As with other ancient martial arts, its origins are somewhat obscure. However, the roots of Tang Soo Do can be traced back to the time when Korea was divided into the three kingdoms of Koguryo, Paekche and Silla, almost two thousand years ago. After a long series of wars, the Silla Dynasty united the three kingdoms of Korea in 668 AD. During this period the primitive martial arts were very popular
in warfare and were often reflected in murals and artefacts. Ancient wall painting of Tang Soo Do
The example shown here is believed to depict two men practising an early form of Tang Soo Do. It was drawn on the ceiling of a royal tomb in southern Manchuria, which was built between 3AD and 427AD. The Silla Dynasty was well known for its development of martial arts, particularly among a corps of young aristrocrats called the Hwa Rang Dan, who were instrumental in unifying the Korean peninsula. Most Korean martial arts, including our own Tang Soo Do, can trace their spritual and technical roots to this group. Tang Soo Do continued to be an important facet of Korean culture, particularly among the military society, but also with the general public. It was referred to in many ways over the years, including Hwa Rang Do, Kyuck Too Ki, Soo Byuck Ki, Taek Kyun Kwon Bup, Soo Bahk and Tang Soo. The first complete martial arts text book, called "Mooyae Dobo Tongji" was written in 1790. During the occupation of Korea by Japan, from 1909 to 1945, the practising and teaching of martial arts was tightly restricted. However, after World War II these restrictions were lifted and several martial arts training schools and associations were established. In 1965 the Korean government merged these under the Korean Tae Kwon Do Association. Since then, many Tae Kwon Do schools have moved their focus to competitive sport and internationally recognised events such as the Olympics. However, in doing so, many of them have moved away from the traditional values and philosophy of the martial art. The aim of Tang Soo Do is to maintain the ancient traditions of the art.
