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History
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Tang Soo Do is a one of a kind
traditional Korean martial art that
originated approximately over 2,000
years ago in southeastern Asia
Korea. Superficially Tang Soo Do is
a method of empty-hand, foot, and
weapon fighting; based on the
principles of yielding, circular
motion, and penetration.
Technically, Tang Soo Do is
currently being taught in more than
twenty countries. |
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Definition
Literally translated, the word
"TANG" refers to the Tang Dynasty of
China, which reflects that shared
cultural background between China
and Korea (approx 617-907 AD). "SOO"
means hand, but also implies
defensive strike. "DO" means way of
life or art. Thus Tang Soo Do is the
Korean classical martial art which
was influenced by Tang
Methodologies.
The ancestral art of Korean Tang Soo
Do can be traced back to a time
period when Korea was divided into
three groups:
• Koguryo (circa 37 BC) - Northern
Korea
•Silla Dynasty (circa 57 BC) -
Southeast Peninsula
• Paekche (circa 18 BC)
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Finally after a long series of wars,
the silla dynasty united the three
factions in 668 AD. During this time
period primitive forms of martial
arts were very popular as a method
of self-defense in warfare. This is
evidenced in the many mural
paintings, ruins, and remains that
depict Tang Soo Do techniques used
then.
Tang Soo Do became increasingly more
popular with the military and the
general public as time passed.
After World War II in 1945, several
martial arts schools were built and
the ancestral art was reborn. |
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