Northern Tang Soo Do

The exact origin of Tang Soo Do, as with most ancient martial arts, is obscure, but the ancestral art of Korean Tang Soo Do can be traced back around 2000 years, when Korea was divided into 3 separate Kingdoms. These were Koguryo (founded 37 bc) in Northern Korea, the Silla Dynasty (founded 57 bc) in the South-East Peninsula, and Paekche (founded 18 bc) in the South-West of the country.

After many wars, the Silla Dynasty united all 3 Kingdoms in 668 ad. At this time the martial arts were popular in warfare and this is shown on paintings which depicted Tang Soo Do in those days. Ruins and remains from the period also confirm this fact.

The Silla Dynasty was the most famous for its martial arts development, and a corps was formed by its young aristocrats, called "Hwa Rang Dan". This was the major group for developing the art and these warriors were instrumental in unifying the country as the new Silla Dynasty (668ad - 935ad)

Most Korean martial arts can trace their spiritual and technical knowledge back to the Hwa Rang Dan warriors. Our 5 codes of Tang Soo Do are part of their spiritual heritage and were originated by a monk called Won Kwang.

During medieval times the Silla Dynasty was overthrown by a warlord called Wang Kun, in 918ad, and a new kingdom called Koryo arose which lasted for 475 years. This was succeeded in 1392ad by the new Kingdom, Yi Dynasty, which lasted around 500 years. During this time Tang Soo Do became very popular in the military society and more importantly with the general public. In those days it went by names such as Kwon Bop, Tae Kyun,  Soo Bahk and Tang Soo.

In 1790ad a book called "Mooyae Dobo Tonji" was written. This was the first martial arts book to be written and contained illustrations that confirmed the theory that "Soo Bahk Ki" (the formal name for Tang Soo Do) had developed into a sophisticated art of combat techniques.

In more modern times, the Japanese occupation of Korea (1909 - 1945) saw a restriction placed on the practicing and teaching of martial arts in the country. After World War 2, this restriction was lifted and several schools began teaching again. These included Moo Duk Kwan by Hwang Kee (our Grandmasters instructor). The founders of these schools also began to form their own organizations, including Master Hwang Kee, who formed the Korean Soo Bahk Do Association on 9th November 1945.

Besides this association there were other types of martial arts called Kong Soo or Tae Soo, in Korea. In 1965 these systems united into the Korean Tae Kwon Do Association and the art was called Tae Kwon Do. This martial art became the Korean national sport, instructors were sent out across the world and international competitions were held. At this point Tang Soo Do and Tae Kwon Do were divided, with Tang Soo Do striving to remain as a traditional martial art and Tae Kwon Do developed as a sporting activity.