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. Since then, 2,000 years have passed. The indigenous martial arts quietly developed through generations of the Korean people. During some eras it flourished and other times it diminished, according to the political, economic or cultural environment. After the Korean independence movement from Japan in 1945, the Korean martial arts were again merged and flourished throughout the entire Korean Peninsula. Many organizations were founded with various names such as Soo Bahk Do, Tang Soo Do, Tae Soo Do and so on. At the beginning of the modern era of the Korean martial arts, Tang Soo Do was the most popular term for these arts; however, at that time, the Korean political leader was concerned about establishing Korean values based on Korean nationalism. The political leaders 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, as it sounded like a Chinese martial art, because the first word “Tang” could be interpreted as representing the Chinese Tang Dynasty (617-907 AD). In 1964, a government sponsored small group created a new name for the Korean martial arts: Tae Kwon Do. This was considered to be a great political achievement, to bring strength and prominence to the Korean government in International politics. Thus began the popular movement of martial arts as we know it today.

The instructors of A Mountain Wind Martial Art and the organization to which this studio belongs, the World Tang Soo Do Association, still respects the original term, Tang Soo Do, and we maintain its heritage and value as a traditional way of life. We, as World Tang Soo Do practitioners are striving to maintain traditional values of respect, discipline, self control, self improvement, etiquette and ultimately live a healthy and harmonious life, physically and mentally.

Whatever brings each of us to Tang Soo Do, we all set goals in our training – some to Black Belt and others to Masters Belt. Belts, however, only symbolize the goal, they are not the goal itself. The real value of Tang Soo Do is not the belt you earn, but the changes that occur within you, in your quest for them. These changes include the betterment of your mind, body and spirit and the development of individual character and respect for others. The true goal of Tang Soo Do training is to use the lessons you learn in the studio to enrich every part of your life.

Meet The Team