Our youngest student is 3.5 years and our oldest is 55 years of age, therefore Hapkido can be practiced by anyone, even monkeys!
Frequently Asked Questions
- How old do my children need to be to start?
- What happens in a class?
- Is there any type of clothing? What do I bring?
- Do I have to be reasonably flexible, strong or fit to start?
- Do women train with men? Are there separate classes for women?
- I have had past injuries - can I still train at HCA?
- The last time I trained in martial arts was when I was a kid, will Hapkido suit me now?
- How is Hapkido different to other martial arts?
- What benefits will Hapkido give to an individual?
- I have looked at other Hapkido Schools, how does HCA differ?
1 - How old do my children need to be to start?
We combine our Little Tigers (ages 3-5 years old) with our Children (ages 6-12) in the same class. We also have a Family Youth Class where the ages range from 13 +, parents can train with their children in this class.
2 - What happens in a class?
Our classes are safe, dynamic and full of energy! After the warm up and stretching we have a technical stage that alternates around all areas of the curriculum for each level, ranging from self defence & kicking drills to joint locking & throwing maneuvers and many more. Class always finishes with strengthening/conditioning and a warm down.
3 - Is there any type of clothing? What do I bring?
For your 
be sure to bring comfortable & loose sporting wear. No jewelry or shoes are worn on the mat. Remember to also bring a towel and water! Once you join you will be given a uniform called a Dobok to wear.
4 - Do I have to be reasonably flexible, strong or fit to start?
Our beginner curriculum is designed to gradually increase strength, fitness & flexibility. In Hapkido technique, an attack is not met straight on. Power against power, preferred in "hard styles" is discouraged as it increases the risk of injury. In Hapkido an attacker's power is used against them, by manipulating the attackers balance or redirecting their energy (external and internal) you increase the efficiency of your own technique.
5 - Do women train with men? Are there separate classes for women?
From
time to time we run "women's only" self defence workshops & seminars.
During general class women do train with men. In Hapkido there is a
technical philosophy known as "Redirection of Force" which teaches how
an attacker's power and energy can be used against them. This eliminates
the need for strength and implements the need for technique; therefore
it is completely safe for women to train alongside men.
6 - I have had past injuries - can I still train at HCA?
Of course you can, come and talk to us prior to commencing.
7 - The last time I trained in martial arts was when I was a kid, will Hapkido suit me now?
Yes it will. Previous martial arts experience is always a positive thing as long as you keep an open mind. Our curriculum is developed to suit even the most experienced martial artist. As a previous martial artist, you can be sure to learn an arsenal of many new techniques and a wealth of philosophy here at HCA.
8 - How is Hapkido different to other martial arts?
Hapkido is unique as it integrates all seven technique areas of martial arts.
StrikingBlockingGrapplingThrowingWeaponInternalHealing
Hapkido is a complete martial art system that incorporates Joint Locks & Throws found in Jujitsu & Aikido, Kicking techniques like Taekwondo and Kickboxing, Punches and Blocks as in Karate, various Chokes, Takedowns & Grappling Locks found in Judo, Breathing & Meditation similar to Tai Chi & Yoga, integrated "hard" & "soft" techniques found in Kung Fu systems & Weapon techniques like Ninjutsu ranging from Nunchaku, Sword, Long Staff and many more. Along with the technical side, Hapkido has a wealth of philosophy that integrates the mind, body and spirit. Techniques are based on self defence, purifying it as a martial art rather than a sport. Competition is accesible however in Hapkido for those interested.
9 - What benefits will Hapkido give to an individual?
Hapkido provides complete physical conditioning which improves balance, posture, flexibility, timing, quickness, muscle tone, joint strength and most importantly, confidence through physical and mental discipline.
10 - I have looked at other Hapkido Schools, how does HCA differ?
We are an authentic & traditional Hapkido college. Together our Masters have over 60 years experience between them and have constructed a practical and effective beginner to Master training curriculum. We have strong affiliations with the Korea Hapkido Federation that ensure purity and unity for our college.
The college also has a qualified management team that is dedicated to their work in administration, marketing & accounts. You can be guaranteed professionalism, friendliness & efficiency when dealing with any of our staff. The management team is also back up by a dedicated committee of Instructors "for the students, by the students" currently consisting of 12 members.
Our strong collection of students comes from all unique cultures, lifestyles and ages which characterise our environment and our dynamic atmosphere is governed by encouragement, support and team effort.
