Tang Soo Do is a Korean martial art whose roots can be traced back 2,000 years Literally translated, the word "Tang" means Tang Dynasty of China, which reflects the shared cultural background between China and Korea (617-907 AD). "Soo" means hands but it also implies fist, punch, strike or defense "Do" means way of life or art.
Thus "Tang Soo Do" means the Korean classical martial art which legendarily was influenced by the Tang method of martial art.

The exact origin of Tang Soo Do, as well as many martial arts, is obscure, but there are a number of historical theories.

The most credible and traditional view though, is that martial arts originated not in any one country but in almost all parts of the globe, as they were needed by primitive peoples for survival.