| GTMA - Plymouth About Tang Soo Do |
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The very first evidence of this ancient form of Korean martial arts appeared during the
Three Kingdom era (57 BC-935 AD) as Hwa Rang Do. The indigenous martial arts
quietly developed through generations of the Korean people. During some eras, they
flourished, and at other times, diminished, depending on the political, economic, or
cultural environment of the time. The art was known by various names throughout the
eras: Hwa Rang Do, Moo Sul, Kyuck Too Ki, Soo Bahk Ki, Soo Byuck Ki, Taek Kyun,
for example.
Following Korean independence in 1945, the Korean martial arts were merged and
flourished throughout the entire Korean Peninsula. Many organizations were founded
with various names such as Soo Bahk Do, Tang Soo Do, and Tae Soo Do. At the
beginning of the modern era of the Korean martial arts, Tang Soo Do was the most
popular term for these arts. At that time, however, the Korean political leaders were
concerned about establishing Korean values based on Korean nationalism. They
recognized the popularity of Korean martial arts around the world, but were opposed to
the use of the name Tang Soo Do for the art. They were concerned it might be
confused with a Chinese martial art, because the word "Tang" could be associated with
the Chinese Tang Dynasty (617-907 AD). In 1964, a small group sponsored by the
government created a new name for the Korean martial arts: Tae Kwon Do.
The World Tang Soo Do Association still respects the original term, Tang Soo Do, and
intends to preserve its heritage and value as a traditional way or path. Many Tae Kwon
Do instructors did not maintain the traditional values of the true martial arts. Instead,
they converted to a sport and altered their teachings for internationally recognized
sports arenas such as the Olympic games.
The international recognition of Tae Kwon Do was considered to be a great political
achievement, bringing strength and prominence to the Korean government in
international politics. True martial arts lovers had no place within these Tae Kwon Do
dojangs to continue to pursue traditional martial arts because many valuable aspects had
been abandoned to become a simple competitive sport. We, as World Tang Soo Do
practitioners, are striving to maintain traditional values of respect, discipline, self
control, self improvement, etiquette, and ultimately to live a healthy, and harmonious
life, both physically and mentally.
In today's hectic society, there is an increasing interest in physical fitness and in the
development of self-defense skills. Equally important, important, is finding an outlet for
the release of daily stress. Whether you are seeking self-defense, better health, physical
fitness, or discipline, Tang Soo Do can meet your needs. This style of Korean martial
arts has its own unique character, which differentiates it from any other form of martial
art or martial sport. Tang Soo Do not only teaches physical techniques, but also trains
us to practice "DO" which is a way of life incorporating five virtues: "IN" - humanity,
"UI" - rightousness, "YIE" - etiquette, "JI" - wisdom, and "SHIN" - trust. When we
reach the ultimate level of "DO", we can live in perfect harmony with the laws of nature.
In 1968, Master Jae Chul Shin came to the United States as the U.S. representative for
the Korean Tang Soo Do Association. He formed the U.S. Tang Soo Do Federation in
Burlington, New Jersey that same year. This traditional Korean martial art was quickly
accepted and soon grew in popularity throughout the world. The organization reformed
to fit new demands internationally, and on November 13 and 14, 1982, a charter
convention of the World Tang Soo Do Association was held in Philadelphia, PA. With
the advent of the World Tang Soo Do Association, Tang Soo Do began a new era of
development as a traditional martial art.
As of 1996, the new organization had grown at an outstanding rate to reach over
100,000 members in 36 countries including Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Brazil,
Bolivia, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Czechoslovakia, England,
Germany, Greece, Guam, Holland, India, Italy, Korea, Mozambique, Mexico, Pakistan,
Peru, Phillipines, Poland, Puerto Rico, Rumania, Russia, Scotland, Seychelles, South
Africa, Saudia Arabia, Sweden, Uruguay, and the U.S.A.
Grandmaster Jae C. Shin is the founder of the World Tang Soo Do Association and is
one of the leading figures of martial arts in the world today.
Grandmaster Shin was born in Korea in 1936 and began his long and distinguished
career in martial arts at the age of twelve. During his childhood, an unknown monk
initially inspired in him a strong desire to learn martial arts. Later, he joined Seoul Moo
Duk Kwan Central gym and began serious study under Grandmaster Hwang Kee, a
founder of the Korean Moo Duk Kwan system.
By the time he was 1st Dan, Grandmaster Shin had already started his teaching career
as an assistant instructor at the Central Gym. After that, he taught at Korean
University, Seoul Central YMCA, various colleges, and several police and military
institutions. Grandmaster Shin's many years of teaching experience and his extreme
dedication have all contributed to the development of his scientific and unique methods
of teaching Tang Soo Do. The six fields of Grandmaster Shin's expertise include
self-defense, forms, breaking, weapons, health care, and meditation. He has evolved
these separate arts into one of the finest and most effective martial arts: The World
Tang Soo Do system.
When he was recruited to the Korean Air Force in 1958, Grandmaster Shin had his first
experience teaching American soldiers. After receiving his Master's degree in Political
Science at Korea University, he came to the United States in 1968 to extend his
instruction of foreign students.
The year he came to the United States, Black Belt Magazine honored Grandmaster Shin
by devoting a full chapter to him in the book "20th Century Warriors", putting him in
the company of the most legendary martial arts figures on all time.
Grandmaster Shin, who is one of the most respected and well known masters in this
century, is one of the few masters who has devoted his entire life to the traditional
martial arts. In addition to insisting on disciplined, rigorous, training and exacting
techniques, he has always preached that the true value of martial arts training is in its
application to everyday life. Teaching children is one of his favorite pastimes and he
has become an expert in child development. Grandmaster Shin's advice to his black
belt instructors is good advice for teachers of all kinds: "When examining your abilities
as an instructor, examine your young students' manners, attitudes, school report and
health conditions. Their improvements should mirror your own."
Grandmaster Shin raised three mottoes for his leadership of nearly 8000 black belt
members: TRADITIONALISM, PROFESSIONALISM, AND BROTHERHOOD. He
brings these qualities with him wherever he travels and teaches. Grandmaster Shin is
respected as a true leader, teacher, and master of masters.
NOTE: The above information was compiled from www.worldtangsoodo.com
A Brief History of Tang Soo Do:
Purpose of Training:
About the WTSDA:
About the Grandmaster:
