The Art

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.

Hwa Rang Do®

 Hwa Rang Do® is the most comprehensive system of self-defense and combative techniques in the World. This system has been developed in accordance to the ancient principles of Um-Yang, which emphasizes balance in life and harmony with others and nature.

  • Hard/Linear Movements
  • Soft/Circular Movements
  • Foot & Hand Techniques
  • Joint Manipulation/ Joint Locks
  • Takedowns, Throws & Sweeps
  • Ground Fighting
  • Traditional & Modern Weaponry
  • Internal Energy Development
  • Meditation & Breathing Techniques
  • Healing Arts
  • Philosophy & Ethics

Tae Soo Do®

 Tae Soo Do® was developed for the beginner martial artist, both children and adults. It is our Undergraduate Program, and is the prerequisite to the Graduate level of the Hwa Rang Do® Program. Tae Soo Do® focuses on the fundamentals, basic concepts, and mechanics underlying the physical realm of training, while also developing a greater understanding of the philosophies inherent in the practice of a martial art.
 While it is also considered the sport version of Hwa Rang Do®, the Tae Soo Do® program is a fantastic form of recreation for betterment of mind and body as one begins the martial art journey.

  • Linear and Circular Kicking
  • Linear and Circular Blocks and Hand Strikes
  • Combinations: Kickboxing
  • Practical self-defense Techniques
  • Basic Joint Manipulation
  • Basic Takedowns and Throws
  • Basic Ground Fighting and Choking
  • Weaponry: Ssang Jyel Bong, Jang Bong, Juk Do
  • Beginner to Advanced Forms: Weapon and Open Hand
  • Sparring: Light to Medium Contact
  • Basic Acrobatics and Falling Techniques
  • Stretching and Agility Drills

Yongtoogi - Standup Fighting

Yongtoogi is a unique form of standup fighting for Hwa Rang Do®. It combines striking, takedowns, and throws with a continuous match format. Once taken to the ground, fighters have 5 seconds to submit. If no submissions are successful, the fighters are brought back onto their feet to continue. No other breaks occur during the match.

Gotoogi - Ground Fighting

Gotoogi is our version of both position grappling for beginners for control and positions and submission grappling for intermediate and advanced students. One learns throws and takedowns and once on the ground, the goal is to submit the opponent with arm locks, leg locks, or chokes.

Gumtoogi - Weapons Fighting

Gumtoogi is our version of sword fighting using the bamboo sword by not only attacking the traditional target areas of the head, wrists, body, and throat, but also allowing strikes to the legs as well as applying spinning/rotational attacks which allows for the full expression of Hwa Rang Do®’s multifaceted, comprehensive system.