Hapkido in Victoria, BC

Discussion in 'Hapkido' started by Jaydub, Jan 14, 2018.

  1. Jaydub

    Jaydub Valued Member

    When I decided to start training about four years ago, I wanted to learn Hapkido as it seems very similar to the Korean hybrid style I learned growing up. Unfortunately, Hapkido was not available in Victoria. I joined a Karate Dojo instead.

    However, within the last year, two Hapkido Dojangs have sprung up in my city. One is even within walking distance from my house. I am extremely happy with where I train now, so I am not about to quit Karate to pursue Hapkido

    I'm still happy that it's available, though. Maybe I'll send my daughter to learn when she's old enough. I think the acrobatic element could be fun for kids. Maybe I'll look into it myself one day.

    Anyway, one Dojang belongs to the World Police Martial Arts Federation. The other is Kum Moo Kwan under the Korea Hapkido Federation.

    Could anyone tell me the differences between these two associations?

    I also notice there are quite a few Kwans within the Korea Hapkido Federation. How do they differ? What's unique about Kum Moo?
     
  2. Twisting

    Twisting Valued Member

    no idea about the kwans but i think that the Kum Moo Kwan (war sword school?) looks fun for kids. i don't believe nunchuku is an original hapkido weapon but it could help coordination.
     
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  3. Jaydub

    Jaydub Valued Member

    Thank you for the reply.

    Are you a Hapkido practitioner?
     
  4. Twisting

    Twisting Valued Member

    yes. i've been on hiatus for about 3 years, but i've trained in it on and off for over 25 years. also, i've done a year of judo.

    the KHF is one of the most credible hkd orgs but i'm not sure of their criteria to let other kwans in their org. my school doesn't belong to them though as my instructor is a first generation teacher; he was originally part of the former iteration which was the KHA i believe. he gave the name to me in korean.

    to me, only simply looking at videos, it seem that the world police are more like combat hkd or krav maga.

    anyways, i know this post started 3 years ago, so i hope you found something that works for your kid!

    in the past there has been too much bickering in general in the MA community, but if you look at the larger picture, i think we as martial artists should be promoting it as an active lifestyle alternative to sports, orange theory, pilates etc.
     
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  5. Jaydub

    Jaydub Valued Member

    Thanks for the info on this. Circumstances have changed somewhat since I posted this nearly 4 years ago.

    The one Hapkido school went under due to the pandemic. This is the one remailing Dojang: https://www.victoriahapkido.com/

    I also noticed that you're from Canada. May I ask where?
     
  6. Twisting

    Twisting Valued Member

    GTA unfortunately. nowhere near as nice as Victoria or BC. it seems like victoria hapkido is the only choice.

    btw, for pure self defense, imo i would rate this program highly for cqc. i know of the instructor's instructor who had an excellent program which i would rate as at the top. His name is Darren Laur.
    | Sheepdog Self Protection Inc

    good luck!
     
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  7. Jaydub

    Jaydub Valued Member

    Thank you. I actually know one of the Sheepdog instructors pretty well from the Navy.

    What are your thoughts on Victoria Hapkido?
     
  8. Twisting

    Twisting Valued Member

    Without knowing anyone who trains there, i can only come up with a superficial evaluation. i'd say that their joint locks performed by their korean master looks like it's in line with other KHF schools. I'm personal not a fan of aerials because i'm an old man, but i think it could be fun for kids. many hapkido schools have variation on techniques and curriculums so i don't really comment too much on other schools as i have an admitted bias. i can't say anything about the quality control and how often they grade.
    the best way to decide is to go and watch a class if you haven't imo.

    if you are looking at it as an adult, i think hkd or judo make a great base for cqc. if for whatever reason the vibe doesn't gel with you, there's judo and bjj on the island or if you are looking for a traditional martial art that is authentic, there's gordon muir who teaches practical method taiji. being the only choice in town, victoria hapkido the best choice in town for hkd.

    i do like the hapkiyusul and hankido curriculums so that gives you an idea of my taste.
     
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  9. Jaydub

    Jaydub Valued Member

    Thank you for your thoughts. You just be a fan of grappling and the self-defence applications of Hapkido. We used to refer to those concepts as Yoshin-sool or Yu-sool back when I trained in a Korean hybrid-style similar to Hapkido.

    I've actually taken a Hankido class while visiting Korea a few years ago. It was very interesting. It seemed very similar to Aikido.

    We're a bit spoiled for choice in Victoria, to be honest. There are a lot of world class martial arts instructors here from a variety of backgrounds. And, sadly, only so many days in the week.
     
  10. Twisting

    Twisting Valued Member

    it sounds like you have had extensive or broad training yourself! i try to stay positive but honest on the forums. there's too much arguing.

    like you said, there's only so many days in the week: for me, if i moved and a new hkd school didn't fit my needs, i'd probably switch to judo or a chinese internal art. i like practicality, but i also like the conceptual side of arts as i age.

    while i like the hkd self defense applications, the school i train at has a form of sparring full contact called 'free fighting', which i also highly enjoy. it's similar to mma rules, or actually closer to shooto rules if you are familiar. i've had the lucky chance to train in a friendly manner for reference against thai boxers, boxers, bjj players, and san shou, and let's just say i'm still pretty happy with the training i received in hkd.

    if you don't mind my asking, are you currently still training in karate? cheers.
     
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  11. Jaydub

    Jaydub Valued Member

    I wouldn't say that my training has been particularly extensive or broad. I started in a Korean hybrid-style known as Hap Do Sool when I was a teenager and dabbled with a few other martial arts in my 20's. I'm still currently training in Karate and a couple other things as well.

    It's funny because when I was looking to get seriously back into training, I was thinking Hapkido, but there were no dojangs in Victoria at the time. I decided to give Karate a try, and I honestly love it and couldn't imagine my life without it.

    I've also become interested in Fencing fairly recently. If that doesn't work out for whatever reason, there's a very legit Judo Club that trains on that days I usually fence.
     
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  12. Twisting

    Twisting Valued Member

    btw, jesse enkamp a vlogger and swedish karateka, gives a convincing 6 part series for the origins of all karate (and tkd, tsd). it's worth watching imo. i think tkd people should watch it as well. it sounds like you are in good hands! i think fencing maybe more useful than some other weapons arts, but no need to open those can of worms lol.
     
  13. Jaydub

    Jaydub Valued Member

    I'm very familiar with Jesse Enkamp and his blog. He has a lot of good material. Some stuff he says I take with a grain of salt. I'll check out that series.

    Fencing is just a lot of fun.
     
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