Customer Reviews

The ancient martial art of hwarang do (Literary links to the Orient)

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As a ranking member of the world Hwarang-Do association I will recomend this book for all members of any true Korean Martial/Combative system. For the collector of fine material on one of the most sought after Korean styles in the world You will not be disapointed with this First volume by the Supreme Grandmaster of the art Dr. Joo Bang Lee.

Originally published in 1978 by Ohara and since reprinted privately by J.L. Publications (and thus somewhat harder to obtain), this is the first in a three volume series by Master Teacher Joo-Bang Lee. This first volume of three covers history, Theory, Stances, Falling, Striking/punching, Kicking, and blocking. Included is a complete catalog of techniques from basic to advanced. The sequences of photographs are particularely good, with four to nine clear photos per technique. Volume Two covers joint locks, throws, sweeps and counters, defense from disadvataged positions (sitting, etc). Volume Three covers throwing, defense against weapons, striking vital points, a few cane and baton techniques, choking, opponent control, and defense against more than one opponent.

Although there is some debate as to the historicity of Hwarang-Do as an "ancient" martial art separate from Hapkido and Taekwondo --Lee claims Hwarang Do has a completely separate native Korean origin despite its remarkable similarity to other forms of Korean martial art such as Hapkido and Kuk Sool-- this debate does nothing to detract from the technical expertise evident in the presentation of this book and the two which follow it. Author Lee Joo-Bang was at one time a direct (and senior) student of Hapkido founder Choi Yong-sul, and part of an original core group of dedicated martial arts men in Korea who traded techniques with one another in a progressive and friendly manner. Eventually due to competition these bonds of brotherhood dissolved, and today there is a lot of mystery and quarreling over what happened in those early days to cause so much dissention. A special attraction of this series of books is that most of the techniques are demonstrated by Master Joo-Bang Lee himself, and not younger students, the rare exception being a series of spectacular flying/jumping kicks shown by his eldest son, Henry Lee.

Among the few faults I can find with this series of books is the format of the book itself (not the actual layout). I believe Lee's work would benefit greatly by being reintroduced in a larger format, and certainly a reworking of the section on history could include a number of the photos from his collection and personal recollections of the "early years" which impacted so much on Korea's modern martial arts. Hwarang-Do is certainly worthy of a nice large, hardcover volume built to last. Then again, these paperback editions offer affordability and easy access to the general public. For that reason and for the quality and scope of technique presented, Lee's three volume collection is absolutely worthwhile including in any martial arts collection!