Warm-up

A typical class begins with a few minutes in concentration position, to calm students and prepare them to focus on training. Students sit in half-lotus position with their backs straight and eyes closed. Their hands come together in a circle at their dan jun, which is the center of the energy field in Eastern thought. The dan jun is two inches below the navel. Students concentrate on breathing in slowly for five counts and out slowly for for five counts. 

Next, the warmup gets students loosened up and ready for training.  Warmup is important for injury prevention and consists of some cardiovascular work; strengthening muscles through abdominal work, pushups, and similar isotonic exercises; and both dynamic and static stretching.

Sometimes the instructors create drills which focus work on kicking, punching, or tumbling (nak bop).

Curriculum

The main part of the class is used in learning and practicing basics, techniques, joint manipulations, long forms, weapons, sparring, or grappling.  Each belt level has a different curriculum of basics, techniques, long form, and certain belts also have joint manipulations and weapon training.

• Basics are short combinations of punches, kicks, and blocks that introduce new material to the student.
• Techniques are defensive fighting techniques, practiced with a partner.
• Joint manipulations are defensive and practiced with a partner as well.
• Long forms are a long combination of punches, kicks, and blocks that demonstrate fluidity of motion and memory.
• Basic weapons learned are Sang Jyel Bong (twin sticks with rope/chain), Jung Bong (staff), Juk Do (bamboo sword), and Gum Do (way of the one true sword).
• Sparring is hand-to-hand combat practiced with a partner, unchoreographed, and usually with protective pads. 
• Grappling is combat on the ground, comparative to wrestling, practiced with a partner.

End of class

The final part of class is saying the Hwa Rang Do® Meng Sae.  The code of ethics is very important to Hwa Rang Do®, and distinguishes it from some other martial arts.  Respect is very important in Hwa Rang Do®, so the Meng Sae is followed by a Korean "thank you"  to the instructors or senior students.  "De dan eh, kum sa hat me dahd, un yun ye, ke ship sho!"

Do I have to learn Korean?

Some commands, terms, the Meng Sae, and the thank you are spoken in Korean, but the instructors understand that it will take time to pick up the phrases and are patient.  Instructors and advanced students are always willing to answer questions and help newer students.

If you have any questions about Hwa Rang Do®/Tae Soo Do®, please ask us.  

,E-mail to UWEC Hwa Rang Do®/Tae Soo Do Club®,