Brief History

 

Origin:

The exact origin of Tang Soo Do, as well as many martial arts, is obscure, however there are a number of theories. 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 Early Ages:

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

Ko Gu Ryo was founded 57BC in northern Korea. The Silla Dynasty was founded in 37 ANCIENT MAP OF KOREA
BC in the southeast peninsula, and Paekche
was founded in 18 BC.

After a long series of wars, the Silla Dynasty united three kingdoms in 668 AD. During this time the primitive martial arts were very popular in warfare. This is evidenced 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 of young aristocrats who were called “Hwa Rang Dan” was the major group who developed these 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 Soo Do.

Medieval History:

The unified Silla Kingdom was overthrown by a warlord, Wang Kun, in 918 AD and a new kingdom, called “Ko Ryo”, 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 Kwan 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 “Moo Yei Do Bo Tong Ji”. It was written in 1790 AD and contains illustrations that substantiate the theory that “Soo Bahk Hi”, 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 (1939 - 1945), this restriction was lifted. Several martial arts training schools were erected at that time, and are 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 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 unified 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 the international 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, while Tae Kwon Do held its world games and sports.

In 1990, Master Peter Oien founded the “North American Tang Soo Do Association”, which has, now, over 600 members.

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