Hapkido
Hapkido in Santa Clara: Learn It From the 1971 Source
Hapkido is one of the most complete self-defence systems in the world — joint locks, throws, pressure points, and the principle of turning an attacker's own force against them. It is the art you want when someone is already close enough to grab you.
The question is who teaches it to you.
A direct line to the birthplace of the art
In 1971, Grand Master Jong Yeon Hwang began training at the Korea Hapkido Headquarters Dojang, under the founding grand masters of the art. Not a branch school. The headquarters.
He went on to earn 8th Dan certification from the Korea Traditional Hapkido Association, and spent years teaching Hapkido to American and Korean soldiers of the 728th Military Police Battalion in Korea — students whose lives depended on the technique working.
That is the lineage standing in front of you in Santa Clara.
What Hapkido actually gives you
- Control at close range. Escapes, joint locks and throws for when distance has already closed.
- Leverage over strength. Technique that does not require you to be the bigger person.
- Real-world application. Taught by someone who trained military police, not sport competitors.
- Calm under pressure. The hardest and most valuable part of self-defence.
Who trains Hapkido at KIMOO
Hapkido suits adults looking for genuine self-defence, women who want practical personal protection, and teenagers ready for something more serious than a sport class. Complete beginners are welcome — most of our students started with no experience whatsoever.
Hapkido and Taekwondo under one roof
At KIMOO in Santa Clara you learn both Korean traditions from a single source. Taekwondo gives you striking, speed and distance. Hapkido gives you control, escapes and close-range defence. Together they build a complete martial artist rather than half of one.
Your first class is free
Try a free trial class with no contract and no equipment needed. When you join, your uniform and belt are free.
Call (408) 243-1001 or book online. We serve Santa Clara, Sunnyvale, San Jose, Cupertino and Campbell.
Train where the standard is real
Great training is not about a flashy facility. It is about who corrects you, how closely they watch, and whether the standard they hold is a real one. At KIMOO you are corrected personally by an 8th Dan Grand Master who trained at the source of the art in 1971 — not by a rotating roster of part-time instructors.
Classes run throughout the week so students can train around school and work schedules. Call (408) 243-1001 and we will find the times that suit you and confirm your free class within one day.
Visit us: 2181 El Camino Real, Santa Clara, CA 95050
Frequently asked questions
Do I need experience to start Hapkido in Santa Clara?
No. Most of our students began with none. Every class scales to your level and beginners are guided personally.
Is Hapkido good for self-defence?
Hapkido is widely considered one of the most practical self-defence systems available, because it focuses on joint locks, escapes and control at the close range where real confrontations happen.
How is Hapkido different from Taekwondo?
Taekwondo is a striking art built on powerful kicks at range. Hapkido focuses on grappling, joint control and redirecting force up close. At KIMOO you can train both.
Who teaches Hapkido at KIMOO Martial Arts?
Grand Master Jong Yeon Hwang, 8th Dan, who began training at the Korea Hapkido Headquarters Dojang in 1971 and is a 2005 Wushu World Cup gold medalist.
Is the first Hapkido class free?
Yes. Your first trial class is free with no obligation. Call (408) 243-1001 to book.
Where is KIMOO Martial Arts in Santa Clara?
We are at 2181 El Camino Real, Santa Clara, CA 95050, serving Santa Clara, Sunnyvale, San Jose, Cupertino and Campbell. Call (408) 243-1001 for class times and directions.
Train with a champion
Book your free trial class at KIMOO Martial Arts in Santa Clara and train under a World Cup gold medalist.
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