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Tang
Soo Do is a Korean Martial Art tracing its lineage back over 2000 years,
focusing mainly on unarmed techniques and self-defense. Literally
translated, the word "Tang" means the T' ang dynasty of China, but reflects the
shared cultural background between China and Korea. "Soo" means hand but
implies fist, punch, strike, etc, and "Do" means way of life. Warrior
aristocrats known as the Hwa Rang Dan lived by 5 codes given to them by a monk
named Won Kwang. The 5 codes have been passed down as a way of life from
generation to generation for centuries, and Tang Soo Do practicioners still
follow these codes today.
Over
many centuries, the Korean people had developed many empty-handed fighting
methods, which were referred to as Kwon Bup. As time went on, Kwon Bup was
developed and expanded upon, and was referred to by many names, including Tae
Soo, Soo Bahk, and Tae Kyun. After World War II and the Japanese
occupation of Korea, many different schools of empty-handed fighting emerged,
one of which was Soo Bahk Do, founded by Hwang Kee. Hwang Kee strived to
continue the traditionalism of the art, while many others were trying to move
more towards sports. As a result, Tae Kwon Do and Tang Soo Do parted ways.
Jae Chul Shin moved from Korea to the United States and later formed the World
Tang Soo Do Association in 1982.
The World Tang Soo Do
Association is a world wide organization with over 500 studios and over 100,000
members. It was founded by Grandmaster Jae Chul Shin in 1982. 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. We, as World Tang
Soo Do practitioners are striving to maintain traditional values of respect,
discipline, self control, self improvement, etiquette and ultimately live a
healthy and harmonious life, physically and mentally.
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