Moo Duk Martial Arts Institute

The Moo Duk Martial Arts Institute offers classes in the traditional martial arts of Tang Soo Do and Hap Ki Do.

Tang Soo Do draws on the centuries-old Korean kicks of Tae Kyun, the soft flowing movements of northern and southern Chinese martial arts, and the hard linear punches, blocks, and open handed techniques of Okinawan arts. A typical practice session might include:

• Warmup and stretching
• Practice of basic footwork, stances (body position), hand and foot techniques
• Training on advanced techniques, and the integration of basic techniques into sophisticated combinations
• Forms, or patterns of movements — designed to fine-tune techniques, focus power
• Light-contact, or no-contact sparring

Hap Ki Do, the way of coordinated power, employs self-defense techniques, including joint locks and take-downs. Body movement is often circular, first deflecting or redirecting an opponent's force, then using precise technique to gain control or disable the opponent. Typical areas of practice include:

• Breaking away from grabs to the wrist, the shoulder, or to clothing
• Turning your opponent's grab into a wrist-lock
• Deflecting an incoming punch and gaining control over the wrist, elbow, or shoulder
• Deflecting an incoming kick and gaining control over the knee
• Avoiding and defending against knife attacks