3 FIRES MARTIAL ARTS ACADEMY

Hapkido is widely known as the original MMA as it incorporates techniques from Karate, Kung Fu, and Jujutsu. This combined with an intensive focus on self defense provides the student with an excellent martial arts grounding.

Fridays 6:00PM - 8:00PM

Saturday 8:00AM - 10:00AM

About Hapkido

Hap: Coordinate
Ki: Power
Do: Way, the Path
The Way of Coordinated Power
Hapkido is a Korean martial art practiced the world over. Characterized by joint locks, throws, and dynamic kicking techniques, it is unique among Korean martial arts (Taekwondo, Tang Soo Do) in its emphasis on deflecting an opponent’s attacks instead of forceful blocking.
Hapkido is the “anti-martial art”. It was designed as a way to defend against and overcome an attacker with skill in many forms of martial combat. With roots in Aiki-jujitsu, Hapkido adds striking and punching to joint-locks, throws, and grappling, making it one of the original mixed martial arts. However, unlike modern MMA training, Hapkido gives the student a solid base in different forms of defense, and roots the strategy of that defense in the principles of water, circle, and harmony. This gives the student a solid framework on which to develop their skill so that they are not caught off-guard when in real defense situations.
It is designed to allow a martial artist to rapidly subdue an opponent and render any attacker completely incapable of causing harm. Since Hapkido affords total control over a physical confrontation and emphasizes precision over brute strength, the hapkidoist can localize any damage dealt to an opponent and avoid creating unintended injury.
For this reason, it is very popular among private security and law enforcement agents throughout the world.
But, make no mistake. Hapkido also enables the practicioner to leverage extremely powerful and even deadly force if absolutely necessary, such as in a life-or-death confrontation. The art’s primary emphasis is on practical self-defense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there belts in Hapkido? Yes, and the belt colors can vary from school to school. From lowest to highest, our belts are white, yellow, green, blue, brown, red, and black belt.
How long does it take to earn a black belt in Hapkido? Usually around three years of training at least three times per week, but the actual amount of time it takes can vary and is dependent on the skill and dedication of the individual student. Be mindful that, while a black belt is certainly a big milestone, it is not an end result!
Are there forms in Hapkido? Technically, no. All physical confrontations are unique, and the Hapkidoist must move and react uniquely to each one. It is widely held that forms perpetuate the incorrect belief that one specific movement follows another. Some teachers, however, have added forms to their specific curriculum over the years.
What happens in a given Hapkido class? Class typically begins with Ki (“energy”) development exercises and deep breathing, warmup and stretching, and meditation. Then students practice kicks and strikes before pairing off to study self-defense techniques. Class ends with meditation, often accompanied by Ki breathing.
What’s the difference between Hapkido and Aikido? The founders of both Hapkido and Aikido studied Daito-Ryo Aikijiujutsu from the same master in Japan, and therefore the martial styles have very much in common. There is one major difference, however. Traditionally, Aikido is almost purely a defensive art, whereas Hapkido teaches offensive techniques as well.

About Heuk Choo Kwan

Heuk: Black
Choo: Eagle
Kwan: Style
Black Eagle Style
Heuk Choo Kwan is one of several dozen schools of Hapkido throughout the world — over 60 in Korea (22 in Taejon alone) and two in America. It was founded in Korea in 1960 by Grandmaster Jin Jong Moon and his brother, Senior Master Jin Bok Moon.
The Heuk Choo Kwan headquarters in America is headed by Grandmaster Son Young-gul. Grandmaster Son is dedicated to the growth , exposure and movement of Heuk Choo Kwan in America.
Our Association has a direct link to Korea providing us with technique curriculum, training, certified official testing, and dojang materials for schools in America to keep all members current and up to date.


Rules & Conduct

Dojang Rules
When entering or leaving the Dojang, you must bow
When entering or leaving the main training area, you must bow
When you first see a Black Belt in uniform on the training floor, you must bow
If you arrive late, change into your uniform, bow onto the training area, bow to the flags and wait until the instructor bows you in
When the class bows to the flags, please stand up
No drinking in the Dojang
No eating in the Dojang
No smoking in the Dojang
Please treat the Dojang with respect, as it is your training area
Treat all Dojang training equipment respectfully
No shoes on the training floor of the Dojang
Students should always change in the change rooms and leave all personal belongings in the change rooms
Please refer to all instructors "Sir" or "Maam" or their Korean title
Speak to an instructor before leaving the training area during class
Maintain respect for all instructors
Ensure the Dojang is kept clean and tidy
Weaponry is not to be practised without supervision
Follow the Student Code of Conduct

Student Code of Conduct
Always show Black Belts respect
Treat your training partner with respect
Always answer questions "Yes Sir/Maam" or "No Sir/Maam"
Please ensure that your uniform is kept clean and tidy
When bowing bend at the waist and look down
Remove all jewellery before class
Know and follow all the Dojang Rules
Focus on training from when you bow into the Dojang
When you are in uniform, TRAIN, do not socialise
Do not swear
Never assume, always ask
Focus on developing a Black Belt attitude
When free-sparring, spar to learn, not to win
Acknowledge points scored during sparring with a bow
Thank your opponent after sparring
Grading is a time to show your focus and spirit
Meditation is always a quiet time, use it to focus
Be HUMBLE and RESPECTFUL
Be FOCUSED and COMMITTED
Be UNDERSTANDING and WILLING to LEARN