Our Styles
TAEKWON-DO
Taekwon-do is an ancient Korean martial art which means “The Way of the Hand and Foot” and practices self-defense, forms, free sparring, and breaking combinations. Taekwon-do is characterized by fast strikes yet control of movements. Since there is no contact, a student demonstrates technique through a series of one step combinations and board breaking. Classes start as young as 4 years old with the Little Tigers program.
- FORMS (Hyongs) which focus on precision and patterns;
- SELF-DEFENSE (Hosinsul) which emphasizes escapes and defense techniques;
- BREAKING (Kye-pa)which demonstrates power and requires speed, accuracy, and strength;
- SPARRING which requires quickness, endurance and athletic technique.
- Typical sparring in class involves no contact (though we do offer a separate, optional sparring class with contact);
- it is more aerobic in training than other styles;
- and the emphasis is on each student’s own improvement rather than on competition with others.
- The primary goal of Taekwon-Do is to help each student develop physically and mentally to his or her full potential.
Children, teens, adults and seniors can all learn Taekwon-Do and enjoy its many benefits. Since emphasis is on personal growth rather than on competition, people of all ages and backgrounds find Taekwon-Do satisfying and challenging. In addition, because Taekwon-Do requires such diverse skills, students can specialize with the art and develop their own area of expertise and enjoyment.
Children, teens, adults and seniors can all learn Taekwon-Do and enjoy its many benefits. Since emphasis is on personal growth rather than on competition, people of all ages and backgrounds find Taekwon-Do satisfying and challenging. In addition, because Taekwon-Do requires such diverse skills, students can specialize with the art and develop their own area of expertise and enjoyment.
Master Brunner
Kwan Jang-Nim Gerhard Brunner was born in Munich, Germany and has been practicing TaeKwon-Do for 42 years. He is currently a 7th Dan black belt and has been teaching for over 37 years. Master Brunner has gained international recognition and numerous awards throughout the years, including the Hall of Fame Award for Outstanding Traditional Leadership. After establishing nine schools in Germany he opened the first Traditional TaeKwon-Do Center in Tampa, Florida in 1997. Master Brunner was the first certified Kimoodo instructor in the United States
HAPKIDO
Hapkido is a Korean Martial Art of self-defense and is suitable for all ages and abilities. Hapkido is an easy-to-learn, complete art teaching:
- Throws
- Kicks & Punches
- Joint Manipulation
- Pressure Points
- Free Fighting (non-contact)
- Takedowns
- Weapons
- Meditation
Many other martial arts are “hard” – they rely on physical power and are offense oriented. Hapkido is “soft” and defensive, emphasizing throws, joint locks, and pressure point techniques.
Other martial arts emphasize tournaments, street fighting, and competitiveness. Hapkido emphasizes self-discipline and personal development.
Hapkido minimizes injuries with techniques that completely subdue the opponent. In order to defend against attacks, Hapkido teaches corresponding offensive techniques. For instance, before teaching defence against kicks and punches, kicks and punches are taught. Before learning defences against weapons, students must learn how to use those weapons.
Ki Meditation is a unique blend of breathing exercises, stretching, and meditation to help you relax, become more flexible, and to harness your inner energy. Meditation can help to counteract the stress response. It does this by slowing heart rate, improving oxygen consumption, re-balancing hormones, settling the mind, and boosting energy levels. Simply sitting quietly by yourself and bringing your attention to your breath is a great way to start reaping the benefits of meditation.
Chang's Hapkido
Grand Master Gedo Chang originally learned Hapkido from his father, a Buddhist monk. He was also a contemporary of Master Ji. In his twenties Master Chang left the mountains of Chungnam province and the monastery he had grown up in. Arriving in the city he became formally recognised as a master (1964) by the newly created Korean Hapkido Association. He then opened his school in Korea and called it Wol Ge Kwan which means “The Victor’s Laurel”. He was the first to develop Hapkido techniques specifically for police personnel. His teaching abilities so impressed the Korean Government, that they created a special award for “Best Martial Arts Instructor”, and presented it to Master Chang. In 1973, Master Chang moved to the United States of America and settled in Lombard, Illinois where he opened his first U.S. School, “Chang’s Hapkido Academy”. Since then he has demonstrated and taught throughout the USA and is currently President of the World Hapkido Union.
