mooyae Dobo Tongji." It was written in 1790 and contained illustrations that substantiate the theory that "Soo Bahk Ki," the formal name of Tang Soo Do, had quickly developed into a sophisticated art of combat techniques.

The subsequent occupation of Korea by the Japanese military regime took place from 1909 to 1945. During this period, practicing and teaching non-Japanese martial arts was restricted.

After World War II, this restriction was lifted. Several martial arts training schools were erected at the time, as follows:

* Moo Duk Kwan (Hwang Kee)
* Chi Do Kwan (Kwai Byung, Yun)
* Chung Do Kwan (Duk Sung, Son)
* Song Moo Kwan (Byung Jik, No)
* Chang Moo Kwan (Nam Suk, Lee)
* Yun Moo Kwan (Sang Sup, Chun)

These founders started to organize their own organizations respectively and Master Hwang Kee organized the "Korean Soo Bahk Do Association" on November 9, 1945.

Besides the Soo Bahk Do Association, there were various types of other martial arts called "Kong Soo" or "Tae Soo" existing in Korea. In 1965, all of these various systems were united into one organization called the Korean Tae Kwon Do Association and the art was called "Tae Kwon Do" uniformly.

As a Korean national sport, Tae Kwon Do initiated a new era; instructors were dispatched throughout the world and tournaments were held. In those days, Tang Soo Do and Tae Kwon Do were divided principally, with Tang Soo Do striving to remain as a traditional martial art.

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