These are highlights of the Black Sash Sword Fighting (Gumtoogi)Tournament at this year's World Hwa Rang Do Championships. This dynamic weapon fighting method is unique to Hwa Rang Do.

About the World Hwa Rang Do Championships

For the first time in Hwa Rang Dos history, the World Championships featured a total of 7 separate tournaments with up to 5 divisions in each which included the debut of Hwa Rang Dos weapon fighting methods, Gumtoogi (Sword Fighting) and Bongtoogi (Stick Fighting). This new opportunity for weapon fighting owes much to Grandmaster Taejoon Lees groundbreaking invention of the Hache Hogu (Leg Protector) armor, as an attachment to traditional Kumdo & Kendo body armor.

Overall the World Championships included tournaments in: 1. Open Hand Forms
2. Weapon Forms
3. Kick-Punch-Throw Fighting
4. Kick-Punch-Throw Fighting (Teams)
5. Submission Fighting (Grappling)
6. Stick Fighting (Long Staff)
7. Sword Fighting (Long Sword)

The mind blowing thing is that, many of the individual Tae Soo Do & Hwa Rang Do participants competed in every single tournament, with the tournament champions being determined based on their overall performance in all 7 events.

Competitors had to switch been uniforms and gear throughout the day, as a new event was about to start.

From the sparring event requiring head gear, gloves and chest gear

The competitors not only demonstrate incredible athleticism and skill in each event, but an incredible level of endurance to be able to compete at peak levels, with each event requiring the mastery of a different set of martial skills.

For more videos and information, please visit:

http://hwarangdo.net/championships
http://completemartialart.com (less info)