History:
Hwa
Rang Do®
is an 1800 year old Korean Martial and Healing Arts system. Its
theory is based on the Um-Yang principle which states that all
things in nature possess equal opposites and the state of balance
of these opposing forces creates Harmony in one's life.
During the ancient times in the kingdom of Shilla, an elite group
of young males were selected from noble families and were taught
literature, dance, poetry, horsemanship, philosophy, science,
and the art of war. They were known as the "Hwa Rang"
the Flowering Knights, and due to their physical and mental strengths,
these Hwa Rang warriors lead their kingdom in the unification
of the Korean peninsula for the first time.
This system has been passed down to modern times, and in 1960
Dr. Joo Bang Lee brought this system back to the public when he
began teaching in Seoul, Korea. Since then, Hwa Rang Do®
has spread throughout the world, while keeping a firm hold on
its tradition.
For more detailed information on Hwa Rang Do®
history please CLICK
HERE.
Martial Skills:
Hwa Rang Do®
is one of the most comprehensive martial arts systems to be found
in the world today. It is a balance of both soft/circular principles
and hard/linear principles of movement in four divisions.
Nae Gong - Internal Power
Is the area of study which involves developing one's internal
energy, or Ki power, through meditation and breathing exercises.
Through both passive (um) and active (yang) methods an individual
can enhance his or her physical abilities, as well as healing
capacity.
Wae Gong - External Power
Is the development of physical combat skills which takes the form
of over 4,000 offensive and defensive techniques, 365 kicking
combinations in both hard/linear and soft/circular movements.
The achievement of complete physical control.
These physical skills are focused on the Three Stages of Fighting:
1. Standing with Distance:
The first stage of fighting occurs when two or more opponents
are standing within arms range. This is where we apply kicking
and punching combinations.
2. In-close and standing:
Once you break the perimeter of your opponent, you are now inside.
In-fighting incorporates the use of joint manipulation, pressure
points, and takedowns.
3. On the ground, grappling:
Once a takedown has been applied, you are now on the ground. Ground
fighting utilizes the use of choking, pressure points, and joint
manipulation to make your opponent surrender.
Shin Gong - Mental Power
The development of mental concentration and alertness through
a disciplined regiment of meditation, geared to enhancing greater
focus. Also included is the study of the philosophy of the martial
way in order to apply its principles to everyday life.
Moo Gi Gong - Weapon Power
The development and mastery of external objects. There are over
108 different weapons found within Hwa Rang Do®,
and by learning these various weapon systems, the practitioner
can most effectively utilize any object as a weapon as the situation
demands.
Healing Skills:
Another important part of Hwa Rang Do®
is its study of healing skills. All advanced practitioners of
Hwa Rang Do®
must learn these healing skills in conjunction with their martial
skill practice. If one can cause injury (or worse) then one must
also have the ability to heal. The healing skills found in Hwa
Rang Do®
are divided into 6 categories:
Ji Ap Sool - Acupressure
Chim Gu Sool - Acupuncture and Maxabustion
Yak Bang Bop - Herbal Medicine
Jup Gol Sool - Bone Setting
Hwal bop - Special Aids
Ki Ryuk Sool - Ki Power Healing
Code of Ethics:
1800 Years ago, by the mandate of King Chinghung, the Hwa Rang
Do®
Oh Kae was composed by the Buddhist priest Won Kwan Bopsa so that
the Hwa Rang warriors may live by a strict code of ethics. Supreme
Grandmaster, Dr. Joo Bang Lee, created the Kyo Hoon, which are
nine doctrines that better help the student follow the warrior's
path.
Together the Oh Kae and Kyon Hoon comprise the Hwa Rang Do®
Meng Sae, or art's philosophical, ethical, and moral foundation.
Oh Kae
1. Il. Sa Kun E Choong -
Loyalty to One's Country
2. E. Sa Chin E Hyo -
Loyalty to One's Parents and Teachers
3. Sam. Kyo Woo E Shin
Trust and Brotherhood Among Friends
4. Sa. Im Jeon Moo Tae
Courage to Never Retreat in the Face of the Enemy
5. Oh. Sal Saeng You Taek
Justice to Never Take a Life Without a Cause
Kyo Hoon
1. In - Humanity
2. Oui - Justice
3. Yea - Courtesy
4. Ji - Wisdom
5. Shin - Trust
6. Sun - Goodness
7. Duk - Virtue
8. Choong - Loyalty
9. Yong - Courage
