Being the author of several books on the martial arts and fighting, I am always looking for books of exceptional quality to add to my library. If I have a book in my library, it’s definitely worth owning. One such book is Joo Bang Lee’s, "The Ancient Martial Art of Hwarang Do; Volume One." This volume along with its two companion volumes are the first books that I am aware of that were written on this Korean martial art.

This volume, like the other two in the series, starts out with an outstanding section that gives you a detailed look at the history of Hwarang Do and its progression over the centuries from ancient times to the present day. You are then presented with the theory and internal dynamics which make up this very impressive art. The basic principles of training sections were also very good and offered excellent advice that should be implemented during training. The following is a brief overview of each chapter in the book and what it contains.

1. Way of Controlling the Mind and Body:

a. This section includes a very detailed description on training methods you can use in order to learn how to breathe properly and to harness that breath into the body’s epi-center or Dan Jun in order to develop your ki or internal energy. This is also known as chi in Chinese.

b. There is also a section included here that details various techniques and training methods you can use to enhance your mental concentration and development of your ki to enhance your physical and mental well being.

2. Basic Stances:

a. This section goes over the basic principles behind each stance or posture that is demonstrated. You are then shown 14 different stances that are used in this art form.

3. Falling Techniques:

a. In this section you are given the six basic principles that should be used during the execution of any type of roll or fall. You are then shown 3 falls, 2 rolls, and 3 flips that are used in this art form.

4. Fists:

a. This section is rather brief to my liking, and focuses mainly on the various hand positions and types of strikes that are used in this art form. They range from classical punches to various open handed striking techniques including elbow strikes. There is a brief description provided on how to form your hand for each technique and also the preferred vital points that you should target with each particular strike.

5. Kicking Techniques:

a. This section although brief, is really well done. It starts off by explaining to you the basic principles involved in kicking correctly and how to breath correctly when kicking. It also gives a brief explanation into the different types of kicks. Very sound and solid information.

b. This is followed by a fairly good description of over 20 different kicks and their possible applications as well as the vital points that you would want to try and target when kicking. A rather brief example is then given of using multiple kicks on one or more opponents at one time.

c. This section finishes off with another brief section on specialty kicks, which focus on four different jumping and flying kicks.

6. Defensive Techniques:

a. This final section goes over the hard and soft blocks and parries that are incorporated in this art form. Demonstrations are given against an attack by both the hands and feet.

One of the things that I particularly liked about this book, and the others in the series, is the fact that there are no “sport” techniques in these books. All of the techniques shown are meant to be used in actual combat and self-defense situations. When you look at the art of Hwarang Do, you could make the comparison that this art form includes not only the strikes and kicks of Tae Kwon Do, but also the throwing and grappling techniques of Judo and the joint techniques of Aikido. Hwarang Do is truly a well-rounded and complete martial art.

This and its two companion volumes were some of the first books that I ever purchased years ago when I was in high school and starting to learn about the martial arts. These books give a very good overview on the art of Hwarang Do and are very informative. If you are interested in this art form, or any of the Korean arts, I would definitely put these books on your too buy list.

Shawn Kovacich has been practicing the martial arts for over 25 years and currently holds the rank of 4th degree (Yodan) black belt in both Karate and Tae Kwon Do. Shawn has also competed in such prestigious full-contact bare knuckle karate competitions as the Shidokan Open and the Sabaki Challenge, among others. In addition to his many accomplishments, Shawn is also a two time world record holder for endurance high kicking as certified by the Guinness Book of World Records. Shawn is the author of the highly acclaimed Achieving Kicking Excellence™ series and can be reached via his web site at: http://www.kickingbooks.com

To learn more about the author and Hwarang Do, please visit this web site at: World Hwarang Do Headquarters