Tai Shan

In my Hapkido dojang we also simulate the throws. Being a white belt, I've only learned one throw, but it's one that really couldn't be practiced safely since the intent of the throw is to have the "throwee" land on their head instead of their back. I'm not sure if other Hapkido throws are done with this same intent, but if so, it would make it much harder to actually practice throwing. I have taken a couple of classes of judo so I know what it's like to be thrown. It can be fairly dangerous if a person doesn't know what their doing. I had the misfortunate of someone throwing me, then tripping and landing shoulder-first on my head. I imagine some schools don't want to actually practice the throws for insurance reasons.

Off topic: I was just checking out your website (I live in the KC area myself), and those "knockout videos" are pretty amazing. I've never seen anyone use that technique.

Just got back from class. Unfortunately it was a shortened one. The instructor cut class short because the roads are icy and it's supposed to get really cold tonight. So I didn't really get the "full experience". I learned a couple of wrist escapes. I'm sure they have real names, but I don't know what they are. Then I did a couple of kicks, groin kick and side kick. I don't think I actually broke a sweat all night. Oh well, I'll be back Monday night and hopefully get more of a workout. The instructor was very personable, and there was a wide variety of belts there. Tonight was an open class and there were kids there. I didn't really like that (I'm a teacher and around kids all day. ). But I think normally they won't be there. Overall I'm excited to be learning something new. I wish I didn't have to wait four days until the next class.

Hmmm, well it looks like the dojang was closed for MLK's birthday, so I guess I'll have to wait until Wednesday for my first class. Darn.

I was fortunate to find a dojang in my town that teaches traditional Hap Ki Do exclusively. My previous MA experience includes getting my yellow belt in tae kwon do when I was 12 (am now 25), ever since I lost interest in that I've wanted to get back into martial arts. So recently I signed up for judo classes through the local community center. Unfortunately it was being taught entirely as a sport which didn't really interest me at all. I'm wanting to get back into martial arts for the fitness aspect of it, but also the self-discipline and mental aspect of it appeals to me. From what I've read about Hap Ki Do, it appears to have that. I talked to the instructor on the phone and she said that basically you start out learning breathing and meditation techniques. I'm just wondering what I can expect for the first class. Fortunately this dojang offers two free classes to see if you like it. Also will anything I learned from TKD transfer over to Hap Ki Do? It's been a while, but I still remember most of the basic kicks.