Frequently Asked Questions

Below we've collected some of our most common questions. If you don't find the answer you're looking for, please reach out!

School Tuition Pricing

• Private lessons are generally charged hourly.

• Group classes are a flat monthly tuition, with no long-term commitments. 

• You will need to buy a uniform for safety, however there are no sign-up or membership fees either. We keep it very simple.

• We ask that you please come in and meet Grandmaster to then discuss current pricing. 

• You can drop in to Adult classes, or call to schedule:  (206) 466-2627

Is Hapkido okay for Newbies to Martial Arts? 

Yes! Whether you've previously learned any fighting or self-defense techniques, or whether you're totally new to the idea of taking a martial art, Hapkido is an excellent choice because it is highly effective, and it does not rely on any specific body type or brute strength for the student to be successful. Hapkido is classically unique in its effectiveness among other arts, and our Kwon Moo Hapkido style further tailors the traditional Korean Hapkido study to the average individual defending against today's commonly larger, more brute attackers. We also stretch, practice, learn, and train hard during each class. We do cardio and strength training for healthy bodies, and we practice safety and injury prevention with partners at all times. As a new white-belt coming into the school, your first lessons will be around general safety, controlling movements, how to fall without getting hurt, and spotting your partner, and of course the fun stuff: traditional Hapkido training from a real Korean Grandmaster! 

Can i try a class before becoming a member?

Absolutely. Your first group lesson is on us. After that, membership in group classes is a flat monthly fee. We require no long-term commitment contracts, and members are encouraged to attend as many sessions per week as they can.

Private lessons (individuals or groups) can also be scheduled with Grandmaster. We ask that you come in and meet him, find out if you like Hapkido, and then sign up and schedule. 

What does 'Hapkido' mean?

In English, "Hap" means roughly "harmony" or "coordination",  "Ki" means "energy" or " power", and "Do" means roughly "concept" or "the way". Altogether "Hap-Ki-Do" means "the way of coordinated power". It is the practice of using whole-body energy, leverage, and clever mechanics to subdue an opponent and prevent injury to self. 

What does 'Kwon Moo' mean?

In English, "Kwon" means "hand" or "fist" and "Moo" means "martial". "Kwon Moo Hapkido" referring to to Grandmaster Kim's own style, 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 school's name honors the trained "martial hand", which is a powerful tool that can block, deflect, grab, hit, jab, twist and break an opponent's limbs when used effectively.

What is 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. 

Kwon Moo 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.

Can anyone learn Hapkido?

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.

Are walk-ins allowed?

Yes! Walk-ins are welcome during open class hours. Our doors may be closed for private lesson or testing at other times, so please give us a call if you need to talk about any scheduling needs. 

Do i need a uniform for Hapkido?

Yes. For safety, we wear special Judo style uniforms, which we will provide and fit for you when you sign up to be a student. The uniform's sturdy construction allows us to safely "spot" (support) each other during throws, trips, falls, and various lessons. Unlike more common karate uniforms, these uniforms will not easily tear during class or deteriorate over a short time.

You do not need to wear a uniform on your first day of class. Just wear something comfortable that you can move freely and sweat in. This is a full-body, high-intensity, cardio workout. 

Are Hapkido classes difficult?

Hapkido classes orchestrate a very healthy blend of full body, high-impact exercise. They also challenge students in many ways; testing and furthering physical limits, mastering complex physical movement concepts, learning with peers, studying for belt advancedment tests, and constantly growing past one's own yesterday self. Yes, there will be cardio, running, punching, kicking, sparring, and falling (on purpose). Yes, your body will become more fit and toned, your confidence will boost, and your physical skills will grow.

We suggest generally drinking lots of water and having a good, healthy meal no less than 2 or 3 hours before class, so you have lots of energy and an empty stomach... ready for a hard workout.

What are Hapkido classes like?

We generally start classes with warmups and head-to-toe stretches, getting the whole body all warmed up and safely ready for the day's workout. Then we engage in daily kicking and punching exercises. After that we go into the day's study topics, rotating through kicking, punching, twisting & joint locking, falling, blocking, weapons defenses, drills, niche strategy lessons, and combinations of all of those things. Here in class, students practice all the moves required of their belt levels, preparing for eventual belt advancement tests, in which they demonstrate their own clear understanding of each move.