Article from Greenwich Magazine January 2004

More than just kicking and punching seen in martial arts films, these two Korean disciplines emphasize personal achiement and respect, all while offering a powerful workout.

TAE KWON DO, an Olympic sport for the past eight years, is a discipline in which students continuously strive to improve the presentation of their techniques. The techniques are done with graceful and powerful movements. The art of Tae Kwon Do develops posture, graceful movement, excellent coordination and attention to detail. But Tae Kwon Do also offers students valuable self-defense and safety skills. Students are encouraged to live by the tenets of Tae Kwon Do, which include courtesy, integrity, self-control,and indomitable spirit.

HAPKIDO is also a form of self-defense, albeit a very elegant one. Described as a "deadly dance"by Grand Master Ik Jo Kang, whose studio, Kang Tae Kwon Do & Hapkido Institute, is located in Old Greenwich, Hapkido is based on three important principles: the principle of the circle, by which all movements are round (the Hapkido fighter moves as if inside a ball); the principal of the river, which has enormous strength but cannot be held; and the principle of influence, representing the lightning-fast but subtle movements of Hapkido.

WHO IT'S FOR
Anyone can do Tae Kwon Do and Hapkido, regardless of size or strength. Because of its dance-like movements, Hapkido is less strenuous for the body and can be performed at any age.

TIME COMMITMENT
Students work at their own pace and earn their ranking — or "belts" — as they accomplish certain goals.

POPULAR MISCONCEPTION
"It's all about kicking and punching" Tae Kwon Do and Hapkido train the mind as well as the body, according to GrandMaster Kang. Discipline, respect and lifestyle suggestions are as much a part of the classes as the
physical exercise.

WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE FIRST WORKOUT
Small classes allow students a lot of personal attention in pursuing their goals at their own pace. Grand Master Kang emphasizes that in practicing Tae Kwon Do and Hapkido, students arecompeting with themselves, not with each other. The principles of Tae Kwon Do and Hapkido are also taught, along with the physical discipline.

WHAT WILL HURT AFTER THE FIRST CLASS
Flexibility is a big part of both Tae Kwon Do and Hapkido, so in the beginning your whole body could hurt, depending on your fitness level. In general, arms and legs get the brunt of the workout.

TALK LIKE A PRO
ap-chagi — front kick
kibon jumbi seogi — the basic ready stance
kyoruki — sparring between two people
kyukpa — the breaking of solid objects, like wood or bricks
yop-chagi — side kick