its morphin time 

To Kekemonster:

Yes I do plan for competition.  Hapkido itself typically doesn't have a simple sparring system but it contains enough TKD techniques that they can enter into local competitions.  Hapkido is a very good demonstration art though.  Many young practitioners enjoy the simple demonstrations as it is very technical and not just simply punching and kicking.  Tang Soo Do can be used in demonstrations much easier.  Competitions are point based usually and require accurate striking techniques.  Tang Soo Do uses a lot of striking techniques but Hapkido is more self defense oriented.  An example for those not familiar with other styles........  Tang Soo Do is the exact same style that Chuck Norris was originally trained in.  He now promotes his own system but was taught and competed using Tang Soo Do.  Hapkido on the other hand is more like what Stephen Seagal uses.  Stephen Seagal is an 8th Dan (Degree) in Aikido which although it is a different system, it and Hapkido both evolved from a 2000 year old style called Daito Ryu Aikijujutsu.  They are very similar systems except that Aikido is Japenese and Hapkido is Korean.  Also Aikido is considered a "soft" style where as Hapkido is considered a "hard" style.

Competition is not used to replace common fighting skills.  Since most people are not in regular physical confrontations it acts as a way to practice practical applications of your skills and validates your own abilities and training.  It works well in lifting confidence, especially in children. 

Also, as for the after school pickup.... that is actually something I would like to do however, in the beginning it may be difficult as providing a vehicle capable of picking children up and having classes immediately after school may prove to be a challenge.  It is in the works though.  I'm not expecting this to replace my day job any time soon and I do have prior engagements as my job requires a demanding work schedule.

For those that are interested, the basic curriculum would be as follows:

Korean Language and Terminology
Korean customs and traditions
History of Hapkido and Tang Soo Do
Basic and advanced striking techniques
Basic and advanced trapping techniques
Basic and advanced self defense techniques
Some forms (katas) however these are not extensive
Weapons to include Escrima, knife, sword, and cane techniques
Practical application in low speed, high speed, and combat oriented settings
Plus various other techiques.  Too many to list.

The ranking system is based off the common gup and dan ranking system which include 10 gup ranks (white thru brown) and 10 dan ranks (all black).  All ranks would be registered with a governing organization.  I am able to promote to the rank of 1st dan (degree) black belt and will soon be allowed to promote to 2nd dan (degree).  My authority to promote increases as my rank does.

I am hoping to teach both styles simultaneously which means that all students would be ranked in two styles at the same time.  Those under the age of 17 would only be able to rank as Junior black belt (Poom Sae) and would be eligible to lateral to an adult black belt on his 17th birthday.  The reason for this is that adult black belts are taught techiniques that really shouldn't be taught to children. Example being, it can be dangerous for a 14 year old to get into a fight at school and use one of the advanced techniques that will really hurt someone.

I do not condone or endorse fighting in any way other than for self defense and competition but I also know that especially with teenagers, sometimes hormones take over.  I couldn't live with myself if I created a way for a typical 14 year old hormone driven boy to become dangerous to all those around him.

When will you be starting this up?

Quote from: Lady L on February 03, 2010, 11:27:00 AM

When will you be starting this up?

I know, right?  I'm excited about this.

G is going to Reid's, I would love to have someone here in Anna.