History of Tang Soo Do

Tang Soo Do is a relatively modern Korean martial art based upon the ancient Korean art of Soo Bahk Do, which dates back to the 6th Century. However, the exact origin of Tang Soo Do is obscure. Some Japanese Karate experts insist that the art is of Japanese origin; some say it came from Okinawa; others say it began in China with Bodhidarma and spread from there.

It was during the Silla Dynasty (618 - 935 AD) that the martial arts expanded rapidly in Korea. The Kingdom of Silla was one of the three kingdoms in Korea and was notable for the military prowess of its young warrior class, the Hwa Rang. The five basic principles of Tang Soo Do are derived from the principles of these elite warriors. However, Tang Soo Do gained most of its popularity during the Koryo Dynasty (935 - 1392 AD).

At the beginning of the Yi Dynasty (1392-1910), the National Martial Arts Manual was published, and the term Soo Bahk Do became widely used. During the occupation of Korea by Japan (1907 - 1945) the practice of native martial arts was prohibited. This prohibition forced many Korean Soo Bahk Do Masters to emigrate, or to practice secretly. Tang Soo Do was developed by Grand Master Hwang Kee. He mastered Tae Kyun and Soo Bahk Do at the age of 22. Upon his travels to Northern China in 1936, he encountered a Chinese variation of martial artistry called the Tang Method. From 1936 to 1945 he combined Soo Bahk Do with the Tang Method and developed what was to be known as Moo Duk Kwan Tang Soo Do, even though it was officially registered in Korea on November 9, 1945 as the Korean Soo Bahk Do Association.

At the beginning of the modern era of the Korean martial arts, Tang Soo Do was the most popular term for the merged martial arts, however, at that time, the Korean political leader was concerned about establishing Korean value based on Korean nationalism. The political leaders recognized the popularity of Korean martial arts around the world, but were opposed to the use of the name Tang Soo Do for the art, as it sounded like a Chinese martial art. In 1964, a government sponsored small group created a new name for the Korean martial arts: Taekwondo. 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. So Tang Soo Do and Tae Kwon Do are divided principally, with Tang Soo Do striving to remain as a traditional martial art, while Taekwondo held its world games and sport.

The International Tang Soo Do Federation (ITSDF) was formed in 1989. The United Kingdom Tang Soo Do Federation currently serves as its administrative and technical headquarters. Tang Soo Do has since spread throughout the world. Practiced by champions like Chuck Norris, it is a proven method of fighting with a long and proud tradition of victories.

History of Our Flags

The Korean Flag

The symbol is called Tae Keuk and the flag itself is called Tae Keuk Ki. Dedicated in the center of the flag is a circle divided equally and in perfect balance. The circle itself represents the absolute and essential unity of all being. The upper section of the circle, colored red, is called yang and the lower section colored blue is called yin. This is the ancient symbol for the creation of the universe, day and night, light and dark, hot and cold; the “Theory of Opposites.” The three bars at each corner of the flag represent the ideas of opposition and balance and the white background represents the land and the people or the universe.

The American Flag

The flag of the United States goes by its unofficial name of Stars and Stripes. The 13 stripes represent the original 13 colonies of the United States. The fifty stars each stand for a state. The colors represent courage (red), purity and liberty (white), and loyalty and justice (blue).

Display of Flags These flags are displayed in the school for a reason. One of the most important concepts taught in the martial arts is respect. Students are taught to respect each other, their art and their country. They are taught to support and respect the organization and the school they have joined. A flag has very little value unless it generates respect from the individuals for whom it was hung. Every student should see the flags on the school wall not as an ornament, but as a sign of pride in belonging.