West Coast Hwa Rang Do Academy

This place uses high pressure sales techniques to lock you into a contract. Stay clear.

This school is not just a gym or a place to work out. If you are interested in well rounded training and willing to make a commitment, this is the place for you.
While the students are serious in their training they are also helpful and friendly. Even during free workout times on Friday evenings when people train or spar/​grapple you don’t get that feeling someone is sizing you up. There is no reek of big ego or machismo. More of a family or close knit community.
Kids program is great. Strict but great. Parents looking for something to do after school for a few months or a year may find this school too demanding. You have to commit to twice a week or Grandmaster Lee won’t even consider taking you as a student. This is a school where discipline and perfection won’t be compromised for business’s sake.

DO NOT SEND YOUR CHILDREN HERE.
The main instructor («Master» Lee) thinks the best way to instill a sense of discipline and a work ethic in children is by yelling and screaming at them while simultaneously demeaning them.
I had the opportunity to view a belt test (testing to become a higher level color belt) and «Master» Lee spent a good 10 – 15 minutes speaking about why women «do not know honor» and why only men could be honorable. This is certainly not a message I would want young girls to hear nor would I want young boys to begin to develop these sexist attitudes so young.
There are plenty of martial arts programs in Los Angeles. Save yourself the money, time, and energy and find one that creates a positive atmosphere for children.

I’d highly recommend this school for anyone looking for a structured and well-​rounded education in a broad range of martial arts. They cover a wide variety of skills from striking to throws to ground fighting and so on.
I recently took the introductory lesson here during my search to find a martial arts school. Basically I was dropped into one of their open level classes and just trained with them as a normal student would. One note is that I’m already decent in striking and cross-​trained in a bunch of other styles so they were pretty hands-​off with me during the class. However, one of the assistants (either a black belt or sash, can’t remember which though and there is a significant difference in this style) was closely watching and guiding me through the entire class. They’re very helpful and seem to care a lot about your learning experience.
The class itself was a very good work-​out as it’s pretty constant movement. From what I could tell, the students here train hard and look the part. (No fatties or lazy folks in the class of eight I was in.) They’re also very rigid about their ranks and being promoted is actually meaningful. (The blackbelts in the class were obviously good at what they do.) The teachers were knowledgeable and could actually lead by example which is rare. (If you’ve ever seen a school with an old master with a big gut, you know what I’m referring to.) The students were friendly after class and all introduced themselves but were properly focused during.
Now here’s the «bad». .
I decided not to go with the school in the end because of a couple things. (*The following has been amended. Apologies to Master Lee for posting incorrect information!*) The first, in order to get the most out of learning here and keep costs low, one should really commit to one of their long-​term contracts. Their shortest program is about a year. (Pricing-​wise, it’s about the same as any other school in the area on one of the contracts. Maybe a touch more expensive going month-​to-​month though. .) I’m all for long-​term contracts and training in order to truly learn a martial art and become genuinely good, especially in a well-​rounded art like this one. However, it’s just not possible in my life right now.
The second reason is that they really are too well-​rounded for my liking. They focus a great deal of the training in the first few years on striking which is the (arguably of course) right approach. You’ll learn how to hit pretty well if you join up for the one/​three-​year commitment. From what I saw and learned after speaking with the master, the curriculum was logically constructed and one would learn/(genuinely)master techniques in a structured system. However, I’m simply not that patient since I don’t have the time to train three hours a day anymore. I really want to learn locks, throws and grappling and spending 60% of my time striking isn’t ideal for that goal.
All in all, if you’re looking for a well-​crafted approach to learning a real martial art in both the mental and physical sense, I highly recommend this school. Just be prepared to stick around for a while.
PS — They will also teach you weapons early on which is pretty cool. Not terribly useful but lots of fun.
PPS — The black belt is the accomplishment after their three year program; their black sash is something like ten years. They’re quite serious about learning the full art.

The West Coast Hwa Rang Do Academy is one of the most comprehensive martial arts programs around. You will learn how to stand-​up fight, ground fight, take downs, sweeps, submissions, and weapon fighting. Its training for those who are commited to better them selves phyisically and mentally.
If interested, just show up and participate in a free class, you will not be disapointed.

As a student at West Coast Hwa Rang Do of nearly three years, I can say that signing up here is the best decision that I’ve ever made with my life. Training at the dojang, under Grandmater Taejoon Lee, has enable me to become the person that I had always wanted to be.
Training here has allowed me to reach physical limits that I previously only dreamed. I think I first realized how good of physical shape I was in from Hwa Rand Do when I invited to run a half marathon with one of my friends. I was able to do complete the whole thing — without training for it at all. I wasn’t even sore the next day.
Grandmaster Lee and his father, the founder of the art, have designed the curriculum to be of ever-​increasing difficulty. With each new belt comes more difficult material, both physically and technically. Now, after being in the school so long, I have a great appreciation for how much planning went int to this curriculum.
Additionally, and probably more important than my physical growth, Grandmaster Lee has helped mold me, for the better, mentally and emotionally. The discipline, the dedication, and the blood, sweat, and tears that Hwa Rang Do requires has most certainly made me more focused, more self-​aware and even more hard working than I already was. Moreover, Grandmaster Lee philosophizes with the class on items ranging anywhere from life to current events. All of this knowledge that he has shared with me has really allowed to become wise beyond my years.
As a 26 year-​old young adult who is relatively successful, I don’t really catch any grief from my mother or father. Especially since they are not local anymore. However, Grandmaster Lee’s presence in this area has been fantastic. He is there not to just help me train in Hwa Rang Do, but in life is well. He has no qualms about calling me out when I am lazy or lackadaisical about something. In many ways, he is like another father to me. Another disciplinarian.
The time I have spent here has been priceless. Grandmaster Lee is one of the greatest teachers and motivators I have ever encountered.

You have to prep against those zombies. And by zombies I mean, the dating scene in LA. This is a good way to learn it.
Did you know that the city of LA used to have a free self defense class and stopped offering it because NO ONE attended?
I’m kind of shocked that this wasn’t reviewed until March. the dojo has been around for years and has a pretty large sign saying it was there.
I’d always been curious about it, as it’s near the litte covy of shops I frequent near weekly. I found out a bit more about it though via a company email.
«Free monthly Self Defense Classes»
That was in February.
A friend of mine asked me what I was up to the first weekend…
«I’m going to a self defense class.»
«Well what if I told you I was coming in to town?»
«I’d repeat that I’m going to a self defense class, but you’re more than welcome to come.»
So he did.
It’s actually a great date idea too.
What better way to get acquainted with someone than to learn holds on how to properly take them down should they decide to be screwups?
Wear comfortable clothes to work out in. Leave your shoes at the door. There is a big lot for parking right in front.
Once a month you too can participate in their free self defense classes. Each time is a buildup off the last. But don’t worry if you haven’t attended all of the ones prior. Trust me, it’s worth going. I’ve gone to every single one of their self defense classes and the things that I’ve learned both physically and mentally are stuff that I really feel I should be paying for.
The first part of the session is a talk from Grandmaster Taejoon Lee. This guy has been practicing and teaching for over 20 years and has been awarded for his efforts. His talks are encouraging, and oftentimes cheesy but with great knowledge.
Although I must admit that his explanation of techniques at times had my dirty mind going…
«Remember all of the power comes from your hips.»
My friend that joined me the first time is a sailor. At the commentary and bending at the hips for some of the initial moves and pivots I got a few grins and motions not to say anything from him.
I’m the fiery redhead in the back. I thoroughly enjoy each visit. The people there are very very friendly. The students are there to help you.
I was partnered once with a little girl about 10 years old. I was supposed to practice ear grabs.
«It’s ok you can pull harder. It won’t hurt me.» the little girl said.
It was… I’m not supposed to…
I’m pretty sure she could probably kick my ass actually. She told me she’s been a student there for some time.
Scratch that. Not my rear end, but the notion that maybe she could kick my ass… I’m positive she likely could.
Don’t let the outside fool you or my fear of a little 10 year old girl. I’ve taken down 6ft tall men through moves I learned here. If I had the cash I’d be here more often learning more. He also teaches swordplay classes here as well as the art.
The classes are not for the faint of heart. The last class in particular was particularly physically and mentally demanding in a very great way. They’re there to make you push yourself harder. At 4’11, I did not think it was possible for me to take down a giant (to me) 6ft tall man. Because of these classes I not only know its possible, but have done it!
Dancers may find the movements a bit more natural and easier to master. Everything takes practice though. Thankfully there’s plenty of douchebags in LA that you ladies can make use of for getting that though.
Come join me in kicking some butt for FREE at one of the upcoming classes this year:
6÷20÷09 2:30 — 3:30 pm Saturday
7÷11÷09 2:30 — 3:30 pm Saturday
8÷29÷09 2:00 — 3:00 pm Saturday
9÷19÷09 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

I was initially drawn to Hwa Rang Do because of the comprehensive nature of the art — we learn not only kicking and punching fighting techniques, but also grappling, weapons, and joint manipulations. After I joined I found so much more.
I’m pushed to my physical limits in almost every class. I’m not only in the best shape of my life, but I feel I’ve become a better person overall. I’m forced out of my comfort zone, facing fears and discovering the inner strength to overcome them. One of our codes, Courage — never to retreat in the face of the enemy — has really hit home with me, as often I am my own worst enemy when I am the only thing standing in the way of what I want to achieve. The «No excuses» attitude at the dojang does wonders when applied in the «real world.»
I also found one of the best teachers I’ve experienced in 30 years of life. I feel lucky to be at a school with Master Lee, son of the founder of Hwa Rang Do, as the instructor. It’s important to me not only what I’m learning, but whom I’m learning from. Master Lee is the «real deal.»
It’s also important to me that women are equally welcomed and valued at a martial arts school, and we are at West Coast Hwa Rang Do Academy! If you want to be part of a place where people care about your individual growth, this is the place.

I did it on a whim — found them on the internet — had no idea what i was getting myself into — and it was hands down the best experience of my life.
It’s a tough program and doesn’t cater to the «hey i think i’ll head to the gym» crowd — but that’s one of the best features if you’re committed and can handle it. (i wasn’t — I only made it to green belt!) I do think they have some a la carte classes if you just want to get your butt kicked a couple times a week, but I highly recommend going with the belt program.
And I challenge you to find a better teacher than Master Lee — you walk out of his classes physically exhausted and with the greatest natural high you’ll find anywhere. You’ll feel like you can conquer the world. I was a teacher and a coach, and being in his classes made me better at both.
Seriously — just go check it out — you won’t regret it.

Over a year ago, my 2 daughters came to West Coast Hwa Rang Do Academy. I thought my children would learn martial art, but what we found is a lot more than that. We found a family spirit, an education that goes further martial art, discipline, a way of life. And my god! In a year, I cannot believe how they improved their moves.
In a very few years, my daughters will be teenagers, I think there is not a better place to be a teenager in Los Angeles than the West Coast Hwa Rang Do Academy under the guidance of Grandmaster Taejoon Lee!

I had been thinking about doing martial arts again for about two years before I found the West Coast HRD Academy. Especially in LA there seems to be a martial arts place on every corner. So how do you pick?
I drove by the HwaRangDo sign on the corner of Sawtelle & Pico one day and freaked out. I knew I had found the place. I took a free class in 2008 but then broke my arm skateboarding and finally signed up again in February 09.
I was more concerned with «who» I’d be learning from than «where.» It’s important to know that you won’t be learning from any run-​of-​the-​mill instructor or ‘part-​time-​master’. Grandmaster Taejoon Lee is a world-​renowned martial artist and has dedicated his entire life to this art — «the most comprehensive martial art in the world» — and embodies all of the virtues that he teaches in class. This was the most important thing to me.
I studied HRD when I was a pre-​teen (1996-​ish?) making it all the way to purple sash. I can remember a time when I was dive rolling and flipping around like a bee. Now I’m twice the size, starting over, and it’s a whole new challenge. But after training here for only two months, the benefits are already great. My endurance and physical core is getting much stronger. I appreciate stillness and peace in my life more after knowing the fury I am capable of. The weapons training is a blast. Making «no excuses» has improved my relationships. «Focusing on my weaknesses» has improved my drumming and music life. I’ve taken on more work as a freelancer. Seeing the martial art itself in action is stunning. If you need visual proof, try YouTube. Or, better yet, go in for a free 1-​hour lesson.

About 4 years ago, my mom and I wanted to learn self defense and took 2 months worth of self defense class at a local martial arts school, which will remain unnamed. I thought it was cool that in one less than an hour, I learned how to escape an armed gunman and an attacker with a knife.
Fast forward 4 years… I’ve been learning martial arts at the Hwa Rang Do Academy for over a year now and it makes my prior experience such a joke.
What the Hwa Rang Do Academy taught me among other things, is: discipline, confidence, and courage; three things that are imperative to inner strength. With all things in life, you cannot be strong on the outside if you are weak on the inside.
They call Hwa Rang Do a comprehensive martial art because it covers all forms of fighting including: grappling (wrestling), sparring, weaponry, take-​downs.
It’s an amazing workout… you are literally drenched in sweat during the class and almost everyone has lost weight since joining the school.
The school has a huge following and the students take the training very seriously. You have to really want to be there. It’s not for the faint-​hearted. It’s a lifestyle and philosophy. Not just some commercial school trying to give you false confidence thinking that you can (after a 1 hour lesson) disarm an armed gunman… come on!

Before coming to train at the West Coast Hwa Rang Do Academy with Grandmaster Taejoon Lee, I was unhappy at my job, was out of shape, my finances were a wreck among other troubles.
Training under the direct mentorship of Master Lee helped me focus, regain control over my physical fitness and today I run a business from home and I am financially independent.
Hwa Rang Do is more than just a martial arts school. It is the only place I know in the world, which still operates on virtue and strives to help you achieve your human potential — in all aspects of your life.
In today’s dire times, Hwa Rang Do is the one place people can go to help put their lives back together. Thank you, Master Lee!