Hwa-Rang - Flowering Youth

29 Moves 2nd Kup

Hwa-Rang is named after the Hwa-Rang Youth Group which originated in the Silla dynasty in about 600 AD.  This group eventually became the actual driving force for the unification of the 3 Kingdoms of Korea.  The 29 movements refer to the 29th infantry division where Tae Kwon-Do developed into maturity.

Master Han Cha Kyo - Born 1934

Of Chung Do Kwan extraction, covered Hong Kong and Singapore ITF under Gen Choi's direction.
Han Cha Kyo was the creator of Hwa Rang tul, and was part of General Choi`s demonstration team to Japan in the 60`s.
He is also credited as one of the pioneers in the early 60s for back turning kicks and back kicks in TKD.

General Choi formed the 29th Infantry division in 1953

The early three kingdoms: Koguryo, Paekche, & Silla.  (The 4th, Kya or Karak, is also shown).

It was during the Silla Dynasty (668-935) that a group of young warriors, called Hwarang, made martial arts popular.  The Hwarang were a group of young knights who trained their bodies and minds, by devoting themselves to hunting, studying and the martial arts.  The code of honour on which the Hwarang was based, was loyalty to the nation, respect and obedience to one's parents, faithfulness to one's friends, courage in a battle and avoidance of unnecessary violence and killing.  Hwarang-Do (the way of the flower of manhood) was an essential part of Silla's struggle to unify the country.

Hwa Rang literally means Flowering Youth or Flower of Youth, or Manhood.

Major General Choi Hong Hi’s Korean Army Division was referred to as the Tiger Battalion.

Moa Chunbi Sogi C (3 fingers of the left hand over three fingers of the right hand) represents the reunification of the 3 Kingdoms of Korea; Koguryo, Paekche and Silla.

Hwarang Training

Silla's success in unifying the peninsula stemmed in part from the strength of native institutions such as Hwarang or "flowering knights", which was a paramilitary youth organisation for the training and education of the sons of the Silla elite. It's members were young men of aristocratic birth who dedicated themselves to preparing to serve the state in war. In addition to their practical training which included both martial arts and scholarship, they visited famous mountains and engaged in ritual songs and dances who's purpose was to pray for the welfare of the nation.

Hwarang Statue.

 Quite often Buddhist monks were instructors of the Hwarang. The monk Won'gwang was  the author of the Sesok Ogye, or Five Commandments, which became the basic rule of life of the Silla elite group. These were :-

The 29 movements refer to the 29th Infantry Division based on Cheju Island, South Korea

Mount Halla San - Mt. Halla's crater is called as "Paek Rok-Dam"

History of the Hwa Rang by John Riordan 4th degree theseis