The History of Tang Soo Do ( Moo Duk Kwan )

Tang Soo Do is one of Korea's foremost and oldest martial arts. Its roots can be placed back to the period of the 'Three Kingdoms' approximately 2000 years ago.

The 'Three Kingdoms' were known as :

• Koquryo - 37 BC
• Silla (pronounced Shilla) - 57 BC
• Paekche 18 - BC

During this period the Tang Dynasty was all powerful in China. The Silla Kingdom sent a corp of elite youths , known as the Hwa Rang Dan, to China to study and learn martial arts. With the help of China, Silla defeated the other two kingdoms, and consequently unified Korea in 668 AD. The Korean martial arts were very popular at this time, and the arts, and different styles continued to evolve.

With World War II (1939-45), Korea was annexed by Japan, and the practice of traditional Korean martial arts was restricted. Many practitioners took refuge in the mountains to preserve their art. After World War II, and the subsequent lifting of restrictions, different schools of martial arts were soon formed.

School Member styles
Moo Duk Kwan Moo Duk Kwan
Ji Do Kwan Ji Do Kwan / Yon Moo Kwan / Han Moo Kwan
Chang Moo Kwan Kang Duk Kwan / Kang Moo Kwan / Cheong Moo Kwan
Chung Do Kwan Chong Do Kwan / Chong Kyong Kwan / Kuk Moo Kwan / O Do Kwan
Song Moo Kwan Song Moo Kwan

Grandmaster Hwang Kee is the founder and developer of modern Tang Soo Do ( Moo Duk Kwan), the which we continue to practise today.

Tang Soo Do is in fact a composite style consisting 60% Soo Bahk, 30% Northern Chinese (hard), and 10% Southern Chinese (soft).

As the kicking techniques come from Soo Bahk, they form the basis of our Tang Soo Do. Tang So Do is both a hard and soft style, deriving its hardness from Soo Bahk Ki and the Northern Chinese influences. The soft flowing movements come from the Southern Chinese Tang systems.

Hence we can interpret and understand the current name.

• TANG - from the Chinese Tang system
• SOO - from Soo Bahk Ki
• DO - system or way

Our style of Tang Soo Do is known as Moo Duk Kwan, literally meaning 'Martial Virtue School'.
back to the top The Traditional Tang Soo Do Association established itself in the Northamptonshire area, and is currently recognised as one of the leaders in the martial arts world. The classes are taught by qualified instructors under the guidance and tutelage of Master Ashok Kumar.

The Association is promoted by integrating the clubs into the community. The club take an active role by demonstrating Tang Soo Do techniques at local charity functions, and other events. Families of the members are actively encouraged to support by attending social and other family events throughout the year.

The success of the Traditional Tang So Do Association can be attributed to its policy of retaining a strong family spirit, loyalty, respect and discipline. The success has been reflects in the participation of many of its members in local, national and international championships.