Greetings from Dubuque, Iowa!

My name is Jon Toshmatov and I am a 7th GUP Tang Soo Do student at Dubuque Karate Club. I have dedicated this site for Korean traditional style Tang Soo Do.

Tang Soo Do literally translated, the word, "Tang" refers to the T'ang Dynasty of China, which reflects the shared cultural background between China and Korean (617-907 AD). "Soo" means hand but it implies fist, punch, strike or defense, and "Do" means way of life or art. Thus " Tang Soo Do" means the Korean classical martial art which was influenced by the T'ang method of martial art.

Brief History

The exact origin of Tang Soo Do, as well as of any of the martial arts in general is obscure though there are a number of historical theories. However, the most credible and traditional view is that martial arts originated not in any one country, but in almost all parts of the globe, as they were needed by primitive people.

Development in Early Ages

The ancestral art of Korean Tang Soo Do can be traced back approximately 2,000 years. At that time, Korea was divided into three kingdoms. Kugoryo was founded in 37 BC in northern Korea. The Silla Dynasty was founded in 57 BC in the southeast peninsula, and Paekche, in the southwest, was founded in 18 BC

After a long series of wars, the Silla Dynasty united the three kingdoms in 668 AD. During this period of time, the martial arts were very popular in warfare. This is evidenced by mural paintings, ruins and remains, which depicted Tang Soo Do in those days.

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