Kwon Moo Hapkido
Grandmaster Chae Un Kim
About Kwon Moo Hapkido
Kwon Moo Hapkido is a practice of very effective fighting techniques using whole-body power, precision, and speed. A student applies clever and precise technique to subdue opponents of any body type or fighting style. And because Hapkido does not rely on the fighter's brute strength, it is an effective fighting tool for people of all body types and age ranges.
"Hapkido," meaning "the way of coordinated power," is the practice of using whole-body leverage and clever mechanics to subdue an opponent. "Kwon Moo", referring to to Grandmaster Kim's own style, means "martial hand".
"Kwon Moo Hapkido" can be taken to mean "the martial hand way of coordinated power", an arrangement of the most effective Hapkido techniques, updated specifically for American fighting styles and improved effectiveness on larger, stronger attackers, with clever use of the hand. The trained hand is a powerful tool that can block, deflect, grab, hit, jab, twist and break an opponent's limbs when used effectively.
What is Hapkido?
Hapkido is a comprehensive system of unarmed fighting and weapons techniques to defeat both armed and unarmed attackers. It contains both long and close range fighting techniques, utilizing specialized kicks, percussive hand strikes, pressure point strikes, twists, grappling moves and throws.
Hapkido emphasizes use of precise motion, whole-body power, and speed in striking an opponent, as well as breathing techniques, and non-resisting movements that simultaneously "defend" and "counter-attack" against the opponent. Its practitioners gain advantage through footwork and body positioning to employ leverage, disabling attackers by means of strategic technique and not strength versus strength.
Above: Two students demonstrating punch block defense-attacks.
Above: Grandmaster closely supervising two young students in a friendly sparring match.
Kwon Moo Hapkido is also a method for an individual to reach levels of self-improvement from both a physical and mental standpoint. Students usually start studying Hapkido for its effective and practical self-defense techniques, or as a way of improving their physical fitness, and then commonly find the course of study to bring a sense of great self-accomplishment and confidence.
After a short time, students discover that Hapkido is also a great way to improve personal safety, help reduce stress, improve overall physical health, improve self-esteem, and gain a sense of community inclusion. A student may also start their training as a stranger with teachers and fellow students, only to find more of a family-style relationship that can last for generations.
Kwon Moo Hapkido is for everyone willing to invest the time and effort in studying a martial art. People from all walks of life and from all age groups will benefit from making it a part of their lives. In fact, when comparing Hapkido to other martial art styles, Hapkido can be effectively applied by people of any age group, because it is not dependent on high kicking techniques or overpowering an adversary. The techniques are based on physics and simple body mechanics, making it extremely effective no matter your body type.
Our community is caring, supportive, safety conscious, and excited to grow. We can't wait to see you there!
Above: Kwon Moo Kids' class, celebrating some very proud belt advancements.
Where does Hapkido come from?
Hapkido is a traditional Korean martial art. It is most closely related to traditional Jujitsu and modern day Aikido.
Learn more of Hapkido's history...