Introduction
This FAQ is intended to educate an individual about Combat Hapkido and the Bronx Combat Hapkido Center. It is intended to answer as many questions as possible about us and what we do at the BCHC. If you have a questions that isn't answered here, please feel free to call Master Alfred Medina or email jab7012@yahoo.com to address your concerns. Thank you
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What is a martial art?
As defined by wikipedia: "Martial arts or fighting arts are systems of codified practices and traditions of Combat. Martial arts all have a very similar objective: defend oneself or others from physical threat". In addition, some martial arts are linked to beliefs such as Hinduism ,Buddhism ,Daoism, Confucianism or Shinto while others follow a particular code of honor. Martial arts are considered as both an art and a science. Many arts are also practiced competitively, most commonly as combat sports, but may also take the form of dance. While each style has unique facets that differentiate it from other martial arts, a common characteristic is the systematization of fighting techniques. Methods of training vary and may include sparring (simulated combat) or formal sets or routines of techniques known as forms or kata. Forms are especially common in the Asian and Asian-derived martial arts. At BCHC we do not teach forms or katas.
What is Combat Hapkido?
In 1992, Grandmaster John Pellegrini.had developed Combat Hapkido. GM Pellegrini was very clear in his statement that he did not invent a new martial art. He stated "I have merely structured a new Self-Defense system based upon sound scientific principles and modern concepts. For this reason Combat Hapkido is also referred to as the "Science of Self-Defense." Combat Hapkido is a new interpretation and application of a selected body of Hapkido techniques. The word "Combat" was added to Combat Hapkido to distinguish this system from Traditional Hapkido styles and to identify its focus as Self-Defense. The style employs joint locks, pressure points, throws, hand strike (attacks), and low-lying kicks, and trains practitioners to either counter or preemptively strike an imminent attack to defend one's self. In common with many Hapkido styles, it also emphasizes small circular motion, non-resisting movements, and control of an opponent through force redirection and varied movement and practitioners seek to gain advantage through footwork, distractive striking and body positioning to employ leverage. Combat Hapkido's strategy includes adopting features from styles like Jeet Kune Do, Jujutsu, Western Boxing, and Kuntao Silat to enhance its core curriculum. Traditional weapons like the cane and dan bong are also taught.
In 1992, Grandmaster John Pellegrini.had developed Combat Hapkido. GM Pellegrini was very clear in his statement that he did not invent a new martial art. He stated "I have merely structured a new Self-Defense system based upon sound scientific principles and modern concepts. For this reason Combat Hapkido is also referred to as the "Science of Self-Defense." Combat Hapkido is a new interpretation and application of a selected body of Hapkido techniques. The word "Combat" was added to Combat Hapkido to distinguish this system from Traditional Hapkido styles and to identify its focus as Self-Defense. The style employs joint locks, pressure points, throws, hand strike (attacks), and low-lying kicks, and trains practitioners to either counter or preemptively strike an imminent attack to defend one's self. In common with many Hapkido styles, it also emphasizes small circular motion, non-resisting movements, and control of an opponent through force redirection and varied movement and practitioners seek to gain advantage through footwork, distractive striking and body positioning to employ leverage. Combat Hapkido's strategy includes adopting features from styles like Jeet Kune Do, Jujutsu, Western Boxing, and Kuntao Silat to enhance its core curriculum. Traditional weapons like the cane and dan bong are also taught.
Is combat hapkido better than traditional hapkido?
No. Just different in the way it is taught and overall philosophy
What's the difference?
The difference between traditional hapkido and combat hapkido is:
* Combat Hapkido is 100% Self Defense. There are no forms (Kata/Hyungs).
* All Combat Hapkido kicks are directed to the lower part of the body.
* Combat Hapkido does not teach "acrobatic" kicks.
* Combat Hapkido employs breakfalls and throws in a very limited manner.
* Combat Hapkido has no hard blocks or stances.
* Combat Hapkido does not teach "Traditional" weapons like joot-do (bamboo sword) or fan. We teach cane, dan bong, knife and other Self Defense tools.
* Combat Hapkido teaches special firearms disarming techniques.
* Combat Hapkido contains a complete Ground Grappling program.
* Combat Hapkido, because it is flexible, dynamic and eclectic, continues to evolve.
* Combat Hapkido is not a sport and cannot be modified nor regulated to be one. There are no competitions, or tournaments.
What combat hapkido is not:
* A new Martial Art
* Traditional Hapkido with a different name
* A "Free-Style" type of Martial Art
* A Martial Sport
* An amateurish mix of random techniques from different Martial Arts
Combat Hapkido is the result of over 35 years of Martial Arts study, research, application and synthesis. It is a realistic and effective discipline of personal protection. It is well suited for men and women of all ages and sizes because physical strength and athletic prowess is not essential in learning this form of self defense.
Can't I learn basic self defense techniques from books and videos?
You can, but how will you know you're doing it correctly? Who will be there to correct your mistakes? Who will you train and practice with? Books and videos are really for people who have knowledge, or are familiar with a particular art form. You can't first learn to swim from a book or video. You can't learn to box without a coach or partner. You need a commitment to yourself and your endeavor if you're to succeed. To be proficient in martial arts take commitment, hard work and a lot of practice, and you can't get that alone at home from a book or video.
How common are injuries?
As most martial arts involve vigorous physical activity and contact, injuries will occur. However, if injuries are very common and/or serious, there is likely a problem in how training is supervised, and you will probably want to look elsewhere. It will be difficult to tell what the frequency/severity of injuries in the class is in one or two visits. Ask the instructor.
I'm over 30 years old. Aren't I too old to learn?/ I'm overweight and haven't workout in a while. Can I really do this?/ I used to train but stopped. Can I start again with you?
First off, you're never too old to learn how to defend yourself. The police can't be everywhere. Personal safety and the safety of your family is your personal responsibility. With that being said, combat hapkido was developed with adults in mind. As we get older, we can't do the things we did when we were younger, so learning how to defend oneself with easy, practical techniques makes sense. First off, there are no high or acrobatic kicks as in traditional hapkido or tae kwon do. No high break falls and throws to injury someone or yourself. No rolling around the ground wrestling because we teach ground survival: to quickly get back to your feet if taken to the ground. All our techniques, concepts and principles are based on today's modern society and urban back drop. Now don't get me wrong. You will workout, and you will sweat, but it's nothing you can't do. You can start training at 30, 40, 50, even 60 years old. Our oldest student is 68 years young. Don't let age, being overweight, or haven't work out in a while stop you. If you used to train and stopped, come back and start up again with us. If you still have the skills, you might be eligible to skip beginner rank. We have students from all walks of life, and of all ages, shapes and sizes training with us. You'll be glad you did.
Are adjustments made for students of different body types, limitations and age?
The instructors adjust the training to accommodate the students’ individual needs. : Getting a slow person to work contact, a fast person to work ranges, a heavy person to work leverage, a light person to work speed. Getting students to concentrate on their weak areas to compensate, so they won't give up on training.
How long does it take to earn a black belt?
It takes three (3) years of dedicated training and practice to earn a black belt in combat hapkido. Plus you must attend two (2) seminars a year with the Grandmaster and be in good standing with the federation.
The Instructors
The instructor is your guide to your development as a martial artist. You need to feel comfortable with him or her, and feel secure in receiving instruction from them. Remember, the instructor is your guide on the path to martial art mastery, not your mule to carry you there. All instructors and assistant instructors are certified black belts with ICHF. The chief instructor and the senior assistant instructor have prior police and military experience. The assistant instructors have trained directly with them and also have experience in other arts. You will receive first class training at the BCHC. Even the color belts assist each other. Our motto is each one teach one. All students get personalized attention.
Does the instructor differentiate between forms and function, between tournament and self-defense?
Since the BCHC doesn't teach forms, or trains for tournaments, this question is irrelevant. There is nothing wrong with that type of training, but it isn't the primary function of this school. Our focus is solely on street self defense; techniques, concepts, drills and principles of self defense is the cornerstone of what we do at the BCHC. With instructors with backgrounds in police work and the special forces military training, we only train in techniques that been street and field tested. No guess work here.
If you have any questions on training with us here at the BCHC, or questions in general, please contact me at jab7012@yahoo.com and I will get back to you ASAP.
