IceKnight Posted June 10, 2003 Posted June 10, 2003 Hi, new here and pretty much new to martial arts. I am trying to figure out what school to go to. I have decided that I would like to learn Hapkido, however I have the choice of about 3 schools in my area. I am in the process of visiting them, but would like comments from experienced students/teachers. 1) teaches a combination of Chong Soo Kwan & Sun Moo Kwan & Chon Tu Kwan (combat). He also teaches Eskrima which I would like to learn some time because of my filipino heritage. 2) the school is basically a Tae Kwon Do school but also teaches Hapkido as well as Kumdo. Seems like it may be more TKD based. But has has been doing martial arts for ~40 years and has a school here as well as one in Korea. 3) I believe this is basically traditional HKD (don't know which kwan). However, I don't think I am going to be able to go with this one because I simply cannot afford his rates. Anyone have any comments? Thanks
tommarker Posted June 10, 2003 Posted June 10, 2003 Where in Illinois are you? I know a very good Tang Soo Do/Hapkido instructor in the Chicago area. I'm no longer posting here. Adios.
IceKnight Posted June 10, 2003 Author Posted June 10, 2003 I'm in the far west suburbs/Naperville area. I am hoping to find someone relatively close. Who do you know? Thanks Joe
tommarker Posted June 11, 2003 Posted June 11, 2003 Is Warrenville close enough? I *think* it is close to Naperville. Eagle Academy of Martial Arts Master Dan R. Jansa 2 S. 525 Route 59 Warrenville, IL 60555 630-393-0033 Master Jansa knows his stuff, check him out. I've had the chance to work with him on several occasions and have always learned a LOT from him. I'm no longer posting here. Adios.
IceKnight Posted June 11, 2003 Author Posted June 11, 2003 That's actually pretty close. I'll check it out. However, I have no idea what Tang Soo Do is like. Is it like Hapkido, or Tae Kwan Do, or something different? Can you describe it?
tommarker Posted June 11, 2003 Posted June 11, 2003 Tae Kwon Do and Tang Soo Do are fairly similar in theory, but tend to be different in practice. They share a similar history and have only really differentiated over the last 30 years. Tang Soo Do is a hard/soft style. While many will say it is a direct desendent of Shotokan (A hard style) I believe that Hwang Kee (Founder of Tang Soo Do) changed the philosophy to incorporate what he learned of Tai Chi. Like TKD, there is an emphasis on kicks. You will learn a lot of fancy and seemingly improbable kicks. But you will learn a great deal of upper body technique as well. On top of that, Hapkido will round a lot of your skill set. Another advantage is that his school is part of the World Tang Soo Do Association, and there is a tight knit group of schools that often get together for training, clinics, and tournaments. I'm no longer posting here. Adios.
Sens55 Posted June 11, 2003 Posted June 11, 2003 Pick the one that you feel most comfortable with. I believe the style and kwan are worth considering. But, to me, when it comes down to it, I want to know that the instructor is willing and able to help me reach my goals in MA. You're going to spending a LOT of time and money with your instructor if you stick with it. For that investment you need to make sure the instructor not only knows what he's teaching, but knows how to teach it to you. Teaching style can be as important (if not more important) than the MA style. And teaching styles vary. I've had instructors that were knowledgeable in their style, but unbearable in their delivery. Watch a few classes first. Come in unannounced about half way through class. This will give you a general idea on how he interacts with his students. If you still can’t make up your mind, then stop thinking and follow your instincts. They’re usually smarter (for me anyway). Good luck and welcome.
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