Hwa-Rang

 

Pattern:- Hwa-Rang Tul (29 movements). 

 

Hwa-Rang is named after the Hwa-Rang youth group, which originated in the Silla Dynasty in the early 7th Century. The 29 movements represent the 29th Infantry Division, where Taekwon-do developed into maturity. 

 

Belt:- Red

 

Red belt signifies danger, cautioning the opponent to stay away and for the practioner to exercise caution. It also shows an increasing knowledge and ability in Tae Kwon-Do.  

 

Origins of Toi-Gye

 

Hwa-Rang in Korean means "flowering youth". In the early 7th Century, there were three kingdoms in Korea; Kugoryo, Paekche and the Silla Dynasty. Silla was the smallest of the three kingdoms, and after years of being harrassed and invaded by its neighbours, the King of Silla commisioned the Hwa-Rang to be created. 

 

The Hwa-Rang consisted of sons of lords and nobles, who were trained in the art of horsemanship, archery, swords and war, whilst also studying philosophy and the arts. The Hwa-Rang lived by a code of virtues, such as justice, valour and compassion. The Hwa-Rang are thought to be the influence that the Japanese created the first Samurai band on. 

 

After many years of rigorous training, each Hwa-Rang trainee was either promoted to a Hwa-Rang warrior or a Kuk-Son. A Kuk-Son was a commander of the Hwa-Rang, and had to show exceptional skill in both combat and strategy during testing to be appointed the position. 

 

The Hwa-Rang became a set of highly skilled and efficient warriors, and helped bring about the unification of the threee kingdoms of Korea due to their exceptional skill in battle. 

 

Theory and Terminology

 

 

 

Closed ready stance C                      MOA JUNBI SOGI C

Palm pushing block                         SONBADAK MIRO MAKGI

Upward punch                                  OLLYO JURIGI

Downward knifehand strike           NAERYO SONKAL TAERIGI

Vertical stance                                  SOOJIK SOGI

Release from grab                             YAPP YOSUL TAE

Turning kick                                      DOLLYO CHAGI

L stance obverse punch                   NIUNJA SOGI BARO JURIGI

Side elbow strike                               YOP PALKUP TAERIGI

Closed stance, middle block/          MOA SOGI, KAUNDE MAKGI/

Waist block                                        HORI MAKGI