United States
News:
The Hwarang Warriors
Live On!
By Reynaldo Macias
Jerry Kang – Hwa Rang Do 2nd Dan Black Sash
Nicholas Day – Hwa Rang Do 1st Dan Black Sash
William Wright – Hwa Rang Do Red Sash
Matthew Kim – Hwa Rang Do Red Sash
The Hwarang of old trained themselves to excel at many different
and disparate aspects of life, to be both scholars and warriors. Indeed,
they considered it to be man’s purpose to seek balance and fulfillment
in both poetry and grappling, brewing tea and breaking bones, literature
and lethal weapons, mathematics and martial arts.
As a society today, we tend to specialize. We have professional athletes
who are conditioned to play once a week, yet they are at the “top
of their game”. Eyebrows are raised in surprise when students
excel in the classroom and on the athletic field. Poetry written by
actors who play musical instruments is considered vanity, rather than
applauded on its merit.
At the West Coast Hwa Rang Do Academy, though, the ancient drumbeat
still echoes loudly. The annual World Hwarangdo Championships held
each July are an opportunity to witness the virtues of excellence
across the spectrum of human achievements and being the best that
humanity has to offer. As individuals, each of the Hwarangdo and Taesoodo
students who began their training trying to learn reverse front kick,
double punch is striving to excel in each and every aspect of their
lives, including doing their very best as they compete in the tournament.
Though each of us competing and training strives to achieve this
goal, to pursue excellence and achievement in everything we do, there
are a few who exemplify this each July. Jo Kyo Nim Jerry Kang, Jo
Kyo Nim Nicholas Day, Instructor William Wright and Instructor Matthew
Kim have set a very high bar for each of us, and they do it with a
welcoming countenance to those of us who have not yet reached their
plateau.
As the Championships began, the four of them helped set up the battleground,
making sure that all was in its proper place. This included their
different uniforms, armors and weapons for all of the events to take
place that day. All four of these modern ancients competed in every
event offered at the tournament: open hand forms, weapons forms, point
sparring, ground fighting, and Kumdo. In addition to competing in
each event, which meant their days lasted from before the sun rose
until well after the sun set, they all judged different aspects of
the competitions, or refereed matches so that other competitors could
challenge themselves.
Not only did these men compete all day, they often ended up competing
with each other for the top prizes in their divisions! They are modern
shining exemplars of the Ancient Hwarang as they possess multifaceted
knowledge of the martial discipline, allowing them to compete in open
hand forms, weapon forms, kick/punch/throw fighting, submission fighting,
and weapon fighting as well as demonstrating strong leadership though
action and self-sacrifice.
Family Reunion - 2007 World Hwa Rang Do Championships
By Reynaldo Macias
West LA’s Pep Rally a day before the championships.
There were cousins, aunts and uncles that hadn’t been seen
for years! The 2007 World Hwa Rang Do Association Interschool Championships,
held at the West Coast Hwa Rang Do Academy in Los Angeles, California
brought together students of The Way from Minneapolis, MN, New York
City, NY, northern and southern California, Phoenix, AZ, Florida,
Rome and Genoa Italy! Beginning Wednesday night, with the arrival
of the Italian Team, through Sunday morning when the Hanford dojang
arrived by charter bus after rising at 4:30 am to get here, sunbae
and whobae traveled great distances to test themselves and reunite
with family.
The Weapon Forms – Mugi Hyung
Orchestrated by Chief Master Taejoon Lee and Instructor Sirny, the
tournament began with the addition of a third ring of competition
being laid outside the dojang. The day that would see over one hundred
and sixty competitors take to the mats to test themselves began with
the playing of the United States and Korean national anthems, and
a great whooping cheer by everyone assembled. Then the blood, sweat
and tears began!
Inside the dojang, the Tae Soo Do junior beginners squared off, competing
in weapons with their Ssang Jyel Bong. Outside the TSD advanced and
Hwarangdo juniors competed, with Jang Bongs and swords flashing in
the morning sun. Following the weapons competition, the juniors moved
on to open hand forms and sparring. From there, the team sparring
match saw the West Coast Hwarangdo juniors defeating the Hanford dojang
juniors to maintain their title as Junior Champions. As the junior
gotoogi matches tapped out, the adult beginners took to the mats.
Due to the huge number of competitors, the adult Tae Soo Do beginners
started their competition around one o’clock. Ssang Jyel Bongs,
Jang Bongs and swords caused minor turbulence as they cut through
the air with speed and precision. The sun defeated our team of mat
coolers, and the outside ring was dismantled due to the heat.
The Open Hand Forms - Hyung
As the day wore on, the competition became steadily more intense.
Moving into the Hwarangdo ranks, the air gathered the massive energy
you feel before a lightning storm – in our case, the Black Sash
competitions. As the Black Sashes took to the floor, first for weapons
and then open hand competition, the Hwarangdo adults were engaged
in the sparring competitions. The transitions from one to the other
were slight and yet obvious to the trained eye: the fluid grace that
the black sashes achieved; the efficient use of space and energy;
the lightning fast attacks and defenses. The display of skill and
years of effort were fantastic to watch for aspirants, and entertaining
for family and friends.
The Kick/Punch/Throw Sparring - Daeryun
And then came the adult Team Sparring. Casey Abing brought a team
from San Diego State University, that was matched against Kyo Sa Nim
Mattiuci’s Italian team. Meanwhile, the runners-up from the
Midwest faced off against the reigning West Coast team. Both of the
preliminary matches were intense, with the SDSU team ferociously battling
before losing to the Italian team, consisting of black sashes and
the Midwest team maintaining their form, also putting up a valiant
battle before falling to the champions.
The Submission Fighting - Gotoogi
This set up the long-anticipated team match between the West Coast
and Italy. As the competitors took to the mats, their differing styles
came into play. Jo Kyo Francesco and Giuseppe landed many a daring
and ferocious aerial kicks, dazing the West Coast team. Shaking clear
the cobwebs, Instructors Matthew Kim and William Wright landed heel
hooks and spin kicks that rocked the dojangs in Los Angeles, Rome
and Genoa! As the testy matches drew to a close, everyone waited with
baited breath for the score to be announced – West Coast 19,
Italy 10! As the two teams hugged, they began to shout and jump around,
“HWARANGDO! HWARANGDO! HWARANGDO!”
Many of the students and family departed after the team matches,
though the competition wasn’t done. Since it was already eight
o’clock, people left to change for the banquet that began an
hour earlier. Those remaining were competing in either the black sash
gotoogi, or Kumdo competitions. It took another ninety minutes for
those competitions to finish.
The Weapon Fighting – Mugi Daeryun
Fourteen Hours. One hundred and sixty students. Thousands of hugs,
smiles, kicks, punches, locks, breaths and KIAPS! This family reunion,
these World Hwa Rang Do Championships, brought together people with
a common goal – to improve themselves by following the Way,
and by improving themselves, improving the world. And we get to do
it all again next year! Hwarang!
2007 World Hwa Rang Do Championships
By Sabumnim Dylan Sirny
There is no other martial art tournament that tests so many skills
of its participants than the Hwa Rang Do World Championships. People
came from all over; West Coast, East Coast, Midwest, and Europe to
compete in Open Hand Forms, Weapon Forms, Sparring, Grappling, and
Weapon Fighting. The day was so packed with action that it took all
day to get through so many divisions of competition, and the award
ceremony of the banquet had to start 3 hours late so that all competitors
could arrive.
While many people were already in the area due to the open seminars
held the previous two days, one dojang made quite an entrance and
that was the Hanford team. When the super-sized tour bus pulled into
the parking lot, we thought some rock band had arrived and behold,
over 50 members of the Hanford dojang along with a number of parents
and family members exited the bus. Everyone’s excitement level
increased, except those at the registration table as they had to take
care of the huge line of participants from all of the dojangs. Even
so, the day did start early at 8:30 in the morning on Sunday July
22nd. The children’s competition began the day with exciting
performances of forms and weapon forms. The young Hwarang spirit was
clearly on display as the junior’s Kiaps filled the space that
could only be out done by so many spectators cheering. The junior’s
sparring matches were also filled with sharp and decisive techniques,
and many of the matches went the full two minutes with the scores
being separated by only one or two points. The junior competition
also held its annual team sparring challenge with the West Coast Headquarters
Team overcoming the Hanford Team in a great set of final matches.
A highlight of the junior competition was the clearly the grappling.
There were position grappling divisions, but also light and heavy
weight submission divisions for the juniors, and what excitement!
Beautifully executed takedowns and lock-ups, done with great control
and precision. Many were excited to see even a great body scissor
takedown followed up with some great setups finishing in an armbar
from the junior champion Thebe Kgositsile.
The day moved on to the adult competition, where once again the divisions
were packed with a lot of competitors showing off the full arsenal
of Hwa Rang Do. Just like the kids, the adults started with forms
and weapon forms. The movement of Hwa Rang Do was a sight to behold
as many kicks, hands, and weapons were beautifully executed with grace
and power of both the hard and soft movements found within the art.
Again, the Hwarang spirit made its mark through incredibly energetic
and spirited performances, leaving the crowd continually cheering
for more action.
This year’s sparring matches were definitely fiercely fought.
The level of skill and competition has increased every year, and this
year the competitors stepped into the battle arena with strong determination.
The Italian Team left a mark to remember as they are used to a more
full contact arena back in the European open circuits. That only ignited
the ferocity and determination of the undefeated Champions. While
some of the matches rung a couple bells with the head’s of the
opponents, especially during the team sparring, the matches were well
fought and culminated with a loud and resounding group cheer with
everyone on the floor yelling Hwa Rang Do, Hwa Rang Do, Hwa Rang Do,
Hwa Rang Do! The Italians were ferocious and fought bravely. However,
the West Coast Team impressed the audience as they stepped up and
met the challenge of the Italian Team, defeating them 19 to 10 with
quiet inner pride, always maintaining their composure.
The grappling competition was divided for beginner positioning matches
and submission matches for the advanced students. Both the men and
women positioning matches had a lot of great techniques, both in controlling
the opponent and escapes followed up by redirecting the control of
the match. The points kept adding up and the level of skill that the
beginners demonstrated were indeed impressive. Many instructors can’t
wait to see these students step into the submission level next year.
Speaking of submissions, the submission matches of this year’s
grappling divisions were nothing less than outstanding. Competitors
from all schools stepped onto the mats to work their way through the
divisions. Those who proceeded with quick submissions definitely benefited
as the matches moved on through the bracket as the winners had to
go through more than 7 rounds of grueling matches. Antonio Goodwin
made it through the heavy weight division with Matthew Kim once again
beating out the other light weights. This brought an interesting grand
championship as while Matthew was away at college this year, Antonio
took over the WLA Gotoogi champion title in the grappling challenge
held earlier that spring. All spectators were pumped about seeing
this final championship and who would come out on top. Even though
Matthew was off to college and out weighed by over 70 pounds, he still
had his full arsenal of skill and talent on the mat and submitted
Antonio with an armbar only 1 minute 26 seconds into the match.
The weapon fighting and Kumdo matches finished out the long day of
competitions. Putting on armor and stepping into the ring after competing
in so many other long and hard fought divisions may sound tiring,
but all competitors of the weapon fighting still fought with an extremely
high level of energy and spirit. In fact, they appeared to be getting
stronger throughout the day, and it was great to see the jukdos (bamboo
swords) striking the stomachs and hands as well as ringing off the
helmets as the Kiaps echoed throughout the dojang.
We have to mention that there were many people who competed in all
of these different divisions. This is an amazing testament to their
training and the art in which we practice. To not only be able to
compete, but to do so, on such an outstanding level with perfect sportsmanship,
resulting in zero disputes and no complaints by the spectators, this
is what a TOURNAMENT is suppose to be like. To test our skills and
challenge each other to always strive for excellence, letting go of
selfish ego and exercising humility, respect and honor - The Hwarang
Way.
This was also most likely the last year of the tournament will be
held at the West Coast Headquarters, and what a memorable event it
was. There is no doubt that whatever arena next year’s tournament
is held at the Hwarang Spirit will ring even louder than this year.
Congratulations to everyone who participated in such an exciting
event. Keep training hard and we’ll all see you next year at
the World Hwa Rang Do Championships!
World
Championship Photo Gallery
Summer Seminars with Chief Master
Taejoon Lee & Supreme Grandmaster Dr. Joo Bang Lee
By Fernando Escobar
As of October, I will have officially been a member of the West Coast
Hwa Rang Do Academy and Master Lee’s student for 1 year, and
it’s been a martial arts tour de force. I’ve been challenged
mentally and physically. I’ve been forced to give up habit in
exchange for self-betterment and I’ve made some incredible friends.
I also have had the privilege and opportunities training with some
of the most talented and amazing martial artists in the world over
this past year. One such opportunity came this past July during a
weekend of training and intense competition.
The two days before the Hwa Rang Do Interschool Championships, Chief
Master Taejoon Lee kicked off the Hwa Rang Do Summer Seminars with
8 grueling sessions over 2 days covering:
1. Joint Manipulation
2. Joint Manipulation Counters
3. Takedowns to Lock-ups
4. Dan Bong (Short Stick) Techniques
5. Grappling (Gotoogi) Positioning
6. Grappling Submissions & Combinations
7. Jang Gum (Long Sword) Techniques
8. Ki Gong and Meditation Principles for General Health
Along with having the privilege of training and partnering with a
number of Hwa Rang Do Black Sashes, everyone during those two days
had the special honor of being taught by Supreme Grandmaster Dr. Joo
Bang Lee for the Dan Bong (Long Sword), Jang Gum (Short Stick) and
Ki Gong sessions of the seminars.
Understanding the Human Anatomy and the Purpose of Techniques
Prior to becoming one of Chief Master Taejoon Lee’s students
at the West Coast Headquarters, I had very little martial arts experience.
I took Karate for about 6 months when I was in 4th grade, I played
football for 7 years in high school and college and regularly got
into impromptu wrestling matches with my fraternity brothers at MIT.
And to my advantage or disadvantage, I’m a “nimble”
270 lbs. of engineer.
But during no time in my life did I have the opportunity to understand
the human body from a martial artist’s perspective. During all
my previous physical activity, I pretty much relied on my size and
strength without really knowing what I was doing.
Well, kicking off the seminars with Joint Manipulation was a rude
awakening for this proud big man.
Learning to Relax in Combat & in Life
During the first two session on Joint Manipulation, Master Lee demonstrated
what seemed to be an endless array of debilitating joint locks and
holds on a very pain tolerant Instructor Nick Day.
A dojang full of Hwa Rang Do Black Sashes and a few lower rank students
(including myself) did our best to keep up with the onslaught of techniques
we attempted to perform and then remember during those 2 days.
One of the most important lessons for me came during the 2nd Session
on Joint Manipulation. I had the privilege of partnering with 1st
Dan Instructor Preston Packard and had the benefit of his years of
training experience. He was equally grateful since he said, “I
usually don’t get an opportunity to train with someone your
size”.
While working on a wristlock technique, Instructor Packard said something
which had and powerful impact on how I would train and compete from
that point on. As I attempted to perform a technique, he told me “Relax.
Relax. You’re too tense. You’re giving yourself away.
You need to relax.”
Those few words, although may seem simple, struck a chord with me
and changed the way I trained from that point on. As a 6’3”,
270lbs. guy, it’s hard to let go of your strong suits for the
sake of self betterment. Society teaches us to take our strengths,
nurture them and then get a job and make a career out of them. Hwa
Rang Do taught me to develop my weaknesses, so that I may have choices
-- choices in combat and choices in life.
As a big guy, my tendency is to control my situation by forcing the
things I want to happen. In my training, I’ve learned to control
the situation by capitalizing on the openings given to you –
openings in competition and in life.
Simple, yet Effective Joint Manipulation Techniques
A few other gems that I got out of the Joint Manipulation sessions
were having learned a few simple and practical wrist locks, where
I could immediately see their application.
I’ve had fun with a few of my friends when they ask me “How’s
your karate thing going?” I shake their hand and respond to
their question by going from a hand shake to an S-Lock and as they
wither in pain, I say “It’s going great. How are you doing?”
But aside from learning techniques, the biggest treat was watching
a 7th Dan Master of Hwa Rang Do demonstrate the incredible depth of
knowledge his mind, body and spirit hold.
You begin to see what is possible for you as you continue with your
training, as well as being humbled by the fact that there will always
be more to learn and more to master, regardless of your experience
and skills you acquire.
And seeing how it would be virtually impossible for you to retain
more than 10% of what you are exposed to at the seminars, I believe
the real point is to give you a glimpse into the future - should you
choose to continue your training.
The Intellectual Challenge of Hwa Rang Do
And given the challenge of being able to retain the teaching we were
given, you quickly realize that Hwa Rang Do is an art, which requires
intellectual thought as well as physical ability.
I’ve come to understand that we are all going to reach a point
in our training where we won’t be able to simply memorize techniques.
We are going to have to have an intimate understanding of physics,
the human anatomy, pressure points, biology, the human mind and ki
energy to name just a few things. You must understand purpose in your
movements, before you do them.
Knowing vs. Being
This is what sets Hwa Rang Do & Tae Soo Do apart from other martial
arts. Hwa Rang Do’s quality control is embedded in the art itself.
Unlike in school or at work, you can’t fake it.
You can’t “know it” either. You really have to
“be” it. I saw it in the eyes of the Black Sashes I had
the privilege of training with. It is a part of who they are -- their
loyalty, their etiquette, their confidence, and their spirit.
No one who trains and competes in WHRDA sponsored events is doing
it for glory, money or fame. Our victories are private and only to
be shared with our family, friends and fellow hwarang.
At the very least, we train and compete for individual growth and
self-betterment. But our true objective is to transform the world
so that others will see and strive for their full potential.
The time I had training and competing for 3 days this past July exposed
me to the possibilities that are available for every person –
no matter how young or old – who walks through the doors of
the West Coast Hwa Rang Do Headquarters and is greeted by Chief Master
Lee.
It’s too bad I can’t tell them. They’ll have to
discover it for themselves.
Awards Banquet
Even though the Banquet was held up for almost three
hours, waiting for the Kumdo and Gotoogi finals to finish with Chief
Master Taejoon Lee, Masters Chuck Sanchez and David Kijek, and the
rest of the finalists arriving close to 10pm, all the attendees were
still filled with the excitement and energy of this day of champions.
When they should all be passed out from exhaustion, but with so much
love, respect, camaraderie, and goodness in one room everyone was
rejuvenated to new heights. This year many awards were given out to
those who have selflessly devoted themselves to the continued growth
of Hwa Rang Do and have made great contributions to our art, organization,
and humanity; among them were Masters Chuck Sanchez, Tim Elliott (celebrating
20th anniversary in Phoenix, AZ), and David Kijek. However, the group
that stood out among the rest this year was the Italian Team with
twelve members led by Instructor Marco Mattiucci and his Wife Guilia.
We have nicknamed them the “crazy” Italians as they never
seem to tire from training, whether rain or shine, morning or night,
land or sea, hot or cold, the never stop. Viva Hwarang Italia!
Last but not least, once again this year our Susuk Kwan Jang Nim
Taejoon Lee received the Most Honorable Award as he leads us into
a new era of the “Jedi Evolution.”
Summer
Seminar Photo Gallery
Award
Banquet Photo Gallery
2007 Black Sash Conference
By Sabumnim Dylan Sirny
The annual gathering of Hwa Rang Do Black Sashes took place from
July 23rd through the 29th in Los Angeles, CA. Not only do most Hwa
Rang Do school owners and leaders attend to continue their own education,
but Black Sashes from around the world converged on an intensive week
of training at the West Coast Headquarters. The sessions formally
started at 9am, after cleaning and warm-ups, and besides a couple
breaks for food and water the training went non-stop until midnight
every day. Wow what a week of training!
Here are the highlights of the week:
Day 1: It started with the basics, Tae Soo Do, addressing the details
to make sure that the students start off on a good foundation. As
readers already probably know Hwa Rang Do has one governing organization
in the world which oversees the operation and standards of the art
in all schools and clubs globally, the World Hwa Rang Do Association
(WHRDA). This is unique compared to most other martial arts, where
there are literally hundreds if not thousands of disenfranchised organizations.
For Hwa Rang Do, maintaining and preserving the integrity of the
art (Yang) as well as developing additional unified dynamic programs
to meet the changing times (Um) is a serious concern as we carry on
a tradition that has lasted for some 1800 years. So, when going through
the Tae Soo Do material as Black Sashes, the focus while obviously
technical in nature also contained a great deal of learning how to
properly educate students on how to grasp the fundamentals that they
need during this stage of training. Perspective is important, as one
must crawl before walking and walk before running, and the Tae Soo
Do program has effectively helped in better understanding Hwa Rang
Do.
One of the main reasons for attending the Black Sash conference is
continued education. All Hwa Rang Do practitioners, students, instructors,
and masters as warriors must have one thing in common – the
never ending quest for self-betterment. No matter what your rank is,
whether you are at master level, one must spend time with their mentors,
their masters and our Founder for further knowledge, but also to sharpen
warrior spirit. Chief Master Lee reminded us once again and made it
absolutely clear that all Black Sashes must attend the Conference
annually in order to maintain active status. The continued study of
the Dan Degree level curriculum is intensive and only gets exponentially
more advanced as one continues through the degrees. The last half
of the Day included the study of each Black Sash’s curriculum
first working on the many technique sets, followed by form study.
The evening finished with Ki Gong and Meditation exercises led by
Dojoonim. The subtleties and sensitivity of the breathing exercises
always need work, and the Black Sashes worked on maintaining focus
and depth throughout the training.
Day 2: It began with morning Moogidaeryun practice (Weapon fighting).
Getting a chance to spar with other advanced weapon fighters is always
a treat for the Black Sashes. Many of us remembered some of our earlier
years at conference sparring and commented on how much others have
improved over the years. This match time is always precious, as it
really pushes our skills and abilities as well as a great bonding
experience. It was also great seeing more Black Sashes start weapon
sparring, finally owning their armor and prepared to match. After
getting over some initial awkwardness in the armor, they quickly got
the hang of it and the matches grew in intensity!
The morning sessions of Day 2 covered the Hwa Rang Do color sash
levels. It is obviously impossible to cover all techniques and forms
in just a couple hours, so Chief Master Taejoon Lee focused the most
problematic areas then conducted the rest of the session in a Q &
A format. Some differences in technique is very subtle, however, as
Master Lee pointed out and demonstrated on us, these details and finer
points make the techniques even more effective and these different
variations only deepened our understanding of the individual techniques
and its applications.
Dojoonim continued the afternoon sessions working with the Black
Sashes on their techniques again. The first Dans continued with their
seated and prone defenses, the second Dans worked on their offensive
and seated pressure points, while the higher ranks worked on their
special joint breaking combinations. First everyone worked on memorizing
the new material and then of course came the full throws and lock-ups
all over the mats.
The understanding of proper movement is essential, so forms training
finished out the physical practice of the day. Much practice was done
on making the soft movements more fluid, and also on maintaining nice
crisp and clean movement on the individual techniques of the forms.
The Black Sash forms sure take a lot of practice as their length and
intricate details are significantly more than that found in the color
sash levels.
The concluding lecture by Dojoonim was on the topic of Insul (healing
skills), and the session focused on hand acupuncture. Many learned
about this skill for the first time, while the high ranks learned
more details about treatment applications. Moxabustion was another
topic discussed, and the smell of burning herbs filled the dojang
in no time as the Black Sashes worked on treating each others injuries
and ailments.
Day 3: This morning focused on Mugidaeryun. The first session included
the use of the jukdo and how that is applied for combinations finishing
with decisive points, and the second session covered how to use a
long staff for fighting matches. The weapon training was long and
immensely informative. Besides some blisters on the hands and feet,
the Black Sashes learned much about proper distancing with the weapon’s
added length, as well as how to setup effective combinations to the
striking areas. The long staff training was quite memorable as there
were too many participants and the dojang could not contain them all,
so we took it outside to the parking lot.
More Black Sash techniques and forms finished out the training at
night, and after making it halfway through the week’s training
it become apparent to all of the new Black Sashes that came to conference
for the first time, that they will easily learn a full year’s
worth of material in one week at this pace. Then of course, conference
must also be followed up with a full year’s worth of practice
to understand and execute the material!
This night concluded with an update regarding the current legal defense
of Hwa Rang Do and the importance of preserving our trademark and
copyrights, presented by Kyosa Jerry Kang.
Day 4: This day was one of the most enjoyable days of training as
the first half was spent at the beach. A 45 minute drive up the coast
to a beautiful clean quiet beach of (it’s our secret) with hardly
any people made it the perfect way to start the day. All of the Black
Sashes armored up for matches on the shore. Matching in the sand and
water is quite different than on the dojang floor. As the sand gives
way the steps become difficult, yet one must keep proper stepping
at the forefront of weapon fighting as it is all about proper distancing.
Good footwork is what clearly distinguishes those who have really
progressed in Mugidaeryun as they are able to cleanly execute effective
combinations and make decisive scoring points.
After a lunch break, the training continued with Chief Master Lee
teaching everyone how to use Ssang Jung Gum (double middle length
swords). This kind of weapon fighting is packed with action. The bamboo
flies quickly to its targets, but one also has to be ready to get
out of the way and defend the attacker. The short range weaponry fighting
gets you really up-close with the opponent, making it very fast and
intense. Don’t let the size fool you as the smaller jukdos,
being more compact, really whack the targets with total non-stop action.
If one stops or loses focus for even an instant, the opponent can
overwhelm you with a flurry of attacks.
It was a great day of training at the beach, but after a quick swim
and some relaxing moments in the sun it was time to pack up and head
back to the dojang for training with Dojoonim. It was truly a beautiful
day! More technique training continued, by now most people have picked
up two complete sets, yet the practice continued earnestly to maximize
time training with the Founder. Open hand forms and weapon forms training
took place and many Black Sashes were able to finish off their Dan
forms, having some time to spend working out the details of the weapon
forms. The higher Dans were also very excited about moving through
all of their forms. With so many forms to learn for each degree, this
detailed level of learning was simply amazing – a true study
of the depth of our art.
Along with the many training aspects of the week, the Thursday night
lecture and discussion was also welcomed as it focused on the management
of our schools and clubs. While everyone’s first love is that
of training and teaching, without proper business acumen we will have
no place to teach. This means how to effectively motivate students
to become more inspired in their training and progress effectively
through the ranks to maintain retention; organization and systemization
of the office; and maintaining the proper relationship between the
mat and the office. If we as instructors really wish to make a positive
difference in this world through teaching our art, we must establish
a successful business environment that allows for a space that truly
acts as a dojang (house of the way) to produce the best students.
If we do not have the space and cannot effectively communicate the
greater vision the people, then we serve no purpose.
After many years of the Black Sash Conferences, the evolution that
has taken place within many schools is tremendous and the discussions
regarding how to further enhance our programs this year should give
even ammunition for our school owners. The systemized approach that
is used in Hwa Rang Do schools today with Tae Soo Do, additional classes,
and the Warrior’s Path evolution, among many other previous
implementations have not only helped strengthen the business environment
of the dojangs, but have greatly increased the level of our students’
skills, abilities, and motivation, which has only led to more growth
in the form of more quality students, followed up with new clubs and
more schools.
Day 5: It was our last day at WLA and after the morning meditation,
free practice and warm-ups, Chief Master Lee worked with everyone
on thorough Go Too Gi combinations. The grappling started with some
fundamental applications, then soon continued into all out combination
grappling with counters, then counters to counters, then counters
to counters to counters to counters and more! Chief Master Lee stressed
the importance “knowledge is power” and that one must
seize the opportunities the opponent presents to us and not force
something that isn’t there. One must obviously be comfortable
with many positions, and have the fluidity needed to continually roll
with the opponent, but sooner or later a good submission can be found
even against the strongest of opponents.
After a full morning and afternoon of grappling, everyone got out
their Jin Gums (live blade sword) for begisul (cutting techniques)
practice. Commitment is the key when it comes to actually cutting
things and while the Black Sashes will still have to wait until Saturday
to actually cut the straw mats, the Friday night session included
many types of cuts and patterns for practice. Having a good, sharp,
well aligned blade is critical to ensuring a good clean cut, so all
evening swords were swung in the WLA parking lot to prepare for the
following day of actual cutting practice.
After everyone’s arms were thoroughly worked out with all the
sword cuts, the night concluded with a discussion on Internet marketing.
Hwa Rang Do has always been cutting edge not only in its curriculum
but in it’s delivery of content and implementation. Thanks to
a couple of Chief Master Lee’s students who are significantly
involved in the online marketing business, a number of activities
have been implemented which can greatly impact the presence of our
art throughout the world wide web. Effective Google Adword campaigns,
online boot camps, online videos, and with the proper e-mail and business
management software (Championsway.com) each school owners should be
able to more effectively use their advertising dollars with greater
enrollment. Please contact Chief Master Taejoon Lee to get started
with the new Internet and management software.
A good night’s sleep followed with a detailed cleaning of WLA.
Everyone was quite thankful to Chief Master Lee for opening his dojang
to all of us and everyone did their best to make sure things were
left better than when they arrived. However, it was soon time to head
down to Tustin and the new World Headquarters for actual begisul cutting
with Dojoonim. Much work has been done on the new building during
this first year at the new location. In fact, the whole second floor
has been completely transformed into a beautiful new dojang and clinic
which all of the Black Sashes were excited see for the first time.
Of course we had to christen the new building Hwa Rang Do style!
Everyone got out their Jin Gums again, lined up in front of the building
and proceeded to cut and slice their way through the tatami mats.
It was evident that all the weapon practice throughout the week has
helped out, as while it’s not an easy matter to cut cleanly
through the mats, the Black Sashes did a great job. This is especially
true for many of them as it was their first time of real cutting practice.
It was an eye-opening experience as they realized that once again,
it’s all about technique, grace and focus, not brute force.
Some of the higher Dans, started to go through more advanced cutting
combinations including spinning cuts, multiple cuts, and suspended
cuts. After all of the long mats were sliced into pieces, the obvious
next step was to cut the remaining pieces. A couple of the Black Sashes
lined up and began throwing the pieces to a waiting Black Sash and
then the flying piece was chopped in two. Cutting a moving target
was more challenging, but soon many were able to cut with ease. After
all of the cutting, a detailed cleaning and inspection of the swords
took place to prevent rusting and damaging the swords.
A special Black Sash Promotional Exam was arranged for candidates
who came from far away places. This included students from New York,
the Midwest, and of course all the way from Italy. Everyone worked
very hard all week, anxious to not make any mistakes in front of the
masters and Dojoonim. Having to perform after such an intense week
of complete emersion training, it was truly a formidable challenge.
But, they all stepped up and overcame, successfully finishing and
passing their tests.
After all the countless hours of training and the sleepless nights
which should have exhausted all their energy, the black sashes demonstrated
their true Hwarang Spirit and wanted more. The excitement of the evening
festivities filled the air as we all headed to an all you can eat
Korean BBQ Buffet. They sure got their monies worth as they raided
everything in sight. The night finished off with a party at Dojoonim’s
house where we continued to form lasting familial bonds. The next
day, sunny California weather did not disappoint us as it was perfect
for a pool party BBQ. A little recuperation in the Jacuzzi didn’t
hurt either, along with all the great food prepared by Samonim.
What a week the 2007 Black Sash Conference was! There was so much
intensive and detailed training; all of the Black Sashes were overwhelmed
with all that they had learned with ample material for them to review
and master throughout the year until the next Conference. Next year
the material will advance as always, along with the development and
structure of our schools and clubs. The ideas discussed this year
are already making an impact in the schools that have implemented
them.
As Dojoonim has said this year while he was training us six to ten
hours a day, “Warriors do not retire, we die.” Which was
followed by Chief Master Lee saying, “Either step-up or get
out.” We sure got the message. I think we can rest assure that
Hwa Rang Do’s future looks brighter than ever.
Black
Sash Conference Photo Gallery
