The Art of Hwa Rang Do
The Hwa Rang Do | Hwa Rang Do History | Historical Development | Joo Bang Lee | Technique Structure | Tae Soo Do History | The Art of Hwa Rang Do | Hwarang Word Identity | Connections to the Hwarang | Code of Ethics | Student’s Progress
Hwa Rang Do is the most diverse and comprehensive martial arts system in the world. Its study integrates the mental and physical disciplines in such a way to enable the student to realize their full potential.
Hwa Rang Do is founded on the concepts of what is called (Uhm and Yang) the natural opposing forces found in nature. The first concept is “Uhm.” This energy has the characteristics of softness molding around an opponent like water, trapping and redirecting, getting inside the opponent’s attack. The second concept is “Yang.” This energy has the characteristic of hardness like steel, breaking through the opponent using tense striking methods against the opponent’s joints and body.
Both of these energies come together into a natural compatible system of physical movements that make up the over 4,000 individual techniques found in Hwa Rang Do.
The Four Distinct Interconnecting Paths of Study: The study of Hwa Rang Do is divided into four distinct areas. This is so that the student can learn the art more effectively.
Because the art of Hwa Rang Do covers a wide range of skills, it is very difficult to master them all at once. The modern founder of Hwa Rang Do has designed four special categories that feature the multifaceted parts of the art.
Once a student has gone through the basic levels found in the Tae Soo Do program, they will be ready to enter the more complex areas of techniques found in Hwa Rang Do.
The Four Divisions of Hwa Rang Do Are:
1. External Exercises: Wae-Gong
This area of study takes its form in over 4000 offensive and defensive applications. In this area the student will learn the aspects of kicking, punching, falling, throwing, joint-locks, the use of pressure points, and grappling. In addition the student will also learn the many empty hand as well as weapons solo forms called (Hyung) or solo patterns found in Hwa Rang Do.
2. Internal Exercises: Nae-Gong
This area of study deals with the person’s ability to control and strengthen their internal system. The health of a person’s internal system is one that cannot be ignored. Found within this areas of study are the familiar exercises such as Stretching and Flexibility forms that are also similar to gymnastics. Aerobic forms that strengthen the heart and lungs. Also students are introduced to advanced breathing exercises as well as an introduction to basic acupressure methods found in Hwa Rang Do.
3. Weapon Exercises: Moo Gi-Gong
Being that the Martial Art of Hwa Rang Do is of ancient lineage, it has a vast array of classical weapons that are taught throughout the system. Traditionally Hwa Rang Do has 108 weapons found within 20 categories. The knowledge found in this category would take the student a lifetime to master. So, the modern founder Dr. Lee has placed a variety of the different weapons throughout the belt and sash levels. The student will learn both defensive as well as offensive applications with each weapon. The basic weaponry found in Hwa Rang Do are.
- Sword (straight, curved, double edged, long, short, & practice blade)
- Knife (straight, curved, double edged, & practice blade)
- Spear (wooden, bamboo, & practice)
- Long-Staff (wood, bamboo, long & short)
- Short stick (various wood types, single & linked)
- Cane (wood, metal, curved & straight handle)
- Rope (various lengths & type )
- Fan (bamboo, cloth, & various types)
4. Mental strengthening Exercises: Shin Gong
As with any type of physical endeavor, the person (student) must be able to learn how to have good memory retention. This is an important part of the study of the martial arts especially with Hwa Rang Do. Being that the art has over 3000 techniques, it demands the practitioner to have 100% concentration while learning the different levels. To further help the student attain their full potential, the instructors will help the person with visualization of the physical techniques, along with development of focus and awareness training. This will in turn, help the younger student become more focused with their martial arts training in addition to academics at school and on into their university years.
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