Styles (Click picture for a video)
Tae Kwon Do
Tae Kwon Do is the national sport of South Korea. It is also regarded as one of the world's most popular Martial Arts in terms of number of practitioners. Kyeorugi, or sparring, is an official Olympic sporting event. In Korean, Tae Kwon Do is loosely translated as "the way of the foot and fist." Tae Kwon Do's popularity has resulted in the varied evolution of the Martial Art into several domains. As with many other arts, it combines combat techniques, self defense, sport, exercise, meditation, and philosophy. Tae Kwon Do is also used by the South Korean military as part of its training. Our instructors are Kukkiwon certified. (A Kukkiwon certificate is required to qualify to be part of the USA TKD Olympic Team)
Hapkido
In Korean the name Hapkido translates as “The Art of Co-Ordinated Power.” Hapkido is primarily defensive in nature, however it can be very offensive when the need arises. The main principles of Hapkido are flowing circular motion, evasion, and using the force of an attacker against themselves. This is an advantage for a smaller or weaker defender against a larger, stronger opponent.
Hapkido is one of the original Mixed Martial Arts. It combines punching, kicking, throwing, take-downs, sweeping, falling, rolling, joint locking, pressure points, restraining, breakaway techniques and weaponry to make it one incredibly complete Martial Art system.
Tai Chi Chuan
Tai Chi is one of the oldest and most practiced Martial Arts in the world. Tai Chi is commonly known as a meditative art, and for its grace and beauty. It adds elements of complex movements with low impact exercise. Tai Chi practitioners can expect to improve their strength, flexibility, balance, and longevity.
Tai Chi is practiced by young and old alike. Most commonly, though, it is the preferred art of seniors. It has the potential to alleviate sore muscles, joint pain, and improve overall health.
To register for our Tai Chi program visit Medford Parks & Recreation.
Kung Fu
Five Elements Kung Fu combines martial and philosophical concepts, training the mind and body together. It is based on the Chinese Five Elements: Water, Earth, Wood, Metal, and Fire.
Water is soft and yielding Earth is strong and heavy, the immovable force Wood is strong yet bendable Fire is fast and powerful Metal is strong, flexible, and sharp
Self Defense
This course is a mixture of common sense concepts and very basic Martial Arts techniques that are easy to learn and easy to use. The techniques are designed so that size and strength does not matter. The main focus is to learn how to use your mind and your voice to avoid or deescalate a confrontation. If action is required, the focus is on disabling the assailant and getting away. Basic Self Defense will teach you what you need to know to help protect yourself and loved ones in a short 3 to 5 hour seminar.
To register for one of our Self Defense Seminars, visit the Medford Parks and Recreation Department Website.