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Learn the History of Hapkido

History of Hapkido

The Hapkido College of Australia is a Martial Arts organisation dedicated to teaching excellence in Self-Defence, Fitness and Discipline to improve personal development, health and well-being to all ages.

## What do we do

We provide a practical and authentic self defence curriculum that will help turn a total beginner become a master of martial arts. With extensive experience in various styles of martial arts and networks in the industry, we offer supplementary courses in Weapons and Tricking/Gymnastics. These additional courses offer the opportunity to test your limits and further discovery in the martial arts journey. HCA has a solid foundation of students and instructors, strong affiliations, dedicated staff, a motivated Black Belt Team and a dynamic Demonstration Team. We look forward to training with you and moving forward to a bright future for Hapkido and Korean Martial Arts in Sydney and Australia.

## Our Philosophy

All martial arts are created of a philosophy linked to particular techniques. At HCA, philosophy is an important part of the curriculum as success in martial arts is more mental than physical. 

### Purpose
Hapkido’s purpose is essentially expressed in its name “the way of co-ordinated energy”.
![meaning of hapkido](//images.contentful.com/dr91t2bngvw0/335DBeIoFRL8bp0EMdfqdK/70e5474673d4032cc7287050a953f6da/hap_ki_do.gif)
> The literal definition of Hapkido

Hap – meaning “co-ordination of harmony”, Ki – meaning “energy” or “power”, Do – meaning “the way”.

### Belief System

Hapkido training is a path to physical health, fitness, confidence, mental well-being, spiritual progress, and character excellence. The mind and body are prepared for life's obstacles and challenges through rigors physical exercise and textual philosophy. A passive and tranquil nature results from confidence in one's ability to avoid violence.

The moral values taught in Hapkido and here at HCA are similar to the values stressed in society as a whole:

__Tenets of Hapkido__
Hapkido aims to achieve, Modesty, Integrity, Perseverance, Self Control and Indomitable Spirit.

__School Theme__
We are a traditional school, we are dedicated, motivated and quest for the best

To learn more about the mannerism we teach at HCA please [check out our blog](https://www.hapkidocollege.com.au/blog "HCA Blog")!

__Sparring Philosophy__
Hapkido does not in any way promote street fighting. Sparring, however is an area where our spiritual strengths and weaknesses are revealed (anger, egotism, jealousy etc.). In this respect, sparring not only improves physical skills but purifies spiritual and emotional values as well.

### Technical Principles
Hapkido’s techniques are based on the following principles. For a technical overview of what we teach at HCA please [visit our blog](https://www.hapkidocollege.com.au/blog "HCA Blog")!

#### Redirection of Force
In Hapkido, 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 you increase the efficiency of your own technique.

#### Flow of Movement
Hapkido techniques are distinguished by a constant flow of strikes, blocks, locks and throws. Movement is constant and may incorporate circular and spinning actions. By constantly varying body movement you become more difficult to target and are much more likely to disorient and frustrate your opponent.

#### Circular Movements
Many Hapkido techniques are made up of circular movements. Large or small circles can be seen in the motions of strikes, blocks, joint locks, chokes, takedowns and throws. Circles can also be seen in footwork and general body movements.

#### Live Hand
The term “Live Hand” refers to the specific hand formations which are used to increase the flow of Ki into the arms. This will increase arm strength and power when required, such as during a wrist escape or application of a joint lock. Live Hands assist in many strikes, blocks, locks and throws, they are also used in breathing exercises. A typical live hand formation is an open hand spreading the fingers wide and slightly bending the finger tips inwards. The hand on the Korea Hapkido Federation logo is also another formation of a live hand when executing joint locks, throws and weapon techniques.![live hand](//images.contentful.com/dr91t2bngvw0/2Y6oavdDzWSaeYe0iiRiXo/2b01d4109e49dda2c2277219820abbde/live_hand.jpg)
> Use of Live Hand


A Passion for a History of Excellence

About Us

Croydon Banner

# Croydon HQ
Our [Croydon Studio](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Hapkido+College+of+Australia/@-33.8563684,151.0462804,12z/data=!4m9!1m2!2m1!1shapkido+college+of+australia!3m5!1s0x6b12bacbdf7c634d:0x55abf14ed3579568!8m2!3d-33.870039!4d151.113467!15sChxoYXBraWRvIGNvbGxlZ2Ugb2YgYXVzdHJhbGlhIgOIAQFaHiIcaGFwa2lkbyBjb2xsZWdlIG9mIGF1c3RyYWxpYZIBE21hcnRpYWxfYXJ0c19zY2hvb2w "Croydon Studio") is located on the corner of Parramatta Rd and Cheltham Rd.

Croydon is our main base of operations at HCA.  Here we offer, Little Tigers, Children Classes, Youth Classes, Adult Classes, Private Lessons, School Courses and Birthday Parties. Croydon is our only full-time facility with 2 Seperate training rooms, high quality equipment and air conditioning.

Our classes use high quality specialised Martial Arts equipment. Each piece of equipment is routinely inspected and cleaned to ensure student safety.

## Timetable
![New Timetable (Weapons Class Incl.)](//images.ctfassets.net/dr91t2bngvw0/4ZgrqhtkN3cwkhS9XX1SL0/b6e4d64990893dfc5855b76c311fddda/New_Timetable__Weapons_Class_Incl._.jpg)
## A Small History
The foundation of HCA dates back to February 1999 when our motivated master, Young Kil Kim began as the head martial art instructor at the Australian College of Sports teaching Taekwondo and Hapkido to college students who were looking to complete a Diploma in Sports Coaching. Later, in early 2000 they opened their first dojang in Surry Hills, Sydney. In 2003  Master Kim moved forward opening Young’s Martial Arts in Homebush, Sydney.


Master Kim Photo

Master Kim

Belrose Students

# Belrose
Our Belrose franchise is located at [Lionel Watts Sports and Community Centre](https://www.google.com/maps/place/HCA+Belrose/@-33.7405851,151.2091499,17z/data=!4m9!1m2!2m1!1sLionel+Watts+Sports+and+Community+Centre+93+%E2%80%93+95+Blackbutts+Rd+Belrose!3m5!1s0x6b12a9bdc3aaf6d7:0x868755c94a57ff43!8m2!3d-33.7407337!4d151.2106738!15sCkhMaW9uZWwgV2F0dHMgU3BvcnRzIGFuZCBDb21tdW5pdHkgQ2VudHJlIDkzIOKAkyA5NSBCbGFja2J1dHRzIFJkIEJlbHJvc2VaRiJEbGlvbmVsIHdhdHRzIHNwb3J0cyBhbmQgY29tbXVuaXR5IGNlbnRyZSA5MyA5NSBibGFja2J1dHRzIHJkIGJlbHJvc2WSARNtYXJ0aWFsX2FydHNfc2Nob29s "Lionel Watta Sports and Community Centre"), run by Instructor Kervin. If you are living around the Northern Beaches area this is a perfect training area for you.

![Belrose Timetable](//images.ctfassets.net/dr91t2bngvw0/5CWyObnsibANs5yOx2uzLu/d1008a849371ffadd555572a1d2c7b37/Belrose_Timetable.PNG)

Kervin Cropped

Kervin Antonio

HCA Ermington Annual Event 2019

# Ermington West
Our Ermington West franchise is located in the [Ermington West Public School Hall](https://www.google.com/search?q=hapkido%20college%20of%20australia&rlz=1C1CHBF_en-GBAU927AU927&sxsrf=AOaemvK0wK-zg9uAgcgrvyjGUtBkYVBI1A:1636512790272&ei=mDKLYYvSM4jn9QPkv4SIDw&oq=hapkiodo&gs_lcp=Cgdnd3Mtd2l6EAMYADIHCCMQsAIQJzIHCAAQsQMQDTIHCAAQyQMQDTIFCAAQkgMyCgguEMcBEKMCEA0yBAgAEA0yBAgAEA0yBAgAEA0yCgguEMcBEK8BEA0yBAgAEA06BAgjECc6CwguEMcBEK8BEJECOgsIABCABBCxAxCDAToOCC4QgAQQsQMQxwEQowI6CAgAELEDEIMBOgoILhDHARCjAhAnOgQIABBDOgoILhDHARCvARBDOgoILhDHARCjAhBDOgQILhBDOgcILhCxAxBDOgoILhDHARDRAxBDOgcIABDJAxBDOggIABCABBCxAzoHCAAQsQMQQzoKCAAQgAQQhwIQFDoFCAAQgAQ6CwguEIAEEMcBEK8BOgcIIxCxAhAnOgoILhDHARCjAhAKOgQIABAKOgoILhDHARCvARAKSgQIQRgAUABY3AZgpxJoAHACeACAAZsCiAGGDZIBBTAuNC40mAEAoAEBwAEB&sclient=gws-wiz&tbs=lf:1,lf_ui:4&tbm=lcl&rflfq=1&num=10&rldimm=11045643892775267484&lqi=ChxoYXBraWRvIGNvbGxlZ2Ugb2YgYXVzdHJhbGlhIgOIAQFI6522-ueqgIAIWjoQABABEAIQAxgAGAEYAhgDIhxoYXBraWRvIGNvbGxlZ2Ugb2YgYXVzdHJhbGlhKgoIAhAAEAEQAhADkgETbWFydGlhbF9hcnRzX3NjaG9vbA&ved=2ahUKEwjZ5KKc5Yz0AhUKXSsKHQ5fCcgQvS56BAgpECQ&rlst=f#rlfi=hd:;si:11045643892775267484,l,ChxoYXBraWRvIGNvbGxlZ2Ugb2YgYXVzdHJhbGlhIgOIAQFI6522-ueqgIAIWjoQABABEAIQAxgAGAEYAhgDIhxoYXBraWRvIGNvbGxlZ2Ugb2YgYXVzdHJhbGlhKgoIAhAAEAEQAhADkgETbWFydGlhbF9hcnRzX3NjaG9vbA;mv:[[-33.800384199999996,151.1818304],[-33.9123922,151.0429479]];tbs:lrf:!1m4!1u3!2m2!3m1!1e1!1m4!1u16!2m2!16m1!1e1!1m4!1u16!2m2!16m1!1e2!2m1!1e16!2m1!1e3!3sIAE,lf:1,lf_ui:4 "Ermington West Public School Hall"), run by Intern Instructor Rhys. If you are living around the Parramatta and West Ryde area this is a perfect training area for you.

![HCA Ermington Hall](//images.ctfassets.net/dr91t2bngvw0/72wo0Bjtk7Faii2LSgxU7Y/dd23e555f3bacc82339166e0798d0c73/20211109_163051.jpg)
> Here is our Ermington Studio

## Our Timetable
At our Ermington Studio we run [Children](https://www.hapkidocollege.com.au/services/children "Children Class"), [Youth](https://www.hapkidocollege.com.au/services/youth "Youth Classes") and [Adult](https://www.hapkidocollege.com.au/services/adults "Adults Classes") Classes. See Below for our class times

![Ermington Timetable](//images.ctfassets.net/dr91t2bngvw0/5o69EqYihSXUzk85r1KL9y/0cbba7fac5836747f100727ee06eb4d5/Ermington_Timetable.PNG)


Rhys Ly 2024

Rhys Ly

834-191130-DF1 9020

# Adult Class
Our adult class is designed to cater to the needs of our more mature students. Along with Hapkido techniques, our lessons will improve your endurance, strength, cardiovascular ability, flexibility, and balance. Our adult classes are available at every studio location, however please check class times in each location.

Adult classes begin with a thorough warm-up and stretching routine, which aids in injury prevention and redcues long-term muscle and joint pain. Our Hapkido classes have shown to be a great way for students to reduce stress from work and school. 

Students can use the physical aspect of the lessons as a good outlet for stress and frustration while also improving their fitness and physical health. Due to the physical demands of Hapkido, many of our adult students have discovered that they shed weight and tone existing muscles as they work hard in class. Adult classes are available for people of all skill levels, from beginners to Black Belts and beyond. We will work with you regardless of your past ability or fitness level.

## What to expect in our classes
Our classes include a variety of benefits which our students enjoy.

### Self Defence
Students are given the opportunity to acquire and practise skills and techniques that will allow them to protect themselves in potentially harmful situations.

### Fitness
Hapkido improves stundents overall health by increasing their strength, flexibility, and endurance. Our students, will also see improvements in muscular tone and cardiovascular health.

Many people struggle to stick to their health objectives because they can't bring themselves to do repetitive exercises or go to the gym. Our Adult sessions change every day, providing a diverse set of abilities and allowing students to stay engaged.

### Stress Reduction
In addition to the proven psychological advantages of exercise, our classes give a healthy release for stress and frustration accumulated during work or school.

### Friendships
Our college is like a second family to us. Students in our frequently participate in HCA's social events, which include beach vacations, outings, and more!

HCA_ANUAL_EVENT_2018_FALCONS_2

# Little Tigers

Our Little Tigers class is for children aged 4 - 6 years old. This class is offered only at our [Croydon Headquarters](https://www.hapkidocollege.com.au/locations/croydon "Croydon Headquarters"). These classes are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:15 PM - 5:00 PM. Children learn in a fun and engaging environment to improve their self-confidence, motor skills and focus. We provide a fun curriculum that will promote an active lifestyle while also building self-discipline and preparing children for a school environment. 

We aim to provide the safest environment we can, using protective mats and padding, along with specialised equipment available to further protect our Little Tigers. Our Instructors are bright, friendly and love to teach, and they assist in making our Dojangs a wonderful place to learn for all our students.

## Our Little Tiger Training Focuses
Our Little Tiger program is focused on the needs of our students, by providing a safe, non-confrontational environment. Our Instructors provide each student with close attention, to keep them focused during classes.

### Confidence
Our students build confidence as they train and see the results of their training in their progression. We encourage a highly inclusive environment to allow students to feel comfortable in class to help boost confidence.

### Motor Skills
Students improve their coordination and motor skills through simple exercises that incorporate various Hapkido movements and techniques. We encourage students to build their skills over time through their own efforts.

### Discipline
Students are pushed to always quest for the best. We encourage each student to set their own Hapkido goals and work towards these goals through their own effort, with the support of our Team. Our students also learn core values through theory helping them understand good sportsmanship and honesty.

### Focus 
Our fun and interactive classes support our students focus during training. Through the demonstration of exciting demonstration of new techniques and engaging activities.
![Cropped 1](//images.contentful.com/dr91t2bngvw0/4aoJ3km19ML2RE7NzO01DV/7e511fdd8423dbe5ffaee84de739a315/Cropped_1.jpg)
> Improving Flexibility

### Respect
 Students are taught to show good sportsmanship at all times. this is reinforced in the theory section of our self-defence curriculum where they learn respect for Instructors, peers and themselves.

If you are interested in our Little Tigers classes please [contact us](https://www.hapkidocollege.com.au/contact-us "Contact Us")!


HCA_Annual_Event_2018_Falcons

# Children

Students in our children's programme increase their self-confidence, Hapkido skills, and focus in a fun and engaging setting. We teach a practical and authentic self-defence curriculum that encourages physical activity while also teaching self-discipline. Childrens class is offered at all of our studios, if you are interested in please [contact us](https://www.hapkidocollege.com.au/contact-us "Contact Us")!

### Confidence
We promote a welcoming environment that allows students to feel at ease in class, which helps them gain confidence. Our students gain confidence as they train and witness the fruits of their efforts in the form of belt advancement and skill improvement.

### Discipline and Respect
We encourage each student to define his or her own Hapkido goals and strive towards them with the help of our team. Moral principles are also taught to our students through the theory section of our curriculum, which helps them understand good sportsmanship and honesty. Hapkido is not just about the physical benefits of a martial art, we place a strong emphasis on ensuring that our students follow and live the tenets of our college (Modesty, Integrity, Perseverance, Self-Control and Indomitable Spirit). The theory section of our self-defence curriculum promotes positive mental health and development.

### Focus 
Our fun and interactive classes support our students focus during training. Through the demonstration of exciting demonstration of new techniques and engaging activities.


Classes for children aged 6 - 11 years old.

1059-191130-DF1 9088

# HCA Eagles
The HCA Eagles are the elite representatives of our college. Through consistent and dedicated training since early 2014, the Eagles have developed into an experienced and professional demonstration team, ready to showcase their dynamic and breath-taking skills at all kinds of events.

With the goal to become the best Hapkido demonstration team in Australia and one day the world, we strive for nothing less than greatness.

## Have us perform for YOU
The HCA Eagles would love to perform at your event, please [contact us](https://hapkidocollege.com.au/contact-us) with details of your request and we will get right back to you! 

## Join the Demonstration Team!
> “Take your training to the next level”

Dynamic and exciting classes that combine it all – martial art self defence, advanced falling, acrobatics and weapons put together to thrill an audience. Learn new techniques and well round your skills in all areas of martial arts demonstration. Be part of an encouraging team that will help build your confidence and courage to take charge of an audience and display your martial art skills. Join the thrill and travel the world with us!

To get involved you must first achieve the Intermediate (Green Belt) level then make a request to the demonstration team captain

Dynamic and exciting performance team that combine it all – martial art self defence, advanced falling, acrobatics and weapons

HCA hapkido family annual event

## Private Martial Art Lessons
For individuals or couples/partners looking to perfect and refine their skills, private lessons with a Master of 30 years is guaranteed to help advance your abilities to remarkable levels. Working with each individual to their own rate of learning, these sessions also help you gain positive physical results and advance you through the curriculum.

While some people believe that getting in shape is all about dumbells and treadmills, at HCA we understand that for most people, creating life-long physical change is more about, lifestyle, diet, exercise, attitude, motivation, education, time management and support, rather than any piece of equipment or a get-skinny quick scheme! We will guide you step by step through the entire process of making positive changes to your physical body and energy levels.

One on one classes with a certified Instructor

826-191130-YUN 3554

# Youth Class
Our Youth class is aimed at high school students in Years 7-12 and is available at all our locations. These classes are designed to build strength, increase flexibility, boost confidence, and reduce stress. 

## Training Focuses
Our Youth classes focuses on improving mental growth and physical health in a fun and safe environment. Our Master and Instructors provide challenging and engaging classes to help students build friendships with each other whilst also building their confidence and martial arts skills. Although Hapkido can focus on personal development, students train together helping each other improve.

### Confidence
Teenage years can be very stressful times for our students, from the change from attending Primary School to attending High School and the pressures that come from this change, hormone changes and the desire to find out their place in the world. At HCA, we strive to ensure each student feels safe and confident in their own skin and that our studios are safe places for them to grow and learn. 

Building confidence is a huge part of martial arts and we work hard to make sure all of our teenage students feel that they can be their best selves here with us. 

### Technical Skills
Our friendly and dedicated Master and Instructors ensures each student receives specialised attention during our classes to refine their skills. In our Youth classes, the curriculum we have carefully devised contains a variety of Hapkido techniques including:
- Self Defence
- Kicking
- Punching
- Falling Techniques
- Sparring
- Movements and Forms

### Fitness
Our Youth class promotes a wide range of physical health benefits. During our classes students expect a well-rounded warm-up and stretching time, with a rotational focus targeting different technical aspects of Hapkido training. Our fitness aim to enhance:
- Muscle Growth
- Flexibility
- Posture
- Co-ordination
- Cardiovascular Health

### Mental Health
At Hapkido College of Australia, we strive to create a safe and supportive environment for all of our students.  Our Master and Instructors encourage students to build friendships and connections with each other. We always try our best to cater to our students emotional and mental needs. Some benefits to mental health as a result of our Hapkido training include:
- Stress Relief
- Support Learning/Behavioural Difficulties
- Enjoyable Social Interactions


HCA_STRATHFIELD_GIRLS_2014

## School Courses

For school students of all ages, HCA offers an approved and authentic Beginner, Intermediate, or Advanced course. Students' discipline, awareness, and confidence will develop as they practise great self-defense while learning lifestyle concepts. Our school courses offer safety skills (awareness and defence against bullies and strangers), martial art skills (personal safety), fitness to enhance physical health, and mental training to aid academic performance.

> “Choose a sporting alternative that educates as well as exercises”

Contact us for further information and bookings.

Here are some schools that HCA has worked with:
- Strathfield Girls High School	
- Croydon Primary School	
- Burwood Girls High School
- Rosebank College	
- Santa Sabina College

Kervin Bowing to the Audience


Our Grading tests allows us to see the developmental stages of the student. We can see the fruits of their labour.

Each HCA grading is important and well-structured with the focus on traditional etiquette, form and attitude. Encouragement is given to our students during each grading.

There are a number of key areas, ticked off via a curriculum guide that each student must be able to demonstrate before being invited to grade under our [Master and Instructors](https://www.hapkidocollege.com.au/about/our-master-and-instructors "Our Master and Instructors").

The importance of grading reflects in the growth and abilities that each student has learnt. After a grading, the student will be able to better identify what areas of improvement are needed. A monthly grading is held at our full time studio ([Croydon](https://www.hapkidocollege.com.au/locations/croydon "Croydon")). Grading is held monthly on the 2nd Saturday of each month.

## Our Belt System

Similar to most martial arts, our grades are designated by a coloured belt worn around the waist. Before the twentieth century, most belts were colourless. Students were prohibited from washing their belts, therefore the belt grew progressively darker as a result of sweat and grime until it eventually resembled a blackish colour. Once you achieve your black belt, as you continue to train for many years the black material starts to wear off and age, gradually becoming white again. This signifies that we start with purity, learning the basics and we end in the same manner.

![White Belt](//images.ctfassets.net/dr91t2bngvw0/5W1Tx59kJRcxhtCcROaESp/81c94b9f98288366e10f2cdcb8d256c5/White_Belt.gif)
> White Belt

![Orange Belt](//images.ctfassets.net/dr91t2bngvw0/6J2WT27etvE6MFEkwWDIYQ/a05b7caf5c2a82ff1a4c0b1b5c0e05c2/Orange_Belt.gif)
> Orange Belt

![Yellow Belt](//images.ctfassets.net/dr91t2bngvw0/2OcR8chwz96Ol1bFeJjZos/7e8d8ab4567c02df26386352ee13db8d/Yellow_Belt.gif)
> Yellow Belt

![Green Belt](//images.ctfassets.net/dr91t2bngvw0/5zXpQPePWYQ2YgIgQs04AX/0286876042e88f0c3414a9cc131dff4d/Green_Belt.gif)
> Green Belt

![Blue Belt](//images.ctfassets.net/dr91t2bngvw0/78jgSB1mMIupzJG8qDAD0D/a10ef2dc6a20a54021c5c6efb2f18da8/Blue_Belt.gif)
> Blue Belt

![Purple Belt](//images.ctfassets.net/dr91t2bngvw0/74LcWKMm7pLQX84Y4JMney/39b2ac340e77cbb8bbca6b527dfedaba/Purple_Belt.gif)
> Purple Belt

![Red Belt](//images.ctfassets.net/dr91t2bngvw0/4qq99E5QmJeghbYo2B63ee/da52d2141e4302b311d3a17dcf4310c8/Red_Belt.gif)
> Red Belt

![Brown Belt](//images.ctfassets.net/dr91t2bngvw0/4qAIkJ49ll71MBPy7AXH1u/b1f2420e92fb186e26a9890dcba832c6/Brown_Belt.gif)
> Brown Belt

![Black Belt](//images.ctfassets.net/dr91t2bngvw0/7oXlmYjLxPUSvoxtLeBfNu/131055a3d2f85e0b2f8890275dd8ef56/Black_Belt.gif)
> Black Belt

Achieving a black belt level simply symbolises that the student has now learnt a range of techniques, and through fitness and discipline has developed into a stronger individual. The first degree black belt consists of roughly 350 hours of training. It is only after this level that the student will develop a more complete understanding with further studies and training. The next steps are to progress through the Degree (Dan) levels.