Young students posing with medals

당수도

WORLD HANGUK
TANG SOO DO
FEDERATION

Traditional Korean
Martial Arts
Since 1995

Our Heritage

The way of the Korean hand — preserved for the next generation.

Tang Soo Do is a traditional Korean martial art rooted in discipline, respect, and personal development. Founded on the principles of loyalty, filial piety, respect, and righteousness, our federation unites school owners and instructors committed to authentic instruction.

Under the leadership of Grandmaster Moon K. Kim, the World Hanguk Tang Soo Do Federation provides standardized curriculum, rank advancement, tournaments, and support for affiliated dojangs across the United States and beyond.

Our Vision, Mission & Values

What We Stand For

Our Core Values

These five values tie directly to our pillars of tradition, discipline, respect, and leadership.

01

Tradition

Roots Before Wings

We honor the 2,000-year lineage of Tang Soo Do by teaching the art as it was meant to be taught — unchanged by trend, undiminished by time. Even today, the techniques and philosophy are taught as they were in ancient times, and we are guardians of that legacy.

02

Discipline

The Foundation of All Achievement

Progress in Tang Soo Do — and in life — is earned through consistent effort and self-mastery. We hold our students and instructors to a standard of excellence that reflects the full depth of the art.

03

Respect

The First and Final Bow

Rooted in the ethics of the Hwa Rang warriors of the Silla Dynasty, respect flows in every direction — to instructors, to peers, to opponents, and to oneself. Every class begins and ends with a bow because respect is not a gesture; it is a way of living.

04

Leadership

Black Belts Are Made to Lead

We develop more than martial artists. We develop leaders — people who walk with confidence, speak with integrity, and serve their communities. Senior members are expected to mentor, model, and inspire.

05

Integrity

Do the Right Thing, Especially When No One Is Watching

The measure of a true Tang Soo Do practitioner is not what they do on the floor during a test, but how they conduct themselves every day. We hold this standard above all others.

The People Behind the Art

Leadership & Lineage

Master Amy Kim

Vice President · WHTSD Association

  • 5th Degree Black Belt · Sabomnim 5th Dan
  • 30+ years training experience
  • Co-owner, USK Martial Arts
  • Trained 1,000+ students

Master Charles Kim

Head of Technical Advisory · WHTSD Association

  • 5th Degree Black Belt · Sabomnim 5th Dan
  • HDKD 3rd Dan Instructor
  • 25+ years training experience
  • Co-owner, USK Martial Arts

Grandmaster Raphael Velez

Vice President · WHTSD Association

  • 8th Dan Tang Soo Do
  • 8th Dan Kuntao (Filipino Martial Arts)
  • Boxing Golden Glove contender, 1978
  • World record holder — most concrete patio blocks broken by elbow

For School Owners

THE FEDERATION STANDARD

Authentic Lineage

Direct affiliation with the World Hanguk Tang Soo Do Federation — recognized curriculum and rank credentials backed by decades of tradition.

Certified Curriculum

Standardized hyung, sparring, and testing requirements — giving your students clear goals and your school professional credibility.

Nationwide Community

Join a network of affiliated schools with access to tournaments, seminars, black belt testing, and ongoing support from federation leadership.

Competition & Advancement

TOURNAMENTS & EVENTS

Yearly · Every May

Inter-School Tournament

Spring event for affiliated schools — hyung, sparring, breaking, and weapons divisions.

View Tournaments

Yearly · Every November

Federation Championship

Our flagship annual tournament — the largest federation competition of the year.

View Tournaments

USK Martial Arts Members

Dan & Gup Promotion

Rank promotion information for USK Martial Arts students and instructors.

Learn More

In Action

GALLERY

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Tang Soo Do federation event

School Owners & Instructors

Join the Federation

Affiliated membership gives your school access to standardized curriculum, tournament participation, rank credentials, and the support of a federation built on nearly three decades of martial arts excellence.