Self Defense

Overview

In our totally unique, innovative self-defense program, you’ll not only learn how to defend yourself and your family in virtually any situation, but you’ll also quickly (and safely) build muscle, melt fat, increase flexibility, and gain a greater sense of peace and quiet self-confidence. Agape Black Belt Center’s training will help you get in great physical shape and improve your mental and emotional health too!

Hap Ki Do

The foundation for the self-defense program at ABBC is the Korean martial art Hapkido. The name Hapkido is derived from three Korean words:

Hap – Meaning to unify or coordinate

Ki – Meaning energy

Do – Meaning way or path

Principals of Hapkido

Therefore, Hapkido can be translated as a way of unified energy. “Way” in this context not only means a particular method but a way of life – a path that one commits to in body, mind, and spirit. The individual who has committed him or herself to the study of Hapkido has begun a journey that can occupy their entire lives. Unifying implies the blending of your energy with an opponent’s energy, using their aggressive force against them thus allowing a smaller individual, with proper technique, to overcome a larger.

Yu Won Hwa

At the heart of Hapkido techniques are the three principles of yu, won, and hwa.

• Yu represents the concept of the “softness” of water
• Won represents the concept of circular movement
• Hwa represents the concept of harmony

Taken together these principles apply to the performance of proper technique as well as a way of life.

• Flow like water • Be resilient • Adapt
• Move in circles • Expand awareness • Redirect
• Blend with force • Find balance • Harmonize

Self-Defense

Hapkido applies these principles as a comprehensive martial art that includes:

• Pressure point striking
• Joint-locking
• Throwing
• Grappling
• Weapons techniques

With a focus on perfecting technique and the eclectic nature of the art, Hapkido is an ideal framework for developing a self-defense skill set. It also meets the needs of the student interested in exposure to the full variety of skills and techniques offered by martial arts in general.

Our Philosophy

Hapkido is not only ideal for self-defense but also for self-development. Hapkido principles of fluid adaptation, calm in the presence of threat, and heightened physical and mental awareness are skills that can be developed and readily transfer to other areas of life.

Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (ESV)

But you should keep a clear mind in every situation…

2 Timothy 4:5 (NLT)

The attentional demands of training in martial arts lead naturally to a clear and focused mind. Unifying the body and mind in the performance of the technique enhances mindful awareness. Mindfulness has become a buzzword in popular culture but has always been a fundamental aspect of martial arts training.

Mindfulness

The benefits of mindfulness are well documented through both testimonials and empirical evidence in peer-reviewed academic journals, such as from the American Psychological Association.

In short, the physical benefits of training in Hapkido are balanced with the natural development and maintenance of mental health. The dedicated student will see significant improvements in both cognitive and emotional agility.

…for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control

2 Timothy 1:7 (ESV)

Nothing is Impossible

There is a popular saying amongst Korean martial artists:

(jung shin il do, ha sa bul sung)

Loosely translated it means that nothing is impossible with a determined spirit. One of the tenets of the Korean art of Taekwondo is indomitable spirit. It is the spirit gained through perseverance.

Training in Hapkido provides a supportive, encouraging environment where we learn to face challenges, achieve goals, and progress through a set of milestones that develop a strong, sound spirit.

Developing Spirit

The social psychologist Carol Dweck has researched and written about a concept relevant to this idea of developing spirit. It is called the growth mindset. In her words,

[The] growth mindset is based on the belief that your basic qualities are things you can cultivate through your efforts. Although people may differ in every which way – in their initial talents and aptitudes, interests, or temperaments – everyone can change and grow through application and experiences.

Do people with this mindset believe that anyone can be anything, that anyone with proper motivation or education can become Einstein or Beethoven? No, but they believe that a person’s true potential is unknown (and unknowable); that it’s impossible to foresee what can be accomplished with years of passion, toil, and training.

You can see how the belief that cherished qualities can be developed creates a passion for learning. Why waste time proving over and over again how great you are, when you could be getting better? Why hide deficiencies instead of overcoming them