Our Leaders
Dr. Joo Bang Lee
Supreme Grandmaster - Hwa Rang Do (Dojoo Nim)
58th Generation Hwarang warrior and Founder of Hwa Rang Do, Dojoo Nim began his training with his brother, Joo Sang Lee, at the ages of 4 and 5. They were the only students of Suahn Dosa, a hermit monk and master of the secret martial skill called Um-Yang Kwon (hard and soft skills).
As students, Joo-bang and Joo-sang Lee trained not only in martial fighting, but also healing techniques - the reason why Hwa Rang Do is also known as the "Martial - Healing Art," encompassing the true spirit of the Hwarang nobles and concepts of Un-Yang.
In 1960, Joo-bang
and Joo-sang Lee created the martial identity HWA RANG DO®
or "the way
of flowering manhood." During their time with Suahm Dosa, they
did not learn martial arts using the familiar belt-by-belt training we use
today. Our founder created the syllabus and divided the system into
different levels for use by the public.
The history of Hwa Rang Do is extensive and continues to be be made. Go to the World Headquarters site for a complete understanding of our history.
Master Taejoon Lee
7th Dan Master - Hwa Rang Do
Chief Master Lee (Hwa Rang Do 7th Degree Black Sash and eldest son of the founder and Supreme Grand Master of Hwa Rang Do — Dr Joo Bang Lee) is known the world over as a leading authority of this dynamic martial art of Hwa Rang Do. He travels around the globe sharing his extraordinary martial art skills with elite military units, law enforcement personnel, and martial artists.
Master David Kijek
4th Dan Black Sash
Master Kijek is the head of the Midwest Region for the World Hwa Rang Do Association. He is directly trained by the Founder of Hwa Rang Do, Supreme Grandmaster Dr. Joo Bang Lee. Mr. Kijek began his training in 1979 and began teaching in 1982. He is a member of ASLET (American Society of Law Enforcement Trainers). As a graduate of UW-Stout, he earned his Bachelors Degree in Business, and a graduate of Edgewood College where he received his MBA. In addition to teaching regular classes, Master Kijek conducts lectures, training seminars and demonstrations around the US and in Mexico.