What is Tang Soo Do?
Meaning Of Tang Soo Do
Literally translated the word "Tang" refers to the Tang Dynasty of China, which reflects the shared cultural background between China and Korea (617-907 AD). "Soo" means hand and "Do" means way of life or art.
Brief History
The exact origin of Tang Soo Do, as well as any of the 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 world, as they were needed to defend oneself.
The ancestral art of Korean Tang Soo Do can be traced back approximately 2,000 years. At that time, Korea was divided into three kingdoms. Paekche was founded in 18 BC in southwest Korea, Koguryo in 37 BC, and Silla in northern Korea in 57 BC in the southeast Korean peninsula.
A Brief History
of Traditional Martial Arts
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 murals, ruins, and remains, which depicted the martial arts in those days.
Among the three kingdoms, the Silla Dynasty was the most famous for the development of martial arts. A corps formed by young aristocrats who were called "Hwa Rang Dan" was the major group that 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 time. Most Korean martial arts trace their roots to this group. Our five codes of Tang Soo Do, originated by a monk "Won Kwang", is a part of their and our heritage.
What is Tang Soo Do and its History?
The exact origin of Tang Soo Do—and martial arts in general—is unclear and debated. The most credible and traditional view is that martial arts did not originate in any single country. Instead, they developed independently across the world, as people everywhere needed ways to defend themselves.
