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Hwarangdo

What is Hwarangdo?

Hwarangdo, also known as the "Way of the Flowering Knights," was an elite group of young male warriors in ancient Korea, specifically during the Silla Dynasty (57 BC – 935 AD). The Hwarang were originally established as a group of noble youths who were trained in various disciplines, including martial arts, literature, arts, and ethics. Their training aimed to develop them into well-rounded leaders who could serve the kingdom both in times of peace and war.

The Hwarang followed a code of conduct known as the "Sesok Ogye" or "Five Commandments," which emphasized loyalty to the king, filial piety, trust among friends, courage in battle, and the prohibition of unnecessary violence. These principles were deeply rooted in Confucian, Buddhist, and indigenous Korean values.

The Hwarang played a significant role in the unification of the Korean Peninsula under the Silla Dynasty and are often romanticized in Korean culture and history as paragons of virtue, bravery, and cultural refinement. Their legacy continues to influence various aspects of Korean martial arts and cultural heritage.

Related Article: Hwarangdo: Exploring the Martial Art of the Flowering Knights

I have an ability to ignore all of the information coming from my body, even pain in general. I dissociate from pain, because I am not the pain that I'm feeling. That's not me. That's not who I am. I refuse to allow pain to dictate my decision making. Pain is just one piece of information that I'm receiving. My nerves are communicating to my brain that there is something going on physically that I should be aware of. I can choose to acknowledge that information or I can choose to ignore it.
Ronda "Rowdy" Rousey

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Other Glossary terms

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Wushu
Wushu is a modern exhibition and full-contact sport derived from traditional Chinese martial arts.
W
Triangle Step
The Triangle Step, also known as "Triangle Footwork" or "Saam Gok Ma" in Wing Chun, is a fundamental footwork pattern used to enhance mobility, positioning, and balance.
T
Bogu
Bogu is the protective armor worn by practitioners of Kendo during training and competition.
B
Kata
Kata is a fundamental component of traditional Karate and other martial arts, consisting of a series of choreographed movements and techniques performed in a specific sequence.
K
Muay Boran
Muay Boran is an ancient martial art from Thailand, known as the predecessor of modern Muay Thai. It encompasses a wide array of techniques used for both self-defense and combat, with an emphasis on striking, clinching, and grappling.
M
Economy of Motion
Economy of motion is a fundamental principle in martial arts, particularly emphasized in styles like Wing Chun.
E
Systema
Systema is a Russian martial art that emphasizes natural movement, relaxation, and adaptability.
S
Chang Quan
Chang Quan (长拳), also known as Long Fist, is a traditional style of Chinese martial arts characterized by its extended, flowing movements, wide stances, and dynamic techniques.
C
Dohyo
A "dohyo" is the ring or platform where sumo wrestling matches take place.
D
Capoeira Regional
Capoeira Regional is one of the two main styles of Capoeira, the other being Capoeira Angola.
C
Tekko
Tekko are traditional Okinawan weapons that resemble brass knuckles or knuckle dusters.
P
Canne de combat
Canne de combat is a French martial art that involves fighting with a cane or walking stick.
C
Northern Praying Mantis
Northern Praying Mantis (北派螳螂拳, Běi Pài Táng Láng Quán) is a traditional Chinese martial art that is renowned for its intricate and agile techniques, which mimic the movements of the praying mantis insect.
N
Fei Lung Kung Fu
Fei Lung Kung Fu (also spelled Fei Long Kung Fu), which translates to "Flying Dragon Kung Fu," is a style of Chinese martial arts that emphasizes fluid, dynamic movements and powerful strikes.
F
Brass Knuckles or Knuckle Dusters
Brass knuckles, also known as knuckle dusters, are handheld weapons designed to fit around the knuckles.
B
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