MARKET DEEPING TANG SOO DO
About the Art of Tang Soo Do
What is Tang Soo Do?
The very first evidence of this ancient form of Korean martial arts appeared during the Three Kingdom era (57 BC-935 AD) as Hwa Rang Do. Since then, 2,000 years have passed. The indigenous martial arts quietly developed through generations of the Korean people. During some eras it flourished and other times it diminished, according to the political, economic or cultural environment. The art was known by various names throughout the eras as Hwa Rang Do, Moo Sul, Kyuck Too Ki, SooBahk Ki, SooByuck Ki, TaekKyun etc. respectively.
TANG
"Tang" means the T'ang Dynasty of China, which reflects the shared cultural background between China and Korea (617-907 AD).
SOO
"Soo" means hand, but it implies fist.
DO
"Do" means way of life or art. Thus Tang Soo Do means the Korean classical martial art which legendarily was influenced by the T'ang method of martial art.
Develop and perfect one's character
Our History
Following 1945 Korean independence, the Korean martial arts were again merged and flourished throughout the entire Korean Peninsula. Many organizations were founded with various names such as SooBahk Do, Tang Soo Do, Tae Soo Do and so on. At the beginning of the modern era of the Korean martial arts, Tang Soo Do was the most popular term for these 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, because the first word "Tang" could be interpreted as representing the Chinese Tang Dynasty (617-907 AD). In 1964, a government sponsored small group created a new name for the Korean martial arts: Tae Kwon Do. 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.
From Birth of the WTSDA to Now
In 1968 Master Jae Chul Shin came to the United States of America as the U. S. representative for the Korean Tang Soo Do Association. He formed the U. S. Tang Soo Do Federation in Burlington, New Jersey in 1968. This traditional Korean Martial Art was quickly accepted and soon grew in popularity throughout the World. The organization reformed to fit new demands internationally, and on November 13 and 14th, 1982, a charter convention of the World Tang Soo Do Association was held in Philadelphia, PA., USA. With the advent of the World Tang Soo Do Association, Tang Soo Do began a new era of development as a traditional martial art.
As of 1996, the new organization has grown at an outstanding rate to reach over 100,000 members in 36 countries and thousands of students are training in the following countries; Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Bolivia, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Chile, Columbia, Costa Rica, Czechoslovakia, England, Germany, Greece, Guam, Holland, India, Italy, Korea, Mozambique, Mexico, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Puerto Rico, Rumania, Russia, Scotland, Seychelles, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Sweden, Uruguay and the U.S.A.
A True "World" Organization
Ancient Korean Martial Arts that has taught thousands of men, women and children across the globe
When we reach the ultimate level of "DO", we can live in perfect harmony with the laws of nature.
Tang Soo Do not only teaches physical techniques, but also trains us to practice “DO” way of life through practice of the five virtues:
"IN"
Humanity
"UI"
Righteousness
"YIE"
Etiquette
"JI"
Wisdom
"SHIN"
Trust