Hapkido Kids

I don't know why judo, tae kwon do, and karate are almost a rite of passage for many young boys these days.  Perhaps it is all the energy at that young age that needs a constructive outlet.  When I was a kid, your Dad, with the possible assistance of other adult male relatives, schooled you on the fine art of self defense.  These lessons usually including the purchase of boxing gloves and, if you were lucky, possibly even a real punching bag.  Here in Korea, Daniel and Robert are each taking hapkido (also spelled hap ki do) lessons three times a week.  Hapkido is a distinctively Korean form of martial arts that focuses on self defense.  Lessons include physical training, tumbling, disarming opponents, deflecting blows and rendering an opponent unable to continue an attack through the use of leverage, kicks and other forms of striking.  The boys are taking lessons along with some of their friends here at Handong.  Mary simply wasn't interested though one of her girl friends is also taking the classes with her brother.  Daniel wasn't interested at first, but decided to tag along and watch - just to make sure he wasn't missing something.  By the end of the lesson he had joined in and was hooked.  Susan is enthused about the classes because so much of the teaching is centered on respect.  Daniel and Robert recently tested for their first advancement and proudly traded their white belts in for yellow ones.  I'm happy they are learning some self defense, but not surprised to learn that Robert's favorite times in hapkido are the games they play on Wednesdays.  That little guy seems to have fun 24/7 no matter what he is doing.   I think one of the main attractions are the totally cool ninja style outfits they get to wear.  Below are a couple of photos of our Hapkido Kids.

Ken