Tang Soo Do is an Traditional Korean Martial Arts of self-defence for over 2000 years. It has a long history that begins in the time when Korea was divided into three kingdoms. Silla, Koguryo and Paekche. All these kingdoms were respectively in the year 57,37 and 18 BC.
After many wars the Silla kingdoms led all the three kingdoms together. In this time there were simple Martial Arts, which was very popular at the warfare. In 913 the Koryo kingdom was founded next to the Silla kingdom. After many wars, in 938 the Koryo kingdom took over the Silla kingdom.
An army part of nobles called “Hwa Rang Dan” has contributed to the spiritual and technical development of the Martial Arts in Korea. The five codes of Tang Soo Do, composed by an monk called “Won Kwan” is a part of this.
The first book in which a style of Tang Soo Do is described is called “Mooyea Dobo Tongji” and is written in 1790.
During the occupation by Japan from 1909 to 1945 Martial Arts were restricted. After the Japanese occupation several Martial Arts was established and the most important was called the “Korean Soo Bahk Do Association” of Master Hwang Kee, the founder of Tang Soo Do.
Tang Soo Do, like many martial arts, has a extensive kicking techniques, which often will be performed jumping, Much attention is given to a proper warm up, attention for strength training and stretching exercise, to prepare the body well for the training.
Tang Soo Do has also different components like Hyungs (pattern), which is an fixed pattern with different techniques, where you are fighting against an imaginary opponent. A definite part of an exam is breaking a brick or wooden board,
Sparring can be divided in two different parts. There is one step sparring, where two person execute a pre-arranged techniques against an attack. This is a good preparation for “free sparring”. The free sparring is subject to strict rules.
Fair competition is a high standard in Tang Soo Do. During matches the fight will be on the basis of “Non-Contact”. Kicking below the belt and punches to the head, to the back are not allowed. Kicking techniques performed to the head are allowed, as long as there will be no contact.
Tang Soo Do is an Art and not a sport. Control and safety are very important. To deal with one another on a social and respectful way is meaningful. By learning to defend yourself, you will learn also to get self-confidence. Therefore, Tang Soo Do is also suitable for everyone, regardless of age, flexibility, figure, or small limitation.