From: operator@anasaz (System Operations)
Newsgroups: rec.martial-arts
Subject: Belt myth
Keywords: May be different in other systems
Date: 13 Apr 92 06:18:10 GMT
Article-I.D.: anasaz.1992Apr13.061810.19040
Organization: Anasazi, Inc. Phoenix, AZ, USA


Fortunately, I've heard a couple of different stories about attaining black
belt.  You know, like practicing in the woods and after so many years the 
white belt changed to black.  Could be true.  But for our system,
Hwa Rang Do, (comprehesive combat system of Korea made famous by 
the Supreme Grand Master Lee Brothers, Michael Echanis and other really 
tough dudes) the story goes that originally it was taught by a a great monk, 
then militarized, thought to have become a dead art known only to a handful
of monks in Korea, brought out of seclusion by the young Supreme Grandmasters
who only had four ranks, three of white, white then with one and two stripes
then black, and then brought the art to America where the Americans wanted 
rank.  The color system was devised and along with that, techniques organized
and skill level for those ranks set.  Since the sixties the pattern in which
these moves are taught has changed, and belts have been added.  Each belt is
like a chapter of black belt with an average of four years study to reach
decent black.  For me black belt is just beginning and at that point a 
Hwa Rang Do black belt will have about two thousand techniques, and variations.
Suppose in other styles the story differs.  

Currently there about fifty schools in the USA, a few in Europe, and a few in 
Asia.  Beware, there are some that say Hwa Rang mumble mumble.  Call Phoenix
Arizona Hwa Rang Do, or L.A. Hwa Rang Do to confirm its legitamite.  Also, Kuk
Sul Won is a clone.  There may be some good practicioners within their system,
however I have studied other systems, read on other training methods and few
compare.  Of course it is up to the practicioner to bring the techniques to 
life, and incapacitate the opponent.  

    Which reminds me of two stories that happened to training buddies of mine.  
One was in Jamaica with his wife on their honeymoon, when two local dudes 
past and put a gun in this guys ribs and demanded his wallet.  He gave them 
his wallet, but the local dude made a mistake and hit my buddy over the head.
That just pissed my buddy off.  My buddy did none of the fancy techniques, but
effectively grabbed the guys throat causing him to drop the gun, the wallet
and make him pass out with the other running off.  My buddy is pretty mellow
'til provoked.  
   The other was to my other buddy who was driving his motorcycle when a car 
turned in front of him causing my buddy to fly however far you fly off a 
cycle at thiry mph.  He instictively fell in a side fall position.  Hard to 
beleive huh?  He just got up and shook it off.  Those around thought he was
dead or at least that was what they told him.  And you know what?  He really
is not that good of a fighter, but his training sure saved his life.  In my 
mind these dudes had good training to act in the way they did.  I guess that 
a practicioner of this style will be able to react in a variety of settings.
Hope you're system will do that for you.  Real live stuff fellow dudes, so 
train hard!

Humblepracticioner