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The words "Tang Soo Do" man the "way of the hand
of Tang" - "Tang" referring to the Tang Dynasty in China(618 to
907 AD). However, those same Chinese characters which the Koreans translate as
"Tang Soo Do", are translated by the Japanese as "karate"
(empty hand) - Karate. "Tang Soo Do", then, is both a generic term
referring to open (or empty) hand fighting in general, as well as to specific
group of techniques which are known as the Tang Soo Do Moo Duk Kwan style.
According to legend, the Buddhist priest, Dal Ma Dai Sa "invented"
the martial arts. Obviously, the word "invented" must be viewed in a
different light. What is more probable is that being a priest, he could write,
and was therefore able to write down martial arts principles and techniques
which were possibly taught to him by an old warrior friend. Dal Ma Dai Sa then
passed this knowledge on to his fellow priests so that they could practice both
mental and physical discipline, and also be able to protect themselves from evil
doers.
The "age of early systematic development" of the martial arts began
about 10,000 years ago and continued for about 7500 years. It was during that
time when visionary warriors began to notice and remember that specific actions
in battle produced specific results (e.g. a high block protected the head from a
frontal assault). As more and more of these actions and results were remembered
and practiced, various martial arts systems developed which were the
precursors of all our present day schools and styles. A subsequent developmental
period, known as the "age of systematic action", began about 2600
years ago. There is evidence that Tang Soo Do existed throughout the Orient
about 2000 years ago, (though, during those early times it was call by other
names - e.g.. Soo Bahk Do, Soo Bahk Ki, Tang Soo Ki, et al).
In Korea, Tang Soo Do has been traced directly back to the Kokuryo Dynasty
(37 to 668 A.D.), as depicted in murals on the walls of tombs from that time.
Also, various Buddhist sculptures from the Silla Dynasty (668 to 935 A.D.), and
historical books from the Ko Ryo Dynasty (935 to 1392 A.D.) are evidence of the
practice and popularity of the art. The Yi Dynasty (1392 to 1907 A.D.) continued
to witness and document the development of Tang Soo Do. For the most part,
however, despite the presence of scrolls, books and statuary, the art was handed
down primarily by word of mouth to the present day.
We who train under Grand Master Robert P. Kovaleski and Master Eric P.
Kovaleski are part of a direct line that can be traced back to the ancient
visionary Korean warriors who first began to develop the art that became Tang
Soo Do.
TANG SOO! |
SELF-DEFENSE:
We protect our lives and possessions from injustice and danger.