Recently, we’ve received many inquiries from the public regarding Hwa Rang Do’s self-defense techniques, classes and their availability.

Up until now, the instruction on Hwa Rang Do’s self-defense techniques have been taught within the context of a more comprehensive curriculum, instructional DVDs via Fighting Styles, annual world-wide seminars and private training with the US Military.

There are many other benefits one gains by practicing Hwa Rang Do, including physical fitness, agility, flexibility, personal growth, martial arts competition, weapon fighting and even spiritual growth, in addition to being a very effective system for self-defense and combatives.

Hwa Rang Do and the US Special Forces

Hwa Rang Do has had a long and distinguished history with the United States Armed Forces and foreign militaries. In the 70’s, decorated veteran and US Special Forces instructor Michael Echanis (3rd Degree HRD Black Sash), whom was personally trained by Hwa Rang Do founder Dr. Joo Bang Lee, was responsible for the training of Navy Seals, Green Berets and other Special Ops service men.

Echanis also oversaw the development and training of the entire Nicaraguan armed forces in the mid to late 70’s.

More recently, Chief Master Taejoon Lee instructed at the Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation (WHISC), which is where American, Central American and South American armed forces and law enforcement agencies send their elite soldiers and agents to be trained. Master Lee also has the distinct honor of being awarded one of the highest honors given to a civilian, an Ambassador of Goodwill to the WHISC, which was awarded to him by Colonel Richard D. Downie, PhD.

And of course, many of our members and instructors have served honorably in the armed forces and many law enforcements agencies, making excellent use of their Hwa Rang Do knowledge.

Community Service – Free Self Defense Classes Available to the Public

So as word continues to spread about the history and application of Hwa Rang Do for the purposes of combat and self-defense, we are interested in meeting the needs of the public.

At the same time, we are NOT interested in going into the “self-defense business”. We are in the business of empowering people through consistent training and dedication.

But we also understand that in the current economic climate there are many who want or need to have basic understanding of self-defense skills, but may not be able to afford it.

So as a community service, the West Coast Hwa Rang Do Academy in West Los Angeles, will be holding monthly self-defense classes, available to the public free of charge. These classes are available to everyone regardless of financial situation, age, gender or martial art skill level.

Classes begin this month, Saturday February 28, 2009 and will be held monthly per these dates and times:

2/28/09Â Â 2:00 – 3:00 pm Saturday
3/21/09Â Â 2:30 – 3:30 pm Saturday
4/11/09Â Â 2:30 – 3:30 pm Saturday
5/23/09Â Â 2:30 – 3:30 pm Saturday
6/13/09Â Â 2:30 – 3:30 pm Saturday
7/11/09Â Â 2:30 – 3:30 pm Saturday
8/29/09Â Â 2:00 – 3:00 pm Saturday
9/19/09Â Â 2:30 – 3:30 pm Saturday
10/17/09 2:30 – 3:30pm Saturday
11/14/09 2:30 – 3:30pm Saturday
12/05/09 2:30 – 3:30pm Saturday

The classes will be held at
West Coast Hwa Rang Do Academy
11304 1/2 W. Pico Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA. 90064

As far as attire, a plain t-shirt and sweat pants (or workout pants) are fine (no shorts). Try not to wear shorts if you can help it.

Class space is limited, so please call today at 310-473-6233 to RSVP and confirm your attendance to lock in your spot.

To learn more about Hwa Rang Do, you may visit our website at http://www.hwarangdo.net

You may also visit us on YouTube at http://youtube.com/WCHwaRangDo to watch over 40 video demonstrations of Hwa Rang Do techniques.

We look forward to seeing you in class!

Hwarang,
The HwaRangDo.NET Team

P.S. The purpose of these classes is for the greater benefit of our communities and those in attendance. We reserve the right to refuse entrance and instruction to anyone, if we feel that their presence compromises our ability to deliver on this commitment.