HAP KI DO

Our Academy not only teaches Tae Kwon Do, but also another Korean Martial Art of Self defense called Hap  Ki Do.  The word means a way or method (Do) of coordinating Harmony (Hap) of mental energy or spirit (Ki).  All this is really is saying is that this method of self-defense is a disciplined way of strengthening the mind and body, and of fusing physical and mental powers, so that we will emerge as a more complete   and balanced person.  The physical activity becomes    a means of being more in harmony with others and ourselves.

Hap Ki Do is considered a “Soft” style of martial art, as opposed to “hard” styles that practice the use of force against force.  Hard styles tend to depend more on physical size and strength.  In contrast, Hap Ki Do teaches us to divert or suppress an attacker’s flow of energy peacefully.  Through the use of joint locks and pressure points the practitioner can use an attackers power against him, while needing very little physical strength.  The goal in a physical confrontation is to control the attacker and do as little damage and  violence as possible.  Hap Ki Do students strive to be   in complete control of a confrontation, and attempt to defuse it.

Hap Ki Do provide excellent physical conditioning which improves balance, flexibility, timing, quickness and joint strength.  Of even greater importance is and increase in Self–Confidence and mental discipline.

In our Academy student learns five Hap Ki Do techniques at each belt level.  Between white belt and the first level of black belt students are taught 50 different practices.  Other fundamentals are included in the curriculum.  A wide variety of rolls, falls, and tumbling skills are learned allowing students to safely “break”  falls they experience as they workout.

As with other classical arts we include practice with weapons such as nunchakus, staff, and sword.  These serve as a natural extension of the body aiding the students to understand the flow of energy.  Hand-eye coordination is improved with the use of weapons as  are skills in relaxing wrists and manipulating objects.

The primary goal of Hap Ki Do is the overall well-being of the practitioner.  Self-defense skills will be learned and perfected, but even more the students will seek the right spirit and frame of mind.  The traits of loyalty, respect, Courtesy, Humility and a deeper value for life are among the rewards of studying Hap Ki Do.              

TAE KWON DO

Tae Kwon Do was created in Korea and developed here over the course of 2,000 years.  However, due to the suppression of Korean culture during the Japanese occupation of Korea (1910-1945) and then because of Korean War, Tae Kwon Do was not introduced to the United States and the rest of the world until the late 1950's.  By this time the word "karate" had become a generic term for the martial arts.  This is why, even though Tae Kwon Do is now practiced by more people than all of the other martial arts combined, it   is still sometimes referred to as "Korean Karate."

Major Areas of Tae Kwon Do Practice

Poom Sae (Pattern of Form) is a choreographed demonstration of the various kicks, blocks, and hand techniques of Tae Kwon Do which the student utilizes with an imaginary opponent or opponents. Observing a skilled practitioner is like watching a ballet, since both are very graceful as well as calculated and controlled. Forms are used to develop concentration, balance, precision, reflex action, power, speed, and agility.

Kyorugi (sparring) is the practical application of various forms against an actual opponent. In this type of competition cooperation, self-control, concentration, respect for yourself and your partner, speed, skilled technique, precision, and confidence are the deciding factors. (you will learn safely through a step-by-step systematic method of gradually learned sparring strategies – this is easy to learn and is a lot of fun)

Kyukpa (breaking) is done to practice and illustrate the formidable power, precision,  and great mental concentration of the Tae Kwon Do practitioner. Bricks, rocks, boards, cement blocks, and such are broken since it is not feasible to use this sort of power on another person in everyday practice!

Ho Sin Sool (self-defense) is the study of how to use an attacker’s strength or skill and weapons against him or her. The practitioner learns when, how, and where to attack an assailant using "pressure points" (areas of the body that when pressed cause intense pain), grappling and joint-locking techniques and throws.

Jung Sin Tong Il (often called meditation) is for the purpose of concentration practice  in order to focus the mind and body to work together for developing precision and maximum strength, visualizing goals and listening to the conscience for internalizing important truths and moral standards.

Sport of Tae Kwon Do / Olympic Sport
USA Tae Kwon Do (USAT), Governing body of United States Olympic Committee,    helps set the standards for Olympic style sparring.   Although the major emphasis in Tae Kwon Do is on being a champion of life and on internal competition with oneself, the external competition of sport Tae Kwon Do can also be beneficial to develop character   in many practitioners.  Sport Tae Kwon Do is very exciting to watch and in recent years has come far.

Tae Kwon Do was admitted into the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) of the United States in 1974 and recognized by the U.S. Olympic Committee in 1978. It is now also a Junior Olympic sport and part of the Pan American Games. The International Olympic Committee designated Tae Kwon Do as a demonstration sport in the 1988 Seoul Olympic Games and 1992 Barcelona, Spain, Summer Olympic Games and 1^st official summer Olympic Game in Sydney, Australia, September 2000.

Why are Martial Arts So Popular?

Martial Arts have endured for centuries and are experiencing extremely rapid growth because they offer a multitude of benefits that can be enjoyed by all people regardless of age, gender, or culture.  Today, Martial Arts are being taught and practiced all over the world.

Through martial arts one can develop proficiency in self-defense in a relatively short period of time.  The art of self-defense has been scientifically  calculated for maximum efficiency of motion,  and therefore, proven to be highly effective for self-defense.  With sufficient practice, the entire body of the practitioner becomes a weapon.  When this level is achieved, quick reaction becomes second nature and a true sense of self-confidence is attained.

Martial Arts - The Ultimate Fitness

However, many, if not most, people practice martial arts primarily because they are the most complete form of exercises.  Martial Arts promote the strength and coordination of the whole body, as well as providing maximum aerobic fitness and flexibility.  As one article in the New York Times stated, "In 1 hour and 15 minutes of martial arts class you will get the equivalent of 45 minutes of aerobics, 45 minutes of calisthenics and the stretch of 45 minutes of Yoga, plus the most effective means of self-defense.

Fitness of Mind, as well as Body

The tremendous physical training is only part of the ultimate goal of Martial Arts training.  The true focus is the harnessing of human potential, the power  each of us possesses, but rarely ever taps.  If martial arts are to be called an art of self-defense, then their goal is best described in this manner:  The best self-defense is that of a serene, confident and disciplined person, at peace with himself and the world around him.

This type of personal development emphasizes, but is not limited to, the development of mental focus, emotional self-restraint,  and a philosophy of kindness, humility, and strong moral character.  One who has mastered martial arts is a powerful yet gentle individual. 

"Knowledge in the brain, honesty in the heart, and strength in the body" is a motto that martial artists around the world share.    Martial arts' quest is to spread their logic, goodness, and philosophy for the cause of peace.

Martial Arts for Everybody!

Everybody and anyone can reap rewards from martial arts practice.  Children develop concentration and confidence which help them in school.  Teens experience a sense of pride in themselves to stand up for what is right, even when faced with conflicting morals, values, temptations, and peer pressures.  Adults find that martial arts allow them to advance at their own pace, handle daily stress, and feel years younger.  Everyone sets his or her own personal goals of achievement in order to become a sell-developed, graceful, and fulfilled individual.

Lee Brothers Five Tenets

The tenets of Lee Brothers are taken from the philosophy that is based on the constant striving for excellence.  These tenets serve as a fundamental guide to students and participants of the art and sport to excel in their practice of martial arts and life.

1) Courtesy     2) Integrity      3) Perseverance     4) Self Control      5) Indomitable Spirit

COURTESY Being polite and respectful.  Courtesy promotes humility, cooperation, respect, and a sense of justice. INTEGRITY Always doing the right thing.  Striving for integrity regards us as being dependable, responsible, and honest. PERSEVERANCE Never giving up.  Perseverance requires being insistent, patient, and overcoming adversity. SELF-CONTROL Not letting your impulses control you.  Self-Control contains discipline, restraint, and discretion. INDOMITABLE SPIRIT Unceasing self-will.  This concentrates on strength and courage, while following your heart and not letting anything deter your focus.

Lee Brothers Students Creed

We The Students Of Lee Brothers Academy...
Abide Within The Absolute Spirit Of The Martial Arts Through Strict
Training Of Mind And Body
Stand Solidly United In A Common Bond Of Disciplined Fellowship
Highly Respect The Rules Of This Academy And Obey The Instructor's
Commands That We May Bring Only Honor Upon Our Academy
And No Dishonor Upon Ourselves.

Lee Brothers Ten  Student Commitments

I Will Be Loyal to My Country.
I Will Honor My Parents.
I Will Love My Family.
I Will Help My Brothers and Sisters.
I Will Be Faithful to My Friends.
I Will Respect My Elders.
I Will Establish Trust with My Teachers.
I Will Use Good Judgment Before Harming Any Living Thing.
I Will Set a Positive and Optimistic Goal with Determination.
I Will Always Finish What I Started.