Hwalmoodo

hwal-moo-do

Discover Hwalmoodo: The Art of Life Protection 🥋

Hwalmoodo (활무도 or 活武道) is a traditional martial art of Korean origin that translates to “The Way of Life Protection.” Rooted in self-defense, its teachings draw from a rich blend of techniques inspired by various styles, including Kickboxing, Tang Soo Do, Tae Kwon Do, Karate, Hapkido, and Jujitsu.

HMD Basel proudly stands as Switzerland’s first Hwalmoodo school, established in 2020. Today, we are a dynamic and growing community, uniting beginners and experienced practitioners who are passionate about self-improvement and martial arts.

Whether you’re new to martial arts or looking to expand your skills, we invite you to join us and experience the unique blend of tradition, discipline, and innovation that Hwalmoodo offers.

💬 Interested? Reach out or visit us to learn more!

Start now practicing martial arts.








Colored Belts Program

Our Hwalmoodo colored belts program is designed to provide a comprehensive foundation in martial arts techniques. Students will master over 50 hand techniques and more than 50 kicks, ranging from fundamental moves like the front kick to advanced flying spinning kicks.

For each belt, students learn a new form—a structured sequence of defensive and offensive techniques performed in a predefined order. These forms are not just physical exercises; they challenge both body and mind, building strength, speed, control, focus, and concentration.

Advancing to the next belt requires passing an exam. Students should meet the physical conditioning requirements and demonstrate their and mastery of techniques in front of a commission of high-ranking Masters and black belts. The exam also includes a theoretical component, covering the principles of the discipline and basic knowledge of the human body in relation to sports performance.

At HMD Basel, we guide our students through every step of this journey, helping them grow as martial artists and individuals.

Check out the theory book for the colored belts in the student page.


Colored Belts


Black Belts

The journey to earning a black belt in Hwalmoodo is both challenging and rewarding. The black belt test is held once a year and demands a significant commitment from candidates. To qualify, practitioners must first pass a series of preparatory evaluations to demonstrate their readiness for this advanced exam. The test itself includes both written and practical components, assessing not only technical execution but also a deep understanding of the discipline.

Candidates are required to perform and demonstrate proficiency in all hand techniques, kicks, forms, and defense techniques from the entire Hwalmoodo curriculum learned so far. This rigorous process ensures that achieving a black belt represents a true milestone in the practitioner’s martial arts journey, reflecting their dedication, skill, and knowledge.