History of
Hwarangdo
The Hwarang movement was a Korean warrior corps that adhered to strict
philosophical and moral codes. Most of the great military leaders of the Silla
Dynasty had been Hwarang. Korean history records the Hwarang Warriors (Korean
Silla Knighthood), as a group of aristocratic young men who gathered to study,
play and learn the arts of war.
Though the Hwarang were not a part of the regular Silla army, their military
spirit, their sense of loyalty to King and Nation, and their bravery and
fighting prowess was legendary. Korean culture and martial arts of the period
were strongly influenced and enriched by Hwarangdo, a military, educational and
social organisation and noble youths of the Silla dynasty. The code of honour on
which the Hwarang was based was loyalty to the nation, respect and obedience to
one‚s patents, faithfulness to one‚s friend, courage in battle and avoidance of
unnecessary violence and killing.
The Hwarang's most important role in the Silla Dynasty between approximately 57
BC - 935 AD is recorded as being their devotion to furthering the unity and
well-being of the nation as a whole. They were highly literate and composed
songs and performed dancing, also involving themselves in intellectual and
political affairs.
The Silla youth did not remain Hwarang for life, and were not born into the
class and its privileges. Koreans and practitioners of Korean martial arts may
take special pride in the heritage of the Hwarang movement - a uniquely
spiritual and physical training that has never been duplicated in Korea or
anywhere else in the world.
Self Defence
The self-defence system involved in Hwa Rang Do is a
combination of blocking and striking techniques using many parts of the body,
but mainly focusing on powerful hand and foot techniques. Grabbing, throwing,
wrestling and joint locking techniques combines with the powerful strikes create
the while system which when applied in a self-defence situation becomes a highly
effective mean so self-preservation.
Students of Hwa Rang Do begin their initial training with basic stances and
movements designed allow the body to adjust to the new movement paths steadily.
This minimise the chance of physical injury. The basic kicks and strikes are
taught throughout the Yellow Belt levels, with emphasises placed on
co-ordination, balance and flexibility.
Throughout the Blue Belt levels, the more advanced Self defence lessons are
enforce, training in co-ordation etc. Joint locks throws and takedowns are
begun, with all member learning to take and opponent to the ground and\or
finishing movements.
The Red Belt levels pertain to the advanced jumping kicks, weapons defence and
other advanced self-defence techniques throughout the Red Belt levels, all
techniques learnt to this stage are highly performed quickly, with purpose are
very dangerous so the training of these techniques is always performed under the
guidance of instructors to prevent injuries.
Lastly, Black belts are expected to work hard from their basic training to
become proficient in all areas of self-defence, The typical 1st Dan student
should have a full understanding of the techniques they learnt, as a colour belt
and, mastery of these techniques are now their goals. Further advanced self
defence techniques are added as the student becomes more and more proficient.
Slowly they need to strike as a form of defence becomes less necessary and
therefore the need to injuring during self-defence is less likely to occur. This
is the optimum goal for the Hwa Rang Do Student, performing a high level of
Self-Defence without injuring the attacking opponent.
Weapons training and weapons defence is also taught to high-level students
Personal
Developments
The whole Hwa Rang Do system deals not only with the Self
Defence aspects, but development of each individual student. Physical, Mental
and Spiritual training occur throughout the progress of an Hwa Rang Do
Practitioner.
Physical
Although attaining the ability to defend one's self
against singular or multiple attackers is the primary goal of the Hwa Rand Do
practitioner, the secondary benefit of health, strengths flexibility and
co-ordination are also achieved through regular training session. All members
are taught to strengthen and protect their bodies through the exercises involved
in their training. Beginning each class and eventually each day with a warm up
and stretching routine the Hwa Rang Do practitioner can look forward to a long
health and active life.
Mental
Mental stimulation during training provides
knowledge of the practicality of Martial arts, and by which mental development
outside training can be continued. Constant stimulation of the mind in training
and life, can lead us to greater success in all areas of the work force.
Comradeship developed at training, builds strong relationships between different
cultures and business levels, and advances self-confidence in person-to-person
dealings.
Spiritual
The highest quality in an Hwa Rang Do student is
defined as an ÎIndomitable Spiritâ. Throughout an individuals training they will
accomplish goals outside the normal spectrum of life. The paths to these
achievements are wrought with challenges. Overcoming these challenges develops
the spirit and therefore success in all areas of life will then be achievable
thought each individualâs beliefs in their own ability. This in turn gives
access to their ÎIndomitable Spritâ allows them to rise to the challenge and
surmount all obstacles.