Tang Soo Do is a traditional martial art that originated in Korea. Superior kicking and various circular and straight hand movements are noticeable traits of Tang Soo Do. Tang Soo Do instructors
emphasize self defense and showing respect. History of Tang Soo Do
Tang Soo Do draws its roots from the 3 kingdoms era (57 BC-935 AD). The 3 Kingdoms were Silla, Paekche, and Koguryo. Many techniques in Tang Soo Do are the very same martial art techniques that the ancient Korean warriors known as Hwarang practiced. One known great Hwarang was Kim Yu Shin, he became a Hwarang at the age of 15 and by the age of 34 became the general of the entire Silla Forces. He was known as one of the most powerful men in Silla. Tang Soo Do has many roots such as Subak and Taekyun, some of the same roots as Taekwondo, but Tang Soo Do has always been focused on self improvement and self defense rather than sport, and that is why it never blended completely into Taekwondo. The techniques now taught in Tang Soo Do classes today survived under the guise of practicing Japanese martial arts during the Japanese Occupation of Korea where many Korean traditions and art were destroyed or lost. This is not to degrade Japanese martial arts themselves, it is only to explain how much of Korean martial arts and culture was affected by Japanese rule that was established under threat of force. Grandmaster Shin Jae Chul, Chuck Norris' Tang Soo Do instructor on Osan AB in Korea, brought Tang Soo Do to the United States in 1968, and later founded the World Tang Soo Do Association in 1982. The practice of Tang Soo Do through Grandmaster Shin's teachings honor these ancient techniques, and the 5 codes which were followed by the Hwarang. The "Tang" in Tang Soo Do refers to the "Tang" Dynasty in China. During this time, trade routes were opened between China and East Asia and this allowed traveling monks access to and from what is now called Korea. Even though it is a Korean martial art, many Hwarang warriors were able to learn Chinese martial arts in addition to their own training. Many of the movements in Tang Soo Do are influenced from Chinese and Korean masters through travel between Manchuria, its surrounding areas, and Korea. Two such people were Buddhist Monk Won Gwang and Grandmaster Hwang Kee, Grandmaster Shin's instructor. The "Soo" in Tang Soo Do means "Hand," and the "Do" in Tang Soo Do means "Way."
