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. Hwarang Do is hardly known in Korea, but it is a very popular style in America.
It is not widely practiced in Europe. 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 practitioners to maintain a disciplined attitude. Respect for the teacher and fellow students is central to the training.
Anyone who wants to practice this martial art must first devote time to the preparatory discipline of Tae Soo Do. Only after mastering this can the student fully focus on Hwarang Do. A typical training session often begins with meditation, followed by a thorough warm-up and stretching exercises. The actual training then begins, during which students learn Hwarang Do self-defense. The class often concludes with sparring, followed by a cool-down and the group recitation of the Hwarang Do O Gye.
Both Korean and English terms are used during a Hwarang Do lesson. Although the art originated in Korea, it only flourished after reaching the United States.
