Korean Job Discussion Forums

[roobes]

Anyone know of a studio that teaches Hapkido, Kumdo or another martial art in Sokcho? I know there is one studio that teaches Tai Kwon Do, but I am not interested in a 'sport' based martial art and would like a more in-depth training than getting my blackbelt in 6 months. Any suggestions?

Thanks.

[jazblanc77]

If you take Kumdo, you need to decide on whether to take Dae Han Kumdo (more action based with sparring and technique skills), or Hae Dong Kumdo (more built around sword routines - like in Tae Kwon Do - and spirituality).

You should also know that kumdo is an equipment sport. The uniform and first sword are cheap enough but between the 3rd to 6th month, you will have to buy armour in order to continue training in higher skills. Armour can cost between 200,000 and 500,000 won for a low to medium ranged quality set. Monthly fees will be between 60,000 to 80,000 won, depending on the skill level of your teacher (try to find one that is a Kwanjungnim - 4th dan, if possible).

I take Dae Han Kumdo and love it. Once you have been in it for a while and have all the basics down, you will be able to start doing more intensive workouts that are just killer. If you decide to take kumdo, send me a PM and I will tell you how to artificially make calluses on your feet so that you don't have to suffer so many blisters.

[Tukkong]

Yong-In Blackbelt Center, in Sokcho, is run by Yunseok 'Steve' Kang. Steve is a Yudo graduate from Yong In University. He majored in Yudo and minored in Taekwondo. He holds 4th dan blackbelts in Yudo, Taekwondo, Tukkong Moosool, and Gyeoktooki. He runs the second biggest Taekwondo dojang in Sokcho and also teaches police students at one of the colleges.

Steve taught Taekwondo in the USA for 2 years, so his English is good.

He runs a tough dojang and produces really good students. I know he was also teaching some Americans earlier this year.

He teaches his students Taekwondo to 1st dan and then they cross train in Tukkong Moosool.

His number is 0333-636-5535.

Hope this helps.

[noguri]

[Tukkong]

Tukkong Moosool is a martial art taught to the Korean Presidential Security Service (PSS) and the Korean special forces.

It consists of 3 different programs. One for the PSS, one for the special forces, and one for the general public. The one for the general public is very similar to Hapkido.

Gyeoktooki is very similar, if not identical, to Muay Thai. Steve does not teach this separately but incorporates it in his training.

To be honest, I never thought much of Taekwondo until I watched Steve's students sparring.

If I was you, I would give him a call and make a time to go watch the training.

Also, Steve has about 3 instructors working for him. They all have blackbelts in other styles like Kumdo. One of them used to wrestle at high school, so there is a chance to learn a range of skills.

If you need anymore information just yell out.