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ABOUT HWARANG-DO / HWA RANG DO
One of the oldest Korean arts of combat. Hwarangdo means "the
way of the flower of manhood," since it was originally taught
in a youth organization. Originating almost 2,000 years ago, it
is the Korean martial art from which many others stem. It was founded
by a Buddhist monk, Bopsa Won Kwang, to educate aristocratic youths
in martial arts and philosophy. These young adults were called "Hwarang" and
in the Silla Dynasty they developed a reputation as the most feared
warriors.
Practitioners of Hwarang-do were expected to develop several principle
qualities common to all martial artists: loyalty, courage and fairness.
Like most "do" arts, Hwarang-do relies on the concept
of yin-yang, or umyang as it is called in Korea, for it focuses
on the spiritual and personal growth of the individual, balanced
by development of the mind and body.
Eventually the power of the Hwarang dissipated. The art was driven
underground during the Yi Dynasty, where it remained for many years.
In 1960, two brothers who had been students of Hwarang-do for many
years opened the first modern public school. The art has spread
to other countries, where it is often taught in combination with
Tae Kwon Do. (Taken from The Martial Arts Encyclopedia by
Jennifer Lawler)
Tae Soo Do was created by Supreme Grandmaster Dr. Joo Bang  Lee
as an undergraduate program to Hwa Rang DoŽ. Like Karate and Tae
Kwon Do, Tae Soo DoŽ focuses on basic human motion. Techniques
are simple yet effective. Students learn proper balance, speed,
power and control. Students are also introduced to principles of
sparring which are highly applicable to self-defense and martial
sport tournaments settings.
In addition to empty handed techniques, Tae Soo Do students are
instructed in basic weaponry. Beginning belts focus on San Jyel
Bong (Twin Sticks with rope/chain), Intermediate students are taught
Jung Bong (Staff) and Advanced students are taught Juk Do (Bamboo
Sword) and Gum Do (Way of the one true sword). Students are taught
weapon forms for each of these three weapons. These forms focus
on study of technique, but are also are perfect for tournament
competition.
As a traditional martial art, Tae Soo Do practitioners are instructed
in breathing and meditation exercises. Tae Soo Do helps individuals
to build a sense of self-confidence as well as physical and mental
well being. As in Hwa Rang Do, an emphasis is placed on proper
ethical conduct through discipline and respect.
Tae Soo Do is designed for those individuals who have less than
one year or prior experience in a martial art, and are interested
in increasing their level of physical fitness while learning effective
self-defense techniques. Tae Soo Do is perfect for children and
adults of all ages and abilities.
Upon completion of the Tae Soo Do program a student continues
their education in the Hwa Rang Do program. A Tae Soo Do black
belt begins their training in Hwa Rang Do as a yellow sash.
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