Taekwondo is a Korean striking art formerly called Korean Karate by some.  Tae means to use the feet, Kwon means to use the hands and Do is the art or way.  Taekwondo is traditionally a defensive art using the arms and legs to defend oneself.  Do  represents the moral path we choose as trained martial artists to live a life of discipline and respect.  To only use our skills in self-defense as a last resort. 

We teach our students the balance of Taekwondo by developing speed, strength, stamina and coordination mixed with the philosophical side of Taekwondo.  This is taught by moral lessons given in each class mixed with reinforcing positive behavior and goal setting. 

Taekwondo is not only a traditional martial art but it is also an Olympic sport.  Although our emphasis is not on competition, we do try to balance our teaching between effective self-defense skills and the fast pace, fun training of Olympic Taekwondo.  The focus of kicking from different angles and the fact of your legs being your strongest and longest weapon, is what makes Taekwondo different from any other martial art.

We teach Kukki Taekwondo which is the national sport of South Korea.  The Kukkiwon is the World Taekwond Headquarters.  Mr. Boles is certified Master Instructor from the Kukkiwon in Seoul, South Korea.  All of our instructors and assistants are Kukkiwon certified Black Belts.  We also follow the World Taekwondo Federation competition rules for sparring.  We wear WTF approved protective gear to ensure safety during sparring training.  This allows us to practice contact sparring but with no injuries.

To receive the most well rounded and complete Taekwondo training, come train with us. 

Hapkido

What is Hapkido?

Hapkido is a Korean martial art that is a cousin of Japanese Jujitsu, which was practiced by the samurai.

Hap means coordinated

Ki means power (internal energy)

Do means art or way

Hapkido is a martial art that uses circular motions to redirect an opponents attack.  This art allows a smaller person to easily overcome a larger or stronger attacker.  Women can benefit greatly from Hapkido training because of the harmonious circular techniques, making it effortless to defend oneself.

The techniques of Hapkido are basic striking, joint locking, throwing, takedowns, choke holds and the defense against these type of attacks.  Hapkido is widely taught to military and law enforcement because of the effectiveness against armed and unarmed attacks.

In our Hapkido program we focus on the traditional art including the philosophy and effective technique.  There are no forms in Hapkido.  We do not memorize Korean names of the the techniques.  We use nicknames for the techniques to make it easier to remember.  For example, we refer to one technique as a z lock because of the z shape we put our opponents arm in.

There are three principles of Hapkido that are the basis of all techniques.  These principles are known as circular, harmony (non-resisitance) and water.

Most joints in the body move in some type of circular motion.  The Hapkido student uses circular movement to gain momentum in executing techniques.  This also allows the defender to avoid direct opposition of an attackers force and move insided the attackers defense for a counter attack.

Harmony (non-resistance) is characteristic of Hapkido and why the art is different from more traditional striking arts.  This allows the Hapkido student to flow from one movement to the next without interruption and provide an unbroken line of continuous motion, power and energy.  We never resist our attacker, we use their momentum or energy against them.  If they push we pull. 

The water principle is best described by the quiet, direct strength of free flowing water.  As water flows in a stream it surrounds and eventually wears down any obstruction in its path.  Like the stream, the Hapkido student flows around their opponent, looking for the weakest point and then attacking it.

Water is the most flexible substance on earth yet it is the most powerful.  You can fit into any container but it can penetrate rock.  Water represents the hard and soft balance of the world.  You fight fire with water.  You should be humble yet have internal strength.