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Frequently Asked Questions | |
- What exactly is Hapkido? How is it any different from Tae Kwon Do or Karate?
- I'm not very athletic and I'm out of shape. Will I be able to keep up?
- Can I go more than twice a week?
- What does my free introductory session include? Do I need an appointment?
- How much does it cost if I decide to join?
- Are there one-day seminars that I can attend that will show me some basics?
- Where are you located?
What exactly is Hapkido? How is it any different from Tae Kwon Do or Karate?
Hapkido (also spelled hap ki do or hapki-do) is a dynamic and somewhat eclectic Korean martial art. In the Korean language, hap means "harmony", "coordinated", or "joining"; ki describes internal energy, spirit, strength, or power; and do means "way" or "art". Thus, hapkido translates literally as "joining-energy-way", but it is most often rendered as "the way of coordinating energy" or "the way of coordinated power."
Combat Hapkido prides itself on effective self-defense and as such employs joint locks, pressure points, take downs, lower body kicks, and simple strikes. Combat Hapkido is an authentic Korean martial art of total self-defense; it deals with countering the techniques of other martial arts as well as common "unskilled" attacks.
Although Traditional Hapkido contains both long range fighting and infighting techniques, Combat Hapkido focuses on the most common situation of close quarters defense and being close to your opponent for a strike, lock, or take down. Combat Hapkido emphasizes circular motion, non-resisting movements, and control of the opponent, and basic ground techniques. Practitioners seek to gain advantage through footwork and body positioning to employ leverage, avoiding the use of strength against strength.
Combat Hapkido differs from Tae Kwon Do, Karate, and other "sport" based martial arts in that there are no forms (or katas) to learn. There are no competitions. Combat Hapkido also does not use high kicks above the waist. Because everything you learn is useable self defense, you will find that an increase in confidence and other rewards come very quickly compared to other martial arts.
I'm not very athletic and I'm out of shape. Will I be able to keep up?
Absolutely! We have students of all ages, shapes, and sizes. From skinny to obese. Ages 8 to 55! We're not trying to train you to be a professional UFC fighter. We understand that everyone has certain limitations and our system accounts for that. Students work at there own pace and the only person you compete with is yourself. If there are certain techniques that you find difficult for your body to do, then you will focus on others. While there are minimum belt requirements, none of them involve acrobatic moves that require superior flexibility, stamina, or strength.
In fact, you will find that like anything else, the more you train, the easier it will become. Our training always begins with a simple warm up of stretching and aerobic exercises. We teach you how to stretch and to avoid injury or excess strain on your body. As you improve, so will your flexibility, stamina, and skill.
Can I go more than twice a week?
Right now our current class schedule is 6 days a week for all ages and levels of proficiency. We have an advanced class by invitation only on Wednesdays, and from time to time, Master Tony will hold special training classes for grappling, weapons, or other advanced techniques.
What does my free introductory session include? Do I need an appointment?
You are welcome to stop by our Do-Jang anytime, however we do recommend that you call for an appointment for your free session. This helps us be prepared with the right resources and individual attention you require
Your free introductory session will start out with a brief interview with one of our instructors to answer your initial questions and help assess your own individual goals. We will then give you a tour of our training facility (Do-Jang). If there is a class in session, you will have the opportunity to watch students practice their techniques. Many jump right in and join the class right then and there. Otherwise, an instructor will demonstrate to you some of the basics and show you how simple and effective just a little knowledge of the body mechanics can be. After that, you will have the opportunity to ask more questions, talk to some of our students, and obtain references if you desire. Then the choice is up to you!
How much does it cost if I decide to join?
Because of the competitive nature of our business, we do not publish our various pricing packages. But at a recent seminar for black belts, Master Tony asked the audience if they would be willing to sell back their black belt for $100,000. For $100,000 they erase martial arts from their life. It would be as though never joined a school. Of course, this was an imaginary offer designed to prove a point, but not one person said, “Yes.”
Our pricing is consistent with what you will find at many of the top schools in our area. We are not the cheapest and we aren't the most expensive. However, we do believe we are the best deal in town. When you compare what you learn and how quickly you will learn it, the immediate confidence that comes with that is invaluable. There are many bargain basement schools out there that profess to teach you self defense. Most of these are run by students themselves with very limited experience and knowledge. Because they know more than you, they are able to get you in the door. But choosing a martial arts school is very much a "you get what you pay for" kind of decision.
At Self Defense America, you have the backing of Master Tony Rogers who has nearly 30 years of training in various martial arts, was undefeated as a professional fighter, and holds black belts in 4 different disciplines. His own children are students and his family values, humility, and dedication to his students is unparalleled.
Are there one-day seminars that I can attend that will show me some basics?
We do offer seminars to local businesses, churches, and community organizations. Seminars for non-profit organizations are free of charge. If you would like more information on organizing a seminar for your group, please contact us for more details.
Our Do-Jang is conveniently located off of Hwy 25/70 in Marshall, North Carolina. Our physical address, phone number, email address, and a map of our location is on our Contact Us page.