What Is Tang Soo Do?
Literally translated, the word “Tang” refers to the T’ang dynasty of China, which reflects the shared cultural background between China and Korea (617-907AD). “Soo” means hand but implies fist, punch, strike or defense, and “Do” means way of life. Thus “Tan Soo Do” means the Korean classical martial art that was influenced by the T’ang method of martial art.
When Did It Begin?
The exact origin of Tang Soo Do as well as many other martial arts in general is obscure though 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.
The ancestral art of Korean Tang Soo Do can be traced back approximately 2,000 years. At the time, Korea was divided into three kingdoms. Kugoryo was founded in 37 BC in northern Korea. The Silla Dynasty was founded in 57 BC in southeast Korea, and, Paekche, in southwest, 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 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 who were called the “Hwa Rang Dan” was the major group who developed those arts. These warriors were instrumental in unifying the peninsula as the new Silla Dyansty (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 World Tang Soo Do Association
In 1968, Mater Jae Chul Shin came to the United States of America as the U.S. representative for the Korean Soo Bahk Do Association. He formed the united States Tang Soo Do Federation in Burlington, New Jersey. The organization expanded to all parts of America and foreign countries. After 14 years of Tang Soo Do promotion in the U.S.A. and the world, the Association was reorganized to fit new demands internationally. On November 13, 1982, a Charter Convention for the World Tang Soo Do Association was held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. At the Charter Convention 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 World Tang Soo Do Association.
