History of Tang Soo Do
Origin
The exact origin of Tang Soo Do, as well as any martial art 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 by 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 Soo Do.
Medieval Development
The Unified Silla Dynasty 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
Beside the Soo Bahk Do Association, there were various types of other martial arts called "Kong Soo" or "Tae Soo" existing in Korean. In 1965 all of these various systems were united unto one organization, called the Korean Tae Kwan Do Association and the art of "Tae Kwon Do" uniformly.
As a Korean national sport, Tae Kwon Do initiated a new era of instructors were dispatched throughout the world and 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.
The World Tang Soo Do Association still respects the original term, Tang Soo Do, and intends to preserve its heritage and value as a traditional way or path. Tae Kwon Do in many ways converted to a sport as they have progressed to the internationally recognized sports arenas such as the Olympic games. This was considered to be a great political achievement, to bring strength and prominence to the Korean government in International politics. We, as World Tang Soo Do practitioners are instead striving to maintain traditional values of respect, discipline, self control, self improvement, etiquette and ultimately, live a healthy and harmonious life, physically and mentally.
Center City Karate, a member school of the World Tang Soo Do Association, specializes in the instruction of Traditional Korean Tang Soo Do Karate and Self-Defense.