The Continental Tang Soo Do Federation
Tang Soo Do History

Development in Early Ages

The ancient art of Korean Tang Soo Do can be traced back to the period of the three kingdoms. 
At that time, Korea was divided into three kingdoms. Go-Goo-Ryo  was founded in 37 BC in northern Korea, the Sil-Lah Dynasty was founded in 57 BC in the southeast peninsula, and Bek-Jeh  was founded in 18 BC.After a long series of wars,
the Sil-Lah 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.

 

 

Medieval Development

            The unified Sil-Lah Kingdom was overthrown in 918 AD by a warlord, Wahng Kun, and a new kingdom, called Go-Ryo  lasted for 175 years.  In 1392 AD the New Kingdom, Jo-Sun, 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.  However, most importantly, this art also became very popular with the general public. 
In those days it was called Kwon Bop,Tae Keyun, Soo Bahk , etc.            
The first complete martial arts book was written at this time. 
This very important book is called "Moo-Yeh-Doh-Boh-Tong-Ji". It was written in 1790 AD and contained illustrations that substantiate the theory that "Soo Bahk Kee", 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, the practicing and teaching of martial arts was restricted.

After World War II, 1945, this restriction was lifted.  The following martial art training schools were erected at that time:

Master Hwang Kee organized "Moo Duk Kwan" on November 9, 1945, and formed the Korean Tang Soo Do Association .in September 1953. In June 1960, the Korean Soo Bahk Do Association, named after the traditional martial art was formed by Hwang Kee to replace the Korean Tang Soo Do Association.

Besides the Soo Bahk Do Association's existence in Korea, there were various types of other martial arts called "Kong Soo" or "Tae Soo"  In 1965, all of these various systems were united into one organization called the "Korean Tae Kwon Do Association", and the art was called "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 were divided principally, with Tang Soo Do striving to remain a traditional martial art.  

The Continental Tang Soo Do Federation was founded by Master Jino Kim in June 1, 1992

 

 

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