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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
defence, 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.
The Ten Articles of
Faith
Be
loyal to your country.
Be obedient to your parents.
Be loving between husband and wife.
Be cooperative between brothers.
Be faithful between friends.
Be respectful to your elders.
Be faithful between teacher and student.
Know the difference between good and evil.
Never retreat in battle.
Always finish what you start.
Origin
The exact origin of Tang Soo Do, as well as of any martial arts 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 be primitive people.
Development in 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 the 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 with the general public. In those days it was called Kwon Bop, Tae
Kyun, Soo Bahk, Tang Soo, etc. The very first complete martial art 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 for
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
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's existance 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 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 retain as a traditional martial arts, while Tae Kwon Do held its world
games and sports.
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![World Moo Duk Kwan Tang Soo Do Federation - [patch.jpg] (11kb)](patch.jpg)
![Kim's Tang Soo Do Academy, World Moo Duk Kwan Tang Soo Do Federation - [titlebar.jpg] (24.8kb)](titlebar.jpg)