Hwa Rang Do - An Ancient Korean Martial Art
Arthur Stone
Instead of belts, the student achieves a progression of sashes, each
signifying a higher skill level. It takes eight to ten years to earn a
black sash.
The progression of sash colors are as follows:
White
Orange
Yellow
Green
Purple
Blue
brown
Red
Half Black
Black
A student will learn a long form, eight basic techniques, thirty "one
step sparring" techniques, thirty self defense techniques and some
short forms for every sash level. The three main weapons are:
nunchaku, long staff, and sword. Grappling, joint manipulation and
submission fighting are also taught.
Tae Soo Do, an undergraduate version was created in 1990 because Hwa
Rang Do is very complicated and difficult for most present day
students. It takes an average two to three years to earn a black belt
in Tae Soo Do. The Tae Soo Do black belt can graduate into an advanced
program of Hwa Rang Do where to takes an average of three more years
to achieve the black sash.
The Meng Sae is the Hwa Rang Do's code of behavior. It is composed of
five rules and nine philosophical principles.
Hwa Rang Do O Kae (rules)
Loyalty to one's country
Loyalty to one's parents and teachers
Trust and brotherhood among friends
Courage never to retreat in the face of the enemy
Justice never to take a life without cause
Hwa Rang Do Kyo Hoon (virtues)
Humanity
Justice
Courtesy
Wisdom
Trust
Goodness
Virtue
Loyalty
Courage
This Martial Art has a long and rich history filled with fascinating
narratives of legendary epic battles. The training is intense and
requires dutiful commitment of each student. This is not a sport, but
a combat and self defense skill.