Tom Yum

Hwa Rang Do is a good system. It does not train at the same intensity as muay thai. That doesn't mean that its not usefull. Hwa Rang is a good base style as an introduction to MAs.

The overlying problem with many Korean styles is that the instructor starts off with the intention of training you in Korean style "X" martial art. As the style grows in popularity, you have people joining who cannot maintain the intensity or quality for whatever reason (age, physical condition or lack of commitment).

By the time you reach BB, the instructor has made so much money from testing fees and building false confidence in 300 lb, out of shape office executives that you wonder what the heck happened to standards. Then hwarang do or hapkido becomes a club for out of shape folks to pat each other on the back. Its not hwarang do that is ineffective, its the school.

Muay thai maintains higher standards through intense training and adapting to contact since the end desire is competitive fighting. Its easier for hwarang to get watered down.

grubbogoppoly

I agree that muay thai has a high intensity level because they are working towards going in the ring. But, like you said depends on the school and individuals. My instructor has suggested that me and one of my friends start training for full contact. It would be almost like Olympic boxing. .You get points but it is conitinous. The good teacher will cater to the needs of each student. Our instructor has had me and my friend start some more intense training techniques because it suits our needs.

In addition, from looking at the posts on how you muay thai guys spar it sounds pretty much the same as we do. You seemed to think that we don't make any contact. We ALWAYS make contact in our school.
But, I do get what your point is tom

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gabbah

After having read these forums for a while, I have noticed a problem when talking about self defense, and people asking what style to train for it.

When some people say "self defense", they mean a fight between to people. This is an ego thing, and you can choose to swallow your pride and walk away. In this kind of "self defence", the participants will usually have had enough after a few blows, and will loose interest in the fight if they get too tired. Or after one of the sees the other submitting (verbal or with body language or walking away).
Right?

Other people mean that self defence is when your life is in danger.

These two are very different. There should be well defined terms for these types of "self defence", and there should be a static post somewhere that we could always refer to.
Perhaps there already is, but nobody is using it? :P