The exact origins of Tang Soo Do, as well as all other
martial arts, is obscure, although there are a number of historical theories.
The most traditional view is that martial arts did not originate in any one
country, but evolved in all parts of the globe as a method of self-defense
that was needed by primitive people.
The ancestral art of Korean Tang Soo Do can be traced back to the period when Korea was divided
into three kingdoms:
Koguryo was founded in 37 BC in northern Korea.
The Silla Dynasty was founded in 57 BC in the southeast peninsula.
The third kingdom, Paekche was founded in 18 BC.
Finally, after a long series of wars, the Silla Dynasty united the three kingdoms in 668 AD.
During this period, the primitive martial arts were very popular as a method of self-defense
in warfare.  This is evidence in the many mural paintings, ruins, and remains, which depict Tang Soo Do in those days. Among the three kingdoms, the Silla Dynasty was most famous for its development of martial arts. A corps composed of a group of young aristocrats who were called "Hwa Rang Dan" was the major force behind the development of the art. These warriors were instrumental in unifying the Korean peninsula under the new Silla Dynasty (668 AD - 935 AD). Many of the early leaders of that dynasty were originally members of the Hwa Rang Dan. Most Korean martial arts trace their spiritual and technical heritage to this group. In fact, the names of some martial arts such as Hwa Rang Do or Hwa Soo Do, still reflect this origination.
Haidong Gumdo is a martial art that consists of, sword cutting and thrusting training, paired with breathing and
meditation techniques. Currently there are 300 Haidong Gumdo Academies in Korea and schools
in 30 other countries including the Europe, South America and the USA.
Pittsburgh has become a major center of the US Haidong Gumdo association.
There are currently over 200 students in the Pittsburgh area, training in this art
that was only introduced in the USA 4 yrs ago.
Haidong Gumdo means "East Sea Swordsmanship" or "The Light of the Sword as the
Energy rising up in the morning in the Eastern Sea". This is referring to the
reflection of the morning light on the upraised sword blade.
Haidong Gumdo has a long and storied history. According to Korean history there were three dynasties before the modern age.
The most militarily powerful of these dynasties was called Kokuryu.
The military prowess they achieved was attributed to their Samrang leaders.
Samrang was the forerunner of Haidong Gumdo.
In ancient times without having a bloody fight these warriors cut the branch of a wild rose and
enclosed it in a letter so that they could judge each other's skill and swordsmanship.
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