Question 1

What is Hapkido

Accepted Answer

Hapkido (the way of coordinating power) is a hybrid Korean martial art. It is a form of self-defense that employs joint locks, grappling, throwing techniques, kicks, punches, and other striking attacks. It also teaches the use of traditional weapons, including knife, sword, rope, nunchaku, cane, short stick, and middle-length staff jō, and long staff bō, and gun, which vary in emphasis depending on the particular tradition and situations examined.

Hapkido employs both long-range and close-range fighting techniques, utilizing jumping kicks and percussive hand strikes at longer ranges, and pressure point strikes, joint locks, and throws at closer fighting distances. Hapkido emphasizes circular motion, redirection of force, and control of the opponent. Practitioners seek to gain advantage over their opponents through footwork and body positioning to incorporate the use of leverage, avoiding the use of brute strength against brute strength.

Question 2

What is Kenpo Karate?

Accepted Answer

Kenpo (Fist Law)  is a unique martial art that utilizes fast techniques to disable an attacker in seconds. Kicks are less common and are usually directed at the lower body because high kicks are slower to execute and potentially compromise the practitioner's balance; higher kicks are taught to more advanced and capable practitioners. Kenpo contains a wide array of kicks, punches, open-hand, elbow and knee strikes, finger strikes, some throwing and joint locking techniques, as well as club and knife training.

The mountain of motion and principles are available, but after learning the basics students specialize in whatever areas fit their needs and desires. A soldier may emphasize knife techniques, a police officer may emphasize locks and stick techniques, a civilian interested in competition may emphasize the less lethal options, while some specialize in the more lethal aspects of the system.

Question 3

What is Judo?

Accepted Answer

Judo ('gentle way') is an unarmed and eclectic martial art, distinguishing itself by having the objective of  to throw an opponent, immobilize them, or force an opponent to submit with a joint lock or a choke.

Question 4

Do I need to be in shape?

Accepted Answer

No. The reason a large number of people participate in martial arts is to get in shape. A workout at the American College Of Martial Arts SC is very healthy as long as precautions are taken as need be. It incorporates aerobic exercise with stretching, balance and coordination drills, along with simply learning how to breath.

Question 5

How expensive is it?

Accepted Answer

We offer incredibly reasonable rates, for Adults 18 and up we charge 150.00 per month. For Children 6 - 17 we only charge 100.00 per month.  Still less than you pay for tv subscription services combined. Also, we supply your Gi once you obtain your yellow belt.

Question 6

Do you have a family rate?

Accepted Answer

Yes, each additional student per family will be discounted. Remember the family that kicks together sticks together.

Question 7

What ages do you teach?

Accepted Answer

We will take students starting at 6 through 12 years of age for our children's program. We will enroll 13 years of age to adults of any age in our more advanced curriculum.

We do not take extremely young children for the adult curriculum due to the advanced techniques we teach, while all Martial Arts are great for control and disciple we encourage our students to understand the responsibility of the techniques and training as well as the maturity to decide what techniques should be used in certain times.

Question 8

Is it safe?

Accepted Answer

Every precaution is taken, Safety is a PRIORITY.  More people are injured in football, basketball, baseball and soccer.

Question 9

Do you compete in tournaments or cage fighting?

Accepted Answer

No, but we do spar. Our goal at ACMASC is not to win a trophy or belt, pride in who you are as a fighter should not be important to a martial artist. We focus on real world applications in our sparring and training, there are no points or referees if and when you must defend yourself or your loved ones.

Question 10

Will this help discipline?

Accepted Answer

The practice of martial arts will help a person to develop self-discipline to the degree they commit themselves. The simplicity of following a regular regimen of rules designed for the good of all and the practice of obtaining goals formerly beyond their reach assures the enhancement of a person's "discipline" The "self" part of this equation is defined by personal commitment.

Question 11

Will this help build character in my child or myself?

Accepted Answer

If every person had the same goals in their life they would still have a difficult path to follow. Our purpose is to encourage and guide the development towards ones highest self. Realizing first we do not have all the answers and we ourselves are continually growing and changing.

Question 12

How often should I practice?

Accepted Answer

To start, twice a week is good. Obviously, the more you practice the more you get out of it.

Question 13

How long does it take to become a black belt?

Accepted Answer

There is no time limit. The harder or faster one works is not always the one who will accomplish their goal. Plan your time wisely and listen to the instructions. Realize that a sharp mind makes a sharp martial artist and then you will realize your time frame of becoming a black belt.

Question 14

What is a black belt?

Accepted Answer

A person who has come to a point of understanding, concerning the art, and able to begin training others.

By the time one reaches black belt they should have the quality of technique as well as the quality of character to lead others to the same goal. To acquire black belt  one has to learn several hundred Self-defense techniques, multiple katas, a plethora of of kicks and hand, knee, and elbow strikes.  You must also maintain a notebook of martial arts knowledge as well as personal techniques geared toward your development into a well rounded person/martial artist.

Our reasoning, to bring the student to a point of realization there is more than one way to accomplish any objective and to become the best version of themselves they can be.  You will always be your hardest opponent.

"He who conquers himself is greater than he who conquers nations"

FAQ

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