Tang Soo Do History

The ancestral art of Korean Tang Soo do can be traced back approximately 2000 years.  At that time, Korea was divided into three kingdoms.

The kingdoms named Koguryo (37 BC), Silla Dynasty (57 BC) and Paekche (18 BC) were in a long series of wars until the Silla Dynasty united the three kingdoms in 668 AD.  During the continued war period, primitive martial arts were very popular as depicted by mural paintings from that era.

Among the three kingdoms, the Silla Dynasty was most famous for its development of martial arts.  A group of warriors called “Hwa Rang Dan” were the major developers of the martial arts and most Korean martial arts trace their heritage to this group.

In 918 AD a warlord named Wang Kun overthrew the Silla Kingdom and a new kingdom called “Koryo” was born.  After that in 1392 AD “Koryo” was succeeded by the Yi Dynasty and lasted about 500 years.

In this time period, Kwon Bop, Tae Kyun, Soo Bahk and Tang soo were popular among the military society and more importantly it become very popular among the general public.  The very first martial arts book was written in this time (1790 AD). This book substantiated the theory that “Soo Bahk Ki,” the formal name of Tang Soo Do, had developed into a sophisticated art of combat techniques.

After World War II when the restriction of practicing and teaching of martial arts was lifted, several schools were erected, as follows:

Master Hwang Kee organized the “Korean Soo Bahk Do Association” on November 9, 1945.

Besides the Soo Bahk Do Association, there were various other types of martial arts called “Kong Soo” or “Tae Soo” existing in Korea.  In 1965 these various systems were united into one organization, called the Korean Tae Kwon Do Association and the art was called “Tae Kwon Do” uniformly.

Tae Kwon Do 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 started holding world games and sports.

The World TANG SOO DO Association

In 1968 Master Jae Chul Shin came to the United States of America as the U.S. representative of the Korean Soo Bahk Do Association.  He formed the United States Tang Soo Do Federation in Burlington, New Jersey.
A Charter convention was held on November 13-14, 1982 for the World Tang Soo Do Association in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  At this convention a new constitution was passed, a new logo and insigna were selected, the uniform and belt system were revised, and new organizational standards were adopted.  Also at this convention, Master Jae C. Shin was recognized as the Grandmaster of the World Tang Soo Do Association.

The World Tang Soo Do Association stands for three mottos, Traditionalism, Professionalism and Brotherhood.  These mottos evoked the interest of many international martial artists, whose genuine interest was in the Art, and was not sport orientated.

Having become one of the most respected traditional martial art organizations, with a reach on more than 30 countries worldwide, the World Tang Soo Do Association has entered the new century striving for new dimensional development.

The World TANG SOO DO Association Belt System

When 4th Dan is reached, you are considered a master. The belt system continues to 5th Dan, 6th Dan etc.