Tang Soo Do Resources
Resources / Tang Soo Do Resources
HISTORY OF TANG SOO DO
Historical evidence of organized fighting forms in Korea date back many centuries. Further records reveal that elite groups of warriors were trained in Martial Arts to serve their kingdom and country. These warriors were trained in a wide range of armed and unarmed combat skills. The fighting systems practiced by these warriors were called Soo Bahk Do. However during the Yi Dynasty (1392-1910) the Koreans also developed various kicking techniques which are called Tae Kyun.
Tang Soo Do is a composite style of Soo Bahk Do, influenced by northern Chinese arts and Tae Kyun, the kicking techniques and eastern wisdom. Today's Tang Soo Do is recognized to be based on the Moo Duk Kwan style. The Moo Duk Kwan Tang Soo Do school was founded by Master Hwang Kee in 1945.
Tang Soo Do is a classical martial art, not a sport. Though it is not essentially competitive, it has great combat applications. As a classical martial art, its purpose is to develop and grow every aspect of the self to produce a mature person who has totally integrated their intellect, body, emotions and spirit. This integration helps to free one from inner conflict, to be able to deal with the outside world in a mature manner.
ORGANIZATIONS
World
Dang Soo Do Union
World Dang Soo Do Union (WDSDU) is the global organization promoting the traditional Korean martial art of Dang Soo Do and the Moo Duk Kwan lineage. Founded by Grand Master Song Ki Kim, WDSDU unites independent dojangs, practitioners, and masters worldwide, offering authentic ranking, membership, events, and resources to preserve and extend the art’s roots.
World
Tang Soo Do Association
World Tang Soo Do Association (WTSDA) is a worldwide martial arts organization established in 1968 by Grandmaster Jae Chul Shin. Headquartered in Burlington, North Carolina, WTSDA is dedicated to preserving the traditional Korean martial art of Tang Soo Do. The association provides rank certification, instructor training, international events, and a global network of affiliated schools focused on discipline, respect, and personal development through martial arts.
SCHOOLS
Chontas Tang Soo Do
Chontas Tang Soo Do is located in the town of East Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, just off Rt.30. Classes are designed to teach proper self-defense and strategy defense techniques for both youths and adults.
Evergreen Karate and Fitness
Offering group and private instruction for kids and adults in martial arts, self-defense, and personal training. Evergreen Karate and Fitness is located in West Seattle, WA. An official member studio of The World Dang Soo Do Union and The East West Tang Soo Do Collective.