Teaching Sin Moo Hapkido in the South East since 1996
Hapkido is a martial art of Korean origin. Its name literally means "The way of co-ordination and internal power". Hapkido is a complete martial art in that it consists of: dynamic striking and kicking techniques (very similar to Tae Kwon Do), both hard and soft style deflection techniques, throws, take-downs, ground fighting and an extensive range of joint-locking techniques.
Hapkido is the combination of two Korean martial arts: Yool Sool, which comes from the Japanese art of Daito Ryu Aiki Jujutsu and Tae Kyon, the ancient Korean kicking skill that was widespread during the time of the Three Kingdoms.The art was developed by Grandmaster Ji Han-Jae and was first called Hapkido in 1959. From 1962 to 1979, Grandmaster Ji was a bodyguard to Korean President and in 1969 he was brought to the United States to teach Hapkido to FBI, Secret Service agents, and other officials. In 1984, Grandmaster Ji moved to the United States permanently and founded Sin Moo Hapkido.
Hapkido is strongly oriented to practical self-defence rather than the competitive or sports oriented approach of many other martial arts. For this reason, Hapkido was chosen as the basis for teaching hand-to-hand combat to US Special Forces Troops (Green Berets) during the Viet Nam war.
Modern Hapkido training is ideal for anyone who is looking for a system that is focused on self protection. The training deals with how to defend yourself in real situations; in the street, a parking garage, or any place you may need to defend yourself or the people you care about. Modern Hapkido is 100% self-defence - there are no forms.
About us
The Tramore Hapkido Club is open to all ages and levels of physical fitness irrespective of gender. Beginners or students from other arts are always welcome. Children are welcome but we ask that contact is made in advance for further details
The club is operated on a non-profit basis with only a nominal class attendance fee to cover the cost of hall rental, insurance, handouts, videos etc.
All those wishing to obtain official Sin Moo Hapkido grades up to Black Belt are graded locally by our 5th Dan black belt instructors. Senior grades (Black belt and above) are awarded by Wicklow-based Grand Master Massan Ghorbani, the Official European representative of Grandmaster Ji Han Jae. Grand Master Ghorbani also certifies all the junior grades awarded by the club.
To see photos of the club in action go to the HKD Gallery