Kokuryo Dynasty
During this period there are clear records of existence of Tang Soo Do. However, much of the specific details are missing. The discovery of ancient wall paintings depicting men practicing Tang Soo Do were found in tombs along the lower stream of the river, Ap Lok, which is in a town called Jih Ahn. This verifies that Tang Soo Do was practiced as far back as 1,500 years ago.
Silla Dynasty
As with the Kokuryo Dynasty, the records of Tang Soo Do are sparse. We can, however, clearly conclude that Tang Soo Do existed, since Buddhist sculptures of this time period show monks practicing this martial art. Here, what we need to think about is the relationship between Buddhism and Tang Soo Do. There are many examples, the sculptures in the Shoalin Temple in the Human Province of China, and the temple of Bul Dook, the story of the thirteen monks, monk Dal Ma and monk Mio Rheon, and record requiring monks to be trained in Tang Soo Do. One can conclude that there must be some relationship between early Tang Soo Do and Buddhism. It is a subject in need of further study by scholars.
Ko Ryeo Dynasty
More than any other dynasty, there is an accurate record of Tang Soo Do in the History book. “Ko Ryeo’s History.” A Record of Yo Moon Yi, a Tang Soo Do Master greatly beloved by the sixteenth king. Yo Jong, later became the General of the whole Army and was renowned for his martial art skills. According to the 36th volume of “Ko Ryeo’s History, “there is a record of the 30th king of KoRyeo. Choong Hye, who came to the pavilion Sang Choon, and watched men practicing Tang Soo Do around 600 years ago.
Yi Cho Dynasty
According to the 32nd volume of the book “Tea Jong –Sil Lok,” around 500 years ago the new king, Sang Wang, invited his son and relatives to watch Tang Soo Do while at a party. Other books give further evidence of Tang Soo Do during the Yi Cho Dynasty. The book, “ Moo Yeh Do Tong Ji Bo” (Military Arts Manual), known widely in the literature of martial art,, is valued and held precious as a source of martial art history. It is a cumulative gathering of several scrolls depicting various martial arts techniques. At first, the “12 way” were added to the original “ 6 way Jun Bo,” and was published in the time of king Dong Goong of the Yi Cho Dynasty. Later, another “6 ways “ were added along with the Won Ryoo Je Do. “ The edition which exists today is “ Moo Yeh Do Bo Jong Ji. “ Through the study of the book,” Moo Yeah Do Bo Tong Ji.” We see the history of Martial arts during the Yi Cho era change from time to time and place to pace. However, it is not important to cultivate this literature further, even though the new king, Yi Tae Jo, was once a warrior. Around the end of the Yi Cho era, there is a record of fighting techniques called “Tak Gyeon” which utilize the feet. We cannot consider this as a part of traditional martial art since there is no official record of this training style anywhere. It has never been recognized as a true martial art because it lacked the practice of mental discipline. We cannot however, ignore the noticeable influence this method has had on Tang Soo Do and the added benefits of utilizing legs and feet for dynamic kicking within our training today.
