What Is Hapkido

Hap Ki Do or Hapkido means “The art of coordinated power”

Hap-coordinated to form togetherness in the martial arts
Ki-inner power or life force
Do-the way of life

This martial arts and self defense system consist of circular motions incorporating kicks, punches, throwing, joint-locks (breaks) and submission techniques (choke holds).  It is a versatile style of martial arts designed to teach you distance and close contact self defense.  The attacks focus on the weakest parts of the opponent’s body such as arteries, nerves, joints, and organs, known as pressure points.  The defensive movements are circular motions to diminish or neutralize the attacker’s power.  You will also increase your fitness, flexibility, and stamina.

What Is Tae Kwon Do

Tae Kwon Do or Taekwondo means “The art of kicking and punching”

Tae-to use your feet (kicking)
Kwon-to use your hand (punching or striking)
Do-the way of life

This martial arts and self defense system consists of 75% kicking and 25% blocking or striking.  The attacks are designed to directly and effectively strike the opponent. Taekwondo has four types of discipline, which are Forms, Sparring, Self-defense, and Breaking. Characterized as a modern style of martial arts and self defense using fast, high, and spinning kicks this is a great martial arts system for children.  Taekwondo also teaches confidence, discipline, and respect.  You will also benefit from an increase in fitness, flexibility, and stamina. 

With the “Northside” school opening in Chicago in 1971 and the opening of the “Southside” location in September of 1996, the schools are one of the largest and longest running martial arts and self defense schools in the country.  We have over 700 students and an experienced staff of Masters and Black Belt instructors.  We continue to be the leading choice among martial arts schools in Chicago and neighboring suburbs.  We have a great children, teenager, and adult programs that consist of an adult student body with an average age of mid 20’s to late 30’s.  However, we do attract many adults in their 40’s and 50’s as well.  It is never too late or too early to learn self defense to protect yourself and your love ones.  The Martial Arts School and its’ Black Belts are certified by the Korea Kido (Hapkido) Association in Seoul and the Korean Department of Culture.  Today, the phrase “Sung Moo” (successful training in martial arts) is offered as a greeting and demonstration of mutual respect by everyone in the school.  With over 37 years in business and martial arts experience, we are the most experienced and number 1 ranked school in the Country. 

Our objectives for teaching martial arts are to:

1.   Develop confidence and self-esteem through martial arts.
2.   Achieve physical fitness through positive participation in martial arts.
3.   Improve mental discipline and emotional equanimity through martial arts.
4.   Learn self-defense to protect yourself and your love ones through martial arts.
5.   Develop a sense of respect and responsibility for oneself and others through martial arts.