The Three Divisions of Hwa Rang Do
1. Kang-Sul 강술 剛術
Hard/Linear Movement
This aspect of Hwa Rang Do is the foundation of the system from the ground up. The student will learn how to build a strong base with stance training, proper blocking and striking, various types of closed and open hand methods, along with the addition of strong/linear kicking methods as one might see in Karate or Taekwondo styles. Examples of the Kang-Sul or Hard-Style methods found in Hwa Rang Do are listed below:
- Stances: Horse Stance, Front Stance, Back Stance, Side Stance, Ready Stance
- Blocking Methods: High, Middle, Low, Inside, Outside
- Punching Methods: High, Middle, Low, Inside, Outside, Open Hand & Closed Hand Strikes
- Kicking Methods: Front Kick, Side Kick, Back Kick, Round Kick (Thrusting & Snapping)
- Empty Hand Forms: Basic linear forms found in all rank levels
2. Yu-Sul 유술 柔術
Soft/Circular Movement
This aspect of Hwa Rang Do is the flowing, circular method that is found in the art’s various self-defense applications. This circular movement can also be seen in the various empty hand and weapon forms throughout the color rank levels. One might see a soft/circular motion similar to other arts like Aikido or Kung-Fu styles. Examples of the Yu-Sul or Soft-Style methods found in Hwa Rang Do are listed below:
- Stances: Crane Stance, Cross Step Stance, Inward/Outward Stance
- Blocking Methods: High, Middle, Low, Inside, Outside, Open Hand, Soft/Circular Blocks
- Punching Methods: High, Middle, Low, Inside, Outside, Open Hand Strikes
- Kicking Methods: High, Middle, Low, Inside Circular Kicks, Outside Circular Kicks, Round Kicks, Spinning Kicks
- Empty Hand Forms: Short and Long Range forms containing circular motions
- Weapon Forms: All Wooded Weapons, Metal Weapons, and Linked Weapons found in the color rank levels
3. Um-Yang Sul 음양술 陰陽術
Soft and Hard Movements Combined
After the student has had extensive training in both the Kang-Sul & Yu-Sul categories and has understood the idea of how each method works, they will be instructed in the advanced levels called Um-Yang Sul or Soft & Hard methods and how to combine them. Examples of Um-Yang Sul methods found in Hwa Rang Do are listed below:
- Advanced Kicking Skills: Standing, Jumping, Spinning, Thrusting, Snapping
- Advanced Hand Strikes: Open, Closed, Straight, Circular, and Combinations
- Advanced Joint Locks: Standing, Close in, Apart, Ground level, and Multiple
- Advanced Body Throws: Standing, Close in, Apart, and Multiple
- Advanced Weaponry: Wooded, Bladed, Linked, and Multiple Uses
- Advanced Solo Forms: “Hyung” with Weapon and Non-Weapon
- Advanced Falling Techniques: From all angles and on any surface
- Advanced Sparring “Daeryun”: From single to multiple attackers
- Advanced Breaking Techniques “Kyuk-Pa”: On Wood, Tile, Brick, Stone
- Advanced Study of Hwa Rang Do History: From ancient times to the present
- Advanced Study of Acupressure and Herbal Medicine techniques
- Advanced Study of Korean Language & Writing Skills for Martial Arts