Hwarang-do

Hwarang-do is one of the most comprehensive Korean martial arts systems in existence - a complete combat curriculum encompassing over 4,000 techniques spanning striking, kicking, joint locks, throws, ground fighting, weapons and healing arts. Founded by Supreme Grand Master Joo Bang Lee, Hwarang-do traces its lineage to the Hwarang - the elite warrior youth corps of the ancient Silla Kingdom (57 BC - 935 AD) who were trained in both martial arts and cultural refinement as the moral and military backbone of Korean society. Modern Hwarang-do preserves this dual tradition of martial excellence and ethical development, making it one of the deepest and most historically rooted Korean martial arts available to contemporary practitioners.

The Ancient Hwarang Warriors of Silla

The original Hwarang (Flowering Youth) were an elite corps of young male aristocrats in the Silla Kingdom - one of the Three Kingdoms of ancient Korea - trained in martial arts, Confucian ethics, Buddhism and the arts as a unified education. The Hwarang Code (Hwarang-do - 'the way of the Hwarang') comprised five principles: loyalty to the king, filial piety, trustworthiness among friends, no retreat in battle, and discriminate killing. These warriors played a decisive role in Silla's unification of the Korean peninsula in 668 AD.

When the Silla Kingdom fell, the Hwarang tradition was preserved in Buddhist monasteries - particularly through monk-warrior traditions that maintained the martial knowledge through Korea's subsequent dynasties. It is through this monastic transmission that Joo Bang Lee and his brother Joo Sang Lee received the art from the Buddhist monk Suahm Dosa at Suk Wang Sa temple in what is now North Korea.

The Scope of Hwarang-do's Curriculum

Hwarang-do's claim to over 4,000 techniques is not marketing hyperbole but reflects a genuinely vast curriculum that took decades to formally document. The system is divided into inner (nae gong - internal energy cultivation), outer (wae gong - physical techniques) and mental (sim gong - mind training) disciplines. The outer curriculum alone covers: Moo Gi Gong (108 traditional Korean weapons), Nae Gong (breathing and energy methods), Bi Gong Sul (aerial techniques), Soo Gi (hand strikes), Jok Gi (foot techniques), Yu Sool (joint manipulation and throwing), Nang Bub (falling and recovery), and Sib Pal Ki (18 classical weapons categories).

Training in Hwarang-do

Hwarang-do training is structured through a formal belt and sash system, with the curriculum's vast scope delivered progressively over many years of study. Beginners focus on fundamental strikes, kicks and basic joint locks; intermediate students add throws, ground techniques and basic weapons; advanced practitioners work through the classical weapons curriculum and internal energy development.

The breadth of Hwarang-do means that serious practitioners commit to it as a lifelong path rather than a sport or fitness activity. Schools authorised by the World Hwarang-do Association maintain strict curriculum standards, ensuring that instruction is consistent with the tradition as transmitted by Supreme Grand Master Lee.

Hwarang-do Gear Guide

Dobok: Hwarang-do uses a distinctive uniform - typically a white top with black trousers, or a fully black uniform for higher ranks. The design reflects the art's historical warrior aesthetic.

Belt and sash system: Hwarang-do uses both a belt system for kup (student) grades and a sash system for Dan grades, with colours and patterns indicating specific levels within the curriculum.

Sparring gear: Full protection for contact training - head guard, gloves, chest protector, shin guards, foot protectors, mouthguard and groin guard.

Training weapons: Given the 108-weapon curriculum, training weapons are a significant part of advanced Hwarang-do equipment. Core training tools include wooden sword (mok gum), short stick (dan bong), staff (jang bong) and training knife.