Our Tang Soo Do and Hapkido Program

The Moo Duk Martial Arts Institute offers classes in the traditional martial arts of Tang Soo Do and Hapkido. Our approach to training places heavy emphasis on "forms." These are pre-arranged defensive and offensive maneuvers executed against multiple imaginary attackers. When performed properly, forms are visually quite beautiful, but they demand considerable stamina, flexibility, balance, breath control and power. The control of the mind, body and spirit that flows from proficiency at forms enhances the ability of students to perform well when they participate in sparring drills and competition; or if they find they need to engage in actual self-defense.

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

Hapkido, 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