All directional power and resistance depends on the pressure of the feet on the floor. Therefore when you want to direct your power backwards, you must push forwards. Although we are not conscious of it, we have to maintain a constant pressure downwards through our feet just to stand upright. When we are training, whatever technique we are using, the initial power drive will come from an opposite power drive applied through the feet. The more we study this, the more we will understand the force at our disposal.

The principle of your technique must be designed to destroy your opponent’s sense of balance. If he cannot apply pressure with his feet, he will not have the power to drive his own movement or to resist yours. You will then see dramatic results in the application of your chosen technique, because all your opponent’s energy will be spent in trying to maintain his balance.

When you study the older techniques, forms and kata, you will discover these principles are applied consistently throughout them – and it will make sense of many of the apparently obscure movements. When you watch other martial arts, you will see how the same principles are applied to receive, lock, throw, sweep, trip, slip, strike and cut. By watching your opponents movements, you will also be able to judge their skill level.

In meditation, the same four principles are used. You maintain posture through balance; you maintain correct body alignment; you breathe correctly; and you maintain proper mental focus and alertness in the same way as you do when you are training.

Sometimes students will approach their teacher and ask when they are going to be taught meditation. They go away somewhat confused when they are told that they have in fact been learning it for some time. Forms and kata, as stated previously, are like mediation in motion.

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Hwa Sang Do has more than 4,000 techniques and teaches 108 weapons. Instead of belts, the student achieves a progression of sashes, each signifying a higher skill level. It takes eight to ten years to earn a black sash. The progression of sash colors are as follows: White, Orange, Yellow, Green, Purple, Blue, Brown, Red, Half Black, Black

A student will learn a long form, eight basic techniques, thirty “one step sparring” techniques, thirty self defense techniques and some short forms for every sash level. The three main weapons are: nunchaku, long staff, and sword. Grappling, joint manipulation and submission fighting are also taught. Tae Soo Do, an undergraduate version was created in 1990 because Hwa Rang Do is very complicated and difficult for most present day students. It takes an average two to three years to earn a black belt in Tae Soo Do. The Tae Soo Do black belt can graduate into an advanced program of Hwa Rang Do where to takes an average of three more years to achieve the black sash.

The Meng Sae is the Hwa Rang Do’s code of behavior. It is composed of five rules and nine philosophical principles. Hwa Rang Do O Kae (rules). Loyalty to one’s country. Loyalty to one’s parents and teachers. Trust and brotherhood among friends. Courage never to retreat in the face of the enemy. Justice never to take a life without cause. Hwa Rang Do Kyo Hoon (virtues): Humanity, Justice, Courtesy, Wisdom, Trust, Goodness, Virtue, Loyalty, Courage. This Martial Art has a long and rich history filled with fascinating narratives of legendary epic battles. The training is intense and requires dutiful commitment of each student. This is not a sport, but a combat and self defense skill. Su Ericksen is a first degree TaeKwonDo black belt and has taught self defense workshops. She lives in the Midwest with her family and works at a large medical center in the cardiology clinic.