Meaning of Tang Soo Do

Literally translated, the word “Tang” means T’ang Dynasty of China, which reflects the shared cultural background between China and Korea (617 – 907 AD). “Soo” means hand, but it implies fist, punch, Strike, or defense, etc. “Do” means way of life or art. Thus “Tang Soo Do” means the Korean classical martial art which legendarily was influenced by the T’ang method of martial art.

Origin

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

Development in the Early Ages

The ancestral art of Korean Tang Soo Do can be traced back to the period of the three kingdoms. At that time, Korea was divided into three kingdoms.

Koguryo was founded 37 BC in northern Korea. The Silla Dynasty was founded in 57 BC in the southeast peninsula, and Paekche was founded in 18 BC.

After a long series of wars, the Silla Dynasty united the three kingdoms in 668 AD. During this period of time, the primitive martial arts were very popular in warfare. This is evident by mural paintings, ruins, and remains which depicted Tang Soo Do in those days.

Among the three kingdoms. the Silla Dynasty was most famous for its development of martial arts. A corps formed by young aristocrats, called “Hwa Rang Dan” was the major group who developed those arts. These warriors were instrumental in unifying the peninsula as the new Silla Dynasty (668 AD – 935 AD) and furnished many of the early leaders of that dynasty. Most Korean martial arts trace their spiritual and technical heritage to this group. The names of some groups and arts reflect this, such as Hwa Rang Do or Hwa Doo Do.

Medieval Development

The Unified Silla Kingdom was overthrown by a warlord, Wang Kun, in 918 AD. and a new kingdom called “Koryo” lasted for 475 years. In 1392 AD, the new kingdom, Yi Dynasty, succeeded and lasted about 500 years. Approximately a thousand year period elapsed between the two dynasties. Tang Soo Do became very popular among the military society. However, most importantly, this art also became very popular with the general public. In those days it was called Kwon Bop, Tae Kyun, Soo Bahk, Tang Soo, etc.

The very first complete martial arts book was written at this time. This most important book is called “Mooyae Dobo Tongji”. It was written in 1790 AD 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.

Modern History

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

After World War II 1945, this restriction was lifted. Several martial arts training schools were erected at that time as follows:

• Moo Duk Kwan by Hwang Kee

• Chi Do Kwan by Kwai Byung, Yun

• Chung Do Kwan by Duk Sung. Son

• Song Moo Kwan by Byung Jik, No

• Chang Moo Kwan by Nam Suk. Lee

• Yun Moo Kwan by Sang Sup, Chun

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

Besides the Soo Bahk Do Association’s existence in Korea, there were various types of other martial arts called “Kong Soo” or “Tae Soo”. 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 and instructors were dispatched throughout the world, and international tournaments were held. In those days, Tang Soo Do and Tae Kwon Do were divided with Tang Soo Do striving to remain as a traditional martial art while Tae Kwon Do held its world games and sports.