The Korean martial art Hwarang Do was developed by grandmaster Lee Joo Bang. Lee Joo Bang practiced Hapkido but developed his own style and named it Hwarang Do. After emigrating to the United States, he began teaching this martial art there. In Korea, Hwarang Do is hardly known, but in America, it is a very popular style.
In Europe, it is not widely practiced. Hwarang Do Netherlands is led by Alex Krijger. This third-degree black belt founded the organization in 1995 and actively teaches in Vlissingen. Hwarang Do requires a disciplined attitude from the practitioner. Respect for the teacher and fellow students is central to the training.
Those who want to practice this martial art must first dedicate themselves to the preparatory sport Tae Soo Do. Only after the student has mastered this can they fully commit to Hwarang Do. A typical training session usually begins with meditation and a good warm-up including stretching exercises. Then the actual training starts, where the student learns Hwarang Do self-defense. Often, the lesson ends with sparring, followed by a cool down and the joint recitation of the Hwarang Do O Gye.
During a Hwarang Do class, both Korean and English terms are used. Although the sport originated in Korea, it only flourished in the United States.
