You walk into the martial arts dojang and almost immediately begin to take notice. Practitioners are doing acrobatic kicks and executing rhythmic forms with intense purpose. Later, they point spar, moving in and out of harm’s way with ease, and then start in with pre-formulated fighting moves with a partner. What style is it?
The Korean martial arts style of Tang Soo Do, of course. And like many martial arts types, Tang Soo Do has a history steeped in mystery.
The History of Tang Soo Do
Tang Soo Do started with the early Korean fighting arts, which paintings and murals tell us were utilized during the time of the three kingdoms in Korea. Eventually, these kingdoms were united under the Silla Dynasty, where evidence of the fighting arts in Korea became even greater. From the evidence, it appears that the arts continued to progress and be practiced, usually taught within families or passed down from one individual to another, until the Japanese took control of Korea between 1909 to 1945. Looking to quell any opposition to their occupation before it started, the Japanese forbade Koreans from practicing martial arts. Some history was lost as a result.