The following are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the Hwa Rang Do Private Academy. We understand that you may have many questions while searching in your quest for the perfect martial arts academy for yourself, your children or your entire family. This is a very important decision that requires time and effort on your part. However, we have attempted to make your journey easier by providing you with as much information as possible on our website. Please look it over thoroughly!
It is very possible that after looking over the website and reading this FAQ page, you will still have some additional questions. In this case, we encourage you to contact Master Elliott through the Contact page of the website. He will be more than happy to answer any additional questions you may have and can also schedule a date and time for you to visit the academy and meet him in person, interact with the students and instructors, observe a training class and even schedule a free trial class so you can experience what Hwa Rang Do and our academy has to offer first-hand!
1. What is the Hwa Rang Do Private Academy?
The Hwa Rang Do Private Academy is a private martial arts school that offers its members an elite place to learn the Korean self-defense art called Hwa Rang Do.
2. What is taught at the academy?
We teach the Korean martial art called Hwa Rang Do. This art encompasses many different levels of skills within one art to include personal self-defense, kick/punch techniques, empty hand forms, weapon forms and techniques, joint manipulation, pressure point techniques, grappling, throwing, falling techniques, meditation and breathe control techniques. For more on this, please refer to the website.
3. Does a person need any previous martial art experience in order to be a member?
It is not necessary that a person have any previous experience in martial arts to be a member of the Hwa Rang Do Private Academy. However, it would be a plus for any new student that has a martial arts background.
4. Can a person learn this type of martial art at their average, local martial arts academy?
Definitely not! This type of martial art is considered to be one of the most comprehensive systems of self-defense in the world. There is no martial art academy in the greater Phoenix area that offers its members this type of art or its private meditative setting that one will experience here at the Hwa Rang Do Private Academy.
5. Is it a requirement for a student to compete in tournaments?
No, it is not required to enter tournaments to be a member or to earn rank at the Hwa Rang Do Private Academy. Since the art of Hwa Rang Do was originally organized as a way for the student to effectively learn the arts of self-defense, it is not to be used in a sportive or competitive manner.
6. Does a student need to condition their hands and feet in order to learn this martial art?
No. In this modern time, it is not necessary to develop ones hands and feet in order to effectively learn the art of Hwa Rang Do. It is up to the discretion of the student if they seek this type of conditioning.
7. How many students are in the training sessions?
On average, the typical class size is from 2 to 7 students on the mat at any given time. For the most part, all classes are taught in a private, one-on-one setting.
8. Are the classes conducted by a Master or Instructor?
All of the private sessions are conducted by either a Master level Instructor or a Head Instructor. In some cases, there will be both the Master and Head Instructor giving instruction during the same class time.
9. Are the classes a mix of men and women?
Yes. In most cases, both teen and adults are taught at the same time. The only exception would be the private Kids Class, which is taught at a separate time.
10. How long does it take to earn a black belt at the academy?
This is determined on how much dedication is shown by the student. Being that the art of Hwa Rang Do is not your basic martial art and is one of the more difficult systems to learn, it takes an average of 2 to 3 years to earn a black belt in the Kang-Sul division of Hwa Rang Do and an additional 2 to 3 years of dedication and practice in order to reach the black belt sash level in the Yu-Sul division.