Hwa Rang Do
From Karate, Kungfu, Wrestling, Mixed Fighting Information Source
The Hwarang were a group of aristocratic young men who gathered to study, play and learn the arts of war. Though the Hwarang were not a part of the regular army, their military spirit, their sense of loyalty to king and nation, and their bravery on the battlefield contributed greatly to the power of the Silla army. It should be noted the Hwarang-do was a philosophical and religious code followed by valiant warriors - not a fighting style or combat technique in itself.
"Hwarang" is most often translated as "Flower Knights" or "Flower Youths." Hwa is the Sino-Korean (hanja) character for flower or the act of blooming. Rang means man, sometimes used as a suffix in Silla official titles. The term Hwarang does not literally indicate "youth" or "boys".
History
Generally a certain King Chinhung (534-576; 24th Silla King, reigned 540-576) is acknowledged to have organized Hwarang-do as a philosophical study in the 37th year of his reign. The Hwarang spread their influence throughout the Korean pennisula and excelled in archery - mounted and unmounted. Though they practiced fencing, no set fencing or unarmed combat styles developed from the Hwarang warriors. Instead, they focused on studying Chinese classics and military strategies, as well as the fighting arts, and in July and August, an annual national festival was conducted for the Hwarang to demonstrate martial skills.
But it was in their devotion to furthering the unity and well-being of the nation as a whole that the Hwarang played their most important role. They went in groups to the mountains - for physical training, to enjoy the beauties of nature, and to make their peace with the Spirit of the Mountain. They were highly literate, and they composed ritual songs and performed ritual dances whose purpose was to pray for the country's welfare. They also involved themselves directly in intellectual and political affairs.
The Hwarang movement appeared to be a type of schooling for the sons of Silla's aristocrats; however, there are cases of sons of low ranking parents belonging to this elite group. The movement was certainly royally supported as kings themselves served as Hwarang before taking their responsibilities on the throne.
The Five Commandments of the Hwa Rang Do
Myths say that two Hwrang youths went to a Silla monk to ask for wisdom and guidance. The monks name was Wongwang, a monk who had gained fame for his period of study in Sui China, replied by composing the Five Commandments for Secular Life. These have since been attributed as a guiding ethos for the Hwarang:
- Loyalty to one's lord (sagun ichung)
- Piety towards one's parents (sachin ihyo)
- Trust among friends (gyo-u isin)
- Never retreat in battle (imjeon mutwae)
- Be selective in the taking of life or Always make a just kill (salsaeng yutaek)
The Samguk Yusa also records that Hwarang members learned the Five Cardinal Confucian Virtues, the Six Arts, the Three Scholarly Occupations, and the Six Ways of Government Service.
