Hapkido Question and Answer
Thank you for your interest in Hybrid Hapkido. We take great pride in the quality of our instruction and the implementation of the values, standards and morality stressed within our program. It is our sincere hope that this page will answer any questions that you may have.
Why Hybrid Hapkido? More than a "martial art" Hybrid Hapkido is a "Reality Life Art". This means that we stress real life techniques for the real world. Although we respect yesterday's traditions, our focus is to train for today's reality.
What is Hybrid Hapkido? Hybrid Hapkido combines the best techniques from many systems and styles while eliminating their perceived weaknesses. Hybrid Hapkido stresses discipline, loyalty to oneself, family and country, leadership, manners and strong character development.
How is Hybrid Hapkido different from other styles? Hybrid Hapkido teaches various types of strikes (punches, kicks) while also teaching realistic escapes and counters to counter all grabs that you may encounter (to include ground fighting escapes). We do not teach "forms or katas". Instead, we believe in actually pairing you with a partner to practice your techniques instead of imagining that someone is standing in front of you. How effective would our world class military be if they only pretended to have an enemy in front of them? The children are taught "fighting combinations". These allow for the children to practice their blocks, punches and kicks in one continuous realistic combination. Hybrid Hapkido focus is not upon how pretty your techniques are, but instead how effective your techniques are.
What are the expectations for a student? We expect only for you to do your personal best. Each day in school and throughout our lives, we will be compared to others around us. Do we run as fast, jump as high, or achieve grades as high as someone else? In Hybrid Hapkido we encourage our students to be their best compared to no one else. No one is better at being you than you. With this concept the pressure of being as good as someone else is eliminated and a stress free learning environment is created. We celebrate our differences and acknowledge our faults while constructing a plan to better ourselves.
As a parent, am I welcome to watch my child? You are more than able to watch your child; you are able to participate with your child. We are dedicated to promoting a strong bond between parent and child. How can this be done if we exclude you from this very important step of their growth? Many traditional schools do not allow interaction between a parent and child during the class. We firmly disagree with that concept. We have noticed throughout our many years of training that a student will express great respect toward their instructor, but not necessarily transfer that respect to their parents or an adult in authority. We highly encourage the parents to interact and participate with their child on the training floor. Although this is not required of you, it is welcomed. We encourage the parent to attend one of our "parents instruction courses" (at no cost) so that we can show you what your child is learning and how you can practice along side of them, both while at home and during one of our classes.
How does testing and the belt system work? A belt system allows for the children to feel a sense of accomplishment and growth. The children "progress test" each month, with a complete review and graduation done every 4 months or so depending upon their current level. There are set requirements and standards that must be met with each belt level. Adults in our system are involved in a "beltless belt system". Adults learn from a structured curriculum but no one wears a belt. The reason for this is simple. We believe in respecting all people for who they are and not by what they wear around their waist. Many times too much emphasis is placed upon how quickly you can be given a colored belt. Because of this, knowledge, skill and application are discarded in the student's single-minded quest to obtain a belt. The student participating in Hybrid Hapkido strives to obtain knowledge, practice to gain greater skill and see that skill become evident during the application of the technique.
Do I need a uniform and other equipment? New students need to purchasing a uniform after the first class. These uniforms are available via the instructor and will be included in the class fees. Safety equipment also is available via the instructor. This safety equipment will assist in protecting the chest, head, hands, forearm/elbows, shin and feet.
Other questions and concerns: Master Instructor Isaac Costley is available for further questions that you may have. You may contact him at 719.237.0043 or via email at info@hybridhapkido.com