Skip to main content

Tang Soo Doo

Share definition Flag
ART OF TANG SOO DO
The art of Tang Soo Do is depicted as an Eternal Triangle in which the body, mind and spirit are interrelated. The concept of the eternal triangle is used to design classes that will simultaneously develop all aspects of the total person.



MEANING OF TANG SOO DO
Literally translated, the word "TANG" means Tang Dynasty of China, which reflects the shared cultural background between China and Korea (617 -907AD). "SOO" means hand, but implies defensive strike. "DO" means way of life or art. Thus "TANG SOO DO" means the Korean classical martial art which was influenced by the Tang method of martial art.

HISTORY OF TANG SOO DO
The exact origin of Tang Soo Do (as well as any of the martial arts in general) is obscure, though there are a number of historical theories. However, the most credible and the traditional view is that martial arts originated not in any one country, but in almost all parts of the world as the were needed by primitive people. The ancient ancestral art of Korean Tang Soo Do can be traced back to the period if the three kingdoms. They are as follows;

Koguryo Founded in 37BC in Northern Korea
Silla Founded in 57BC in the S.East peninsula
Paekche Founded in 18BC in the S.West of the peninsula
After a long series of wars, the Silla Dynasty united the three kingdoms in 668 AD. Among the three kingdoms, the Silla Dynasty was the most famous for it's development of martial arts. A corps formed by young aristocrats who were called the "Hwa Hrang Do" was the major group who developed the art. Over the years, Tang Soo Do became very popular among the military and public societies. It had many names...Soo Bahk Do, Kwon Bop, Tae Kyun, etc. The first complete martial arts book written in 1790 AD, contained illustrations and substantiated the theory that "Soo Bahk Ki", the formal name for Tang Soo Do, had quickly developed into a sophisticated art of combat techniques.

MODERN HISTORY OF TANG SOO DO
The subsequent occupation of Korea by the Japanese military regime took place from 1909 to 1945. During this period, practicing and teaching martial arts was forbidden. After World War II, in 1945, this restriction was lifted and several martial arts schools were established.

MOO DUK KWAN HWANG KEE
CHI DO KWAN KWAI BYUNG,YUN
CHUNG DO KWAN DUK SUNG,SON
SONG MOO KWAN BYUNG JIK,KIM
CHANG MOO KWAN NAM SUK,LEE
YUN MOO KWAN SANG SUP,CHUN
These founders started their own organizations respectively, and Grand Master Hwang Kee organized the Korean Soo Bahk Do Association. Besides the Soo Bahk Do association's existence in Korea, there were various other martial arts, called Kong Sii or Tae Soo. In 1965, all the various systems were unified into one organization called the "Korean Tae Kwon Do Association, and the arts were called Tae Kwon Do uniformly. As a Korean national sport, Tae Kwon Do initiated a new era, and instructors were dispatched throughout the world and the international tournaments were held. It was during those days that Tang Soo Do and Tae Kwan Do divided. Tang Soo Do strives to remain a fully traditional art.
Tang Soo Do is the best Korean martial art.

Tae Kwan Do is more of a sport.
Tang Soo Doo by John Shin June 13, 2005
Tang Soo Doo mug front
Get the Tang Soo Doo mug.
See more merch

Tang Soo Doo

Share definition Flag
A Korean form of martial arts with different coloured belts for different experience levels and stripes on said belts inbetween. Once you obtain a blue belt you must test for both stripes and belts, as opposed to just belt testing for lower levels.
I am currently a blue belt with a stripe in Tang Soo Doo.
Tang Soo Doo by Brooke July 9, 2004
More from Urban Dictionary

Overstand 

Share definition Flag
To understand a topic or statement to the highest extent.
Leroy, after being told the tenth time by his sister, did overstand her idea of robbing the 7-11.
Overstand by Elf Eater March 23, 2003
Word of the Day on August 20, 2026

minimap 

Share definition Flag
A map that mostly tells you where everything is
Friend 1: Follow me there is a player nearby
Friend 2: How do you know?
Friend 1: Minimap
minimap by LeWord January 13, 2015
Word of the Day on August 19, 2026

Pink Cloud

Share definition Flag
12 step recovery jargon referring to someone new who talks about how great life is, now that they're sober. Usually meaning that the person is out of touch with reality.
The new guy seems pretty happy for a dude who has no job, no money and no family. He must be on a pink cloud.
Pink Cloud by toniwithaneye November 24, 2006
Word of the Day on August 18, 2026

Dotard 

Share definition Flag
An aging individual who has long lost the ability to make rational sense.
That dotard is going to get us all blown up, if he doesn't calm down .
Dotard by anonymous September 22, 2017
Word of the Day on August 17, 2026

Chancla

Share definition Flag
The deadliest weapon known to a Latin kid; a flying slipper/ flip-flop.
My mom hit me with a chancla.
Chancla by TardisBae October 31, 2014
Word of the Day on August 16, 2026
Next