World Hanguk Tang Soo Do
About the Federation
Preserving authentic Korean martial arts tradition — and building a global community of principled martial artists and affiliated school owners.
World Hanguk Tang Soo Do
Preserving authentic Korean martial arts tradition — and building a global community of principled martial artists and affiliated school owners.
Our Heritage
Tang Soo Do — the way of the Korean hand — is a traditional martial art with roots stretching back over two thousand years. For generations, it has developed self-discipline, confidence, physical fitness, and practical self-defense through structured training in forms, sparring, and one-step techniques.
The real value of Tang Soo Do is not the belt you earn, but the changes that occur within you on the path to earning it. As practitioners around the world have discovered, training builds respect, individual character, and a healthier, more harmonious life.
The World Hanguk Tang Soo Do Federation was founded by Grandmaster Moon K. Kim in 1995. A two-time World Champion with more than fifty years of martial arts experience, Grandmaster Kim established the federation to preserve authentic Tang Soo Do instruction and unite affiliated dojangs across the United States and worldwide.
Our association emblem draws from the original Moo Duk Kwan symbol — each element reflecting our commitment to justice, unity, and the worldwide spread of Tang Soo Do across six continents.
Ancient Roots
2,000+ Years of Korean Martial Arts
Techniques and philosophy passed down through generations, rooted in the ethics of the Hwa Rang warriors and classical Korean tradition.
1995
Federation Founded
Grandmaster Moon K. Kim establishes the World Hanguk Tang Soo Do Federation to support affiliated schools with curriculum, testing, and tournaments.
Today
A Global Community
Affiliated schools across the United States and beyond — united by shared standards, events, and the Kim family's commitment to excellence.
Why We Exist
Vision Statement
"To cultivate a global community of principled martial artists who carry the ancient wisdom of Tang Soo Do into every aspect of their lives — strengthening themselves, their families, and the world around them."
Mission Statement
Our mission is to preserve and pass on the authentic traditions of Tang Soo Do through disciplined training, principled instruction, and the development of leaders of character. We are committed to upholding the highest standards of the art — in the do jang and beyond — so that each generation inherits not only the techniques, but the spirit.
What We Stand For
Five principles that guide every affiliated school — tradition, discipline, respect, leadership, and integrity.
01
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
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
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
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
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
Founder & President · World Hanguk Tang Soo Do Association
A two-time World Champion and lifelong advocate for Korean martial arts, Grandmaster Kim founded the World Hanguk Tang Soo Do Federation with a vision to create safer, stronger communities through quality instruction. His legacy continues through affiliated schools worldwide and the next generation of Kim family leadership.
Vice President · WHTSD Association
Head of Technical Advisory · WHTSD Association
Vice President · WHTSD Association
This federation site is built for school owners and instructors seeking affiliation — not for public class enrollment. Looking to train as a student? Visit USK Martial Arts.
2×
Tournaments Per Year
2×
Black Belt Tests Per Year
1995
Serving Schools Since