Hwa Rang Do
Hwa Rang Do
Hwa Rang Do is the modern form of an ancient Korean martial art. The term ?Hwa Rang Do? is composed from ?Hwa? meaning flower, ?Rang? meaning man, and ?Do? meaning way. Accordingly it has been translated as ?The way of the flowering man? or ?The way of the flowering knights?.
In the philosophy associated with Hwa Rang Do, The flowering knight or man, in addition to the historical concept detailed below, represent the ideal man who is virtuous, strong, responsible, and honorable. Another concept inherent in the name is that like a flower which is beautiful just by its existence, so the man must also be an ideal man with above qualities, without trying to be so. Hwa Rang Do incorporates in addition to attacking and defensive techniques, religious, intellectual, and artistic, accomplishments as well.
History Hwarang or flowering knights were an elite youth order in the ancient kingdom of Silla in Korea, composed of aristocrats and subjected various artistic, martial, and other studies. There is some dispute as to whether it was primarily a military order among historians.
Hwa Rang Do was created in its modern form by Dr. Joo Bang Lee and his brother, Joo Sang Lee. They claimed that a monk called Suahm Dosa initially at Suk Wang Sa Temple in what is now North Korea and later at Ohdae Mountain in South Korea trained them in Hwarang fighting techniques known to him, rather unsystematically.
The two brothers also learned other martial arts before creating a proper curriculum and starting training of others. Joo Bang Lee remained in Korea, while Joo Sang Lee traveled to United States. Reportedly before Suahm Dosa died in 1969, he gave the title ?Do Joo Nim?(translated as Owner of The Way) to Joo Bang Lee. At present Joo Bang Lee who is now based in California is termed the Supreme Grandmaster in succession to ancient Hwarang order.
Some historians have questioned whether modern Hwa Rang Do is actually derived from the fighting methods of Hwarang. They have also disputed several facts of Joo Bang Lee?s account, including the existence of Suahm Dosa. Others have claimed Hwa Rang Do was actually derived from Japanese martial arts and Hapkido.
Techniques Hwa Rang Do uses both circular and linear motion in its techniques and is considered by its practitioners and advocates as a comprehensive martial art blending both soft and hard martial arts.
It also emphasizes meditation and other breathing exercises in order enhance one?s internal power (Nae Gong). An extensive number of physical techniques including those for kicking and punching, for manipulation of joints and pressure points, for taking down, for choking the downed opponent, are used to enhance the external power (Wae Gong). In addition mental power (Shin Gong) is enhanced through development of concentration through study of associated philosophy and further meditation. Weapon Power (Moo Gi Gong) is developed by learning a variety of armed fighting techniques
Altogether Hwa Rang Do techniques run into thousands and the weapons involved number 108. The students are trained and advanced through its sash denoted ranking system as they learn more and more difficult techniques. Instructors must have a black sash and title of ?Jo Kyo Nim? or ?Yu Dan Ja?
Tae Soo Do Joo Bang Lee has also created ?Tae Soo Do?, a simplified martial art system for training, intended for new students with no martial arts experience. It has a belt based ranking system. A Tae Soo Do practitioner with a black belt is considered equal to a yellow sash in Hwa Rang Do and will have to continue his or her further studies according to Hwa Rang Do syllabus. Since Tae Soo Do has basic techniques of a complete martial art most present day schools of Hwa Rang Do require students to start their training in it.
Meng Sae Hwa Rang Do also have an ethical component (called the Meng Sae) which aims to instill in the student a responsible attitude when using the skills they learn. It includes what are termed the five rules (loyalty to country and to elders, brotherhood among friends, courage in the face of enemy, and justified cause when taking a life) and nine virtues (humanity, justice, courtesy, wisdom, trust, goodness, virtue, loyalty, and courage)