Brief History of Tang Soo Do

Welcome to the Huntingdon Karate Academy

Preserving Tradition. Inspiring Growth.

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At the Huntingdon Karate Academy, we proudly teach Tang Soo Do, a traditional Korean martial art rooted in values that have stood the test of time. With origins tracing back over 2,000 years, Tang Soo Do is one of the oldest martial arts systems still practiced today.

 

What is Tang Soo Do?

Tang Soo Do is more than self-defense—it is a discipline that integrates physical training with the development of character and spirit. Its purpose is to strengthen the Mind, Body, and Spirit, guided by the Five Moo Do Values:

• History

• Tradition

• Philosophy

• Discipline & Respect

• Technique

 

As a defensive martial art, Tang Soo Do teaches peaceful conflict resolution, self-awareness, and personal responsibility. Students learn to navigate both internal challenges—like frustration, fear, or anger—and external challenges such as bullying or confrontation with calm, control, and confidence.

 

Why Train in Tang Soo Do?

Tang Soo Do instills skills that extend far beyond the dojang:

• Discipline

• Confidence

• Focus

• Self-control

• Resilience

 

These qualities support success in school, work, relationships, and everyday life. Our goal is to help students become not only strong martial artists, but strong people—physically, mentally, and morally.

 

Our History

Modern Tang Soo Do was founded in the mid-1900s by Grandmaster Hwang Kee, who studied ancient Korean martial traditions along with Chinese and Japanese styles during Korea’s occupation. Originally naming his art Hwa Soo Do ("The Way of the Flowering Hand"), he later renamed it Tang Soo Do, and eventually Soo Bahk Do, referencing the historical Korean martial text Mooyae Dobo Tongji.

 

Today, his son Grandmaster H.C. Hwang leads the World Moo Duk Kwan, continuing the original lineage and legacy of Tang Soo Do.

 

Tang Soo Do Today

As the art spread across the world, many of Grandmaster Hwang Kee’s top students founded their own federations. While all organizations trace their lineage back to the original Moo Duk Kwan, they now operate independently, often with their own systems and philosophies.

Most of these federations are in their second or third generation of leadership, evolving in structure and interpretation of the art over time. Notable associations include:

• World Tang Soo Do Federation – Jae Chul Shin, Robert Beaudoin, William Strong

• World Moo Duk Kwan – H.C. Hwang

• International Tang Soo Do Federation – Chun Sik Kim

• Tang Soo Do Martial Way Association – Andy Ah Po

• Hwa Rang World Tang Soo Do Federation – Ho Sik Pak

• World Dang Soo Do Union – Song Ki Kim

• Intercontinental Tang Soo Do Organization – Dominic Giacobbe

• Tang Soo Do Mi Guk Kwan Association – Charles Ferraro

• Atlantic Pacific Tang Soo Do Federation – John St. James

• World Tang Soo Do General Federation Korea – Yung Duk Kim, Hee Suk Choi, Koe Woong Choung

• U.S. Goodwill Tang Soo Do Association

• International Tang Soo Do Practitioners Association

 

These organizations represent the natural growth (ryu pa) of the art while continuing to honor its foundational principles.

 

Ethics in the Martial Arts Community

While Tang Soo Do has a rich and honorable history, the broader martial arts world is not immune to serious ethical challenges. Most martial arts schools operate independently, with little to no outside oversight. There is often no formal reporting structure for misconduct or abuse, and traditional hierarchies can discourage students from speaking out.

 

In many schools, a culture of blind obedience persists. Students are expected to follow their instructors, black belts, or senior members without question. When unchecked, this structure can lead to environments where power is misused and abusive behavior goes unchallenged—often under the justification of "discipline" or "tradition."

 

At the Huntingdon Karate Academy, we believe that tradition should never come at the expense of safety, respect, or integrity.

 

Our Commitment to Safety, Structure, and Accountability

We are committed to creating a healthy, respectful, and empowering training environment where character is earned—not demanded—and where rank is never used to intimidate or control.

 

What sets us apart:

• Our instructors use developmentally sound teaching methods, based in modern motor learning and pedagogy, to ensure that students learn safely and effectively.

• We actively promote mutual respect, transparency, and student empowerment, rather than a hierarchy that discourages questions or concerns.

• Our school is affiliated with three internationally recognized martial arts organizations, including USA Karate, the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee’s official governing body for karate.

• All of our instructors are certified by the U.S. Center for SafeSport, ensuring they meet the highest national standards for ethics, abuse prevention, and student safety.

 

To our knowledge, we are the only martial arts school in our region with this level of formal instructor training and national oversight.

 

More Than a Martial Art

At the Huntingdon Karate Academy, we are proud to offer a martial arts education that is rooted in tradition, elevated by modern standards, and guided by a deep responsibility to our students, families, and community.

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Tang Soo Do is not just something you do—it is something you become. We invite you to join us and experience a school that values growth, safety, and strength—in every sense of the word.