Tai Shan Posted January 18, 2003 Posted January 18, 2003 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.
karatekid1975 Posted January 18, 2003 Posted January 18, 2003 Congrads on finding a good dojang. Yes, the kicks you learned in TKD will help you in Hapkido. Take the free classes. I know you will enjoy Hapkido if you are looking for self defense. Laurie F
rabid hamster Posted January 18, 2003 Posted January 18, 2003 Taekwondo and hapkido have similar kicks from what I know. Good luck with hapkido. It is only with the heart that one can see clearly, for the most essential things are invisible to the eye.
Hpkid0ist Posted January 19, 2003 Posted January 19, 2003 In Hapkido we have all the same kicks as TKD and more. A traditional HKD school doesn't snap their kicks though. As for what to expect, well that is all dependant on the school and instructor. You should like it though. 2nd Dan Hap Ki Do: What we do in life echos for an eternity!
Chris from CT Posted January 20, 2003 Posted January 20, 2003 That's great! Enjoy it! Like H@pkid0ist said, what you learn depends on your teacher and her background. In general, you'll probably be in for... warm-ups and calisthenics, basic striking and kicking, rolling and breakfalling, ki development and a whoooole lot of self defence work! Let us know how goes. Take care. Chris LaCavaJung Ki Kwan of Connecticut"Man is born soft and supple,in death he is hard and rigid..." LaoTzu
Tai Shan Posted January 21, 2003 Author Posted January 21, 2003 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.
Tai Shan Posted January 23, 2003 Author Posted January 23, 2003 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.
ZeRo Posted January 23, 2003 Posted January 23, 2003 i know how you feel Tai! i hate waiting 4 days till TKD a like personal teachers, i find my techniques gets better faster. next time you go tell us more. hap ki do is a great style.
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