This Korean art has its origins in the martial traditions of the Korean peninsula during the Kokuryo Dynasty (AD 37-668). It was during the Silla Dynasty (AD 668-935), however, that an elite caste of highly skilled warriors emerged. From the south-eastern kingdom, these warriors soon conquered the neighbouring kingdom of Baekje. The conquerors were known as Hwarang

Do, which means "the flower of youth". These warriors were skilled equestrians, archers and swordsmen. They also showed great skill in unarmed combat.
The close proximity of Korea to China lead to the constant influx of Chinese combat techniques, which were adopted by the Koreans in a characteristic way. It was during the Kokuryo Dynasty (AD 935-1392) that a systematic development of the various aspects of Korean Military art occurred. The new martial system was called Soo Bakh Do, and was taught to the military. The new art incorporated weapons, such as the sword, spear, bow and knife as well as unarmed close-quarters combat and grappling. Regular tournaments were held and the victors were promoted to positions of military importance. The art was extended and refined during the Yi Dynasty (AD 1392-1907).

The Japanese invasion of Korea in 1907, brought an end to the ruling Korean Dynasty, and along with it, the warrior caste. From 1907 until the end of WW II in1945, the practise of Korean martial art was discouraged as the invaders brought the Japanese arts of judo, kendo, aikido and karate to Korea. Shortly after the war, five martial art schools emerged in the newly liberated Korea : Moo Duk Kwan, Changmu Kwan, Sangmu Kwan, Jido Kwan and Chungu Kwan, each practising a unique Korean blend of Chinese (Kung fu), Japanese (Karate) and native Korean (Soo Bakh) arts.
The Moo Duk Kwan school was run by Grandmaster Hwang Kee, who had also travelled to China. While in China, he complemented his mastery of original Soo Bakh Do by studying the Chinese martial arts (Kung Fu, Wushu etc). In 1964 the Korean government planned to unite all Korean styles under the name Tae Soo Do, but this failed. A year later (this time, successfully) the government united many Korean arts under the name Taekwondo. The move was not universally well received, and Grandmaster Kee along with the grandmasters of many other styles broke away. He renamed his school Moo Duk Kwan Tang Soo Do. which means "the way of the (Chinese) open hand".

In 1957 Grandmaster Jae Joon Kim, student of and successor to Grandmaster Hwang Kee, began teaching Tang Soo Do to American G.I.’s stationed in Korea. In 1968, former student and Karate pioneer in America, Dale Droilliard convinced Grandmaster Kim to come to America, which he did in 1969. He then set up the World Moo Duk Kwan Tang Soo Do Federation, which currently has associations in 36 countries world-wide, including South Africa.

 In 1996 a new federation was formed, with the aim of combining the modern thoughts with traditional training. The Federation has as its core the traditional syllabus of World Moo Duk Kwan Tang Soo Do and has complimented this with additional weapons and the introduction of weapons forms designed to be practically applied in everyday situations to create a greater understanding of the weapon. The federations Honourary Grandmaster is Grandmaster Jae Joon Kim. The Federations president is Grandmaster Edward Jacobsen (RSA) who has the experience and knowledge to lead the students to a greater understanding of their techniques and forms.
Grandmaster Jacobsen began his training in martial arts at an early age with some boxing. He then trained in Shukokai and Goju Ryu Karate. He left Goju Ryu to train in the more traditional system of Ryu Kyu Kobujutsu wherin he reached a level of second dan. During this time he travelled extensively to train in Japan and China. In 1987 Grandmaster Jacobsen went to the U.S.A. to train under Grandmaster Jae Joon Kim. Upon his return in 1988 he was appointed chief instructor for South Africa’s Moo Duk Kwan Tang Soo Do Federation. During subsequent visits to America he was graded to masters level by Grandmaster Kim and he currently holds a 9th dan. Grandmaster Jacobsen currently also has a 7th Dan in the Korean Sword Art - Haedong Kumdo and is the African and European co-ordintor for this art.

In 2002, in keeping with South African Tang Soo Do's proud history of being at the forefront of Tang Soo Do Development, a new organisation, which reflected the vision of the times, was formed. The new organisations name is COMBAT TANG SOO DO. The new name places more emphasis on the shift to using martial arts effectively in the streets and also emphasises the uniqueness of a style, which covers all ranges of fighting as well as making extensive use of weapons.
The association's aim is to combine modern thoughts with traditional training. The association has as its core the traditional syllabus of World Moo Duk Kwan Tang Soo Do and has complimented this with additional weapons, combat basics and the introduction of weapons forms designed to be practically applied in everyday situations - creating greater understanding.
The association's president is Grandmaster Edward Jacobsen (9th Dan).

Each belt level represents the following:

White: White represents a primitive stage, ready to learn and grow. It is the dormant (and potential) state of a new student.  Like Winter.

Purple: Purple represents new growth, like the spring of the seasons. The student has new knowledge to grow and a sense of Tang Soo Do direction is developed.

Green: Green represents the speedy development of youth as summer arrives, a sense of pride has come over the student.

Red: Red represents power, stability, agility, weight and wisdom. This is like the high school years. The student begins to flower and bloom.

Dark Blue or Black: Dark Blue represents maturity, respect and honor. It is the completion of a (Black Belt) goal or one stage of life. It is a new pathway to higher ranks of Black Belt. It is like graduating from high school and going to college to become a Master. The mind is clear and calm. The body is a machine that can move and react in a split second.