Brief History
The exact origin of Tang Soo Do, as well as of 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 globe as they were needed by primitive people.
Development in Early Ages
The ancestral art of Korean Tang Soo Do can be traced to the time period when Korea was divided into three kingdoms. Koguryo was founded in 37 BC in northern Korea. The Silla Dynasty was founded in 57 BC in the southeast peninsula, and Paekche was founded in 18 BC in the southwest.
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 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 this development of martial arts. A corps formed by young aristocrats who were called “Hwa Rang Dan” was the major group instrumental in unifying the peninsula as the new Silla Dynasty (668 AD-935 AD) and they furnished many of the early leaders of that dynasty. Most Korean martial arts trace their spiritual and technical heritage to this group. The names and arts reflects this, such as Hwa Rang Do or Hwa Soo Do. Our Five Codes Of Tang Soo Do, originated by the monk, Won Kwang, are part of this spiritual heritage.
Medieval Development
The unified Silla Kingdom was overthrown by a warlord, Wang Kun, in 918 AD and a new kingdom called “Koryo”, lasted for 475 years. In 1392 AD, a new kingdom, the 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. Most importantly, this art also became very popular with the general public. In those days it was called Kwon Bop, Tae Kyun, Soo Bahk, and Tang Soo among others.
The very first complete martial arts 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 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 were established at the time 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 Suo, Chun
These founders started to organize their own organizations respectively and Master Hwang Kee organized “the Korean Soo Bahk Do Association” on November 9, 1945.
In addition to the Soo Bahk Do Association, there were various types of other martial arts called “Kong Soo” or “Tae Soo” existing in Korea. In 1965, all of these various systems were united into one organization, called the Korean Tae Kwon Do Association and the art was called the Korean “Tae Kwon Do” uniformly.
As a Korean national sport, Tae Kwon Do initiated a new era. Instructors were dispatched throughout the world and international tournaments were held. In those days, Tang Soo Do and Tae Kwon Do diverged with Tang Soo Do continuing as a traditional martial art and Tae Kwon Do focusing on sport competitions.
