Hapkido is a Korean martial art known  as "The Way of Coordinated Power and  Spirit". It was founded by Choi Yong Sool (1904-1986).  “Hap” is harmony or coordinated, “Ki” denotes the essence of power/energy/spirit and “Do” means the way/path/method.

Hapkido is a modern blend of Korean kicking, striking and weapons systems of Tae Kyun and the grappling and joint locking techniques of Daitō-ryū Aiki-jūjutsu (developed through Chin’na which evolved from the ch’aun fa of Shaolin)

Choi had learned that system from its headmaster Sokaku Takeda while living in Japan from 1915 to 1945. It consists of kicks, punches and  a variety of throwing, grappling, joint   locks and joint breaks.  Every method of attack is studied, along with  corresponding defensive responses. The student learns  how to analyze a threatening situation quickly and, if  necessary, to utilize the appropriate self-defense technique. Strikes and kicks are similar to those of Karate and Tae  Kwon Do, but are more target specific in that they are  aimed at vital spots on the human body. The grappling  and throwing techniques in Hapkido are similar to those  in Jiu-jitsu.

 Warrior Hapkido Combatives

The Defense Training Institute conducts a realistic self-defense training program that is a blend of many different styles and very different from the Korean Hapkido taught at other schools. It combines elements of modern Hapkido  as well as Guazabara, Filipino Kali,  Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu  and Police Combatives to form a system of Self-Defense known as Warrior  Hapkido  or The Warrior's Way of Coordinated Power.

The Warrior Hapkido Combatives system is taught by Eddie Perez. Perez began his Hapkido training in 1979 under the Fowler Brothers (Grandmaster K.S. Hyun) in Aurora, Illinois. Perez then took his training to South Korea where he trained under Grandmaster Yu Chong Su (Chong Su Kwan Hapkido) who in turn was trained by Grandmaster Choi.

Perez teaches an extremely realistic and versatile discipline of self protection that includes an extensive variety of strikes, kicks, joint locks, pressure points, grappling, knife & stick fighting and disarming techniques. The result is a practical, comprehensive Self-Defense system that's dynamic in it's intensity while following the Hapkido water principle of constant foreword momentum. Warrior Hapkido Combatives concepts are based on scientific principles of anatomy, combat tactics and strategy while also giving respect to the  philosophies of ancient warrior traditions.  The emphasis is on redirecting the assailants’ aggression and power back toward them with little effort and minimum force on your part, this is done by causing the mind, body and spirit to work as one, this action is the true essence of coordinated power or HAPKIDO.

Is Warrior Hapkido a new version of Hapkido? YES. As stated earlier, it is a blend of several styles with the root still remaining Hapkido. It is truly unlike traditional Korean Hapkido and yet may be the most traditional of all. Western-style boxing, grappling and Guazabara have replaced traditional stances and weapons training. Acrobatic kicks have been replaced in favor of Muay Thai style kicking . Also unlike traditional Hapkido, ValeTudo fighting is taught and encouraged. With over 25 years in Law Enforcement, Perez has also incorporated techniques, tactics and the strategies of Police Combatives into this Hapkido system that honor his martial roots without violating the dream of Founder, Grand Master Choi Yong Sool.

Our Philosophy

The WHC System is taught in a manner that utilizes the philosophies of ancient warrior's. Although a belt system is used in accordance with the Hapkido way, the emphasis is on training...NOT rank. WHC does not and will never focus on promotions. In today's society there are those who are teaching and have never even mastered being students, those that in their Dan ranks are unable to perform the most basic Hapkido maneuvers.

The Warrior Hapkido Combatives system seeks not to conform with today's modern belief of "fast is always better" but take's a step into antiquity, to the days when training was the chief priority. Simply put, a Warrior Hapkido black belt is not for sale.

(Private Lessons: By Appointment only)

"One becomes a beginner after one thousand days of training and a Master after ten thousand days of practice."       Sosai Mas Oyama (1923-1994)

If you've never worn a WHITE belt in Hapkido...you don't deserve the BLACK one. A Blackbelt in any martial art does not give anyone the right to wear a Blackbelt in Hapkido!! Don't tell me who gave you your blackbelt, be prepared to answer the question of who gave you the WHITE BELT!!

To all of you who have "purchased" Hapkido, you know who you are, shame on you. To you Instructors who have sold Hapkido, You have sold yourselves and hurt the art that I love. You are dishonored and not worthy of respect. You are the WHORES of the Martial Arts....not WARRIORS!!       

Master Eddie Perez

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