• How is HupKwonDo different from Taekwon-do?
• Why is it called "HUP" KwonDo?
• Why do you call it a "fresh approach" to martial arts?
• What martial art is best for me?
• Do you do just self-defence training without the belts and other martial arts trappings?
• I'm kind of out of shape, will I be able to handle the training?
• What age is too old for HupKwonDo?
• Can HupKwonDo help me lose weight?
• How young can my son or daughter start?
• Why are there different patterns and a different system of rank for children?
• Is it a problem if I have no previous martial arts knowledge, training or experience?
• I have a belt in another martial art (Karate, Taekwon-do etc.) Do I have to start from the beginning in HupKwonDo or does my experience give me a head start?
• What about competition and tournaments?"
• How will HupKwonDo benefit me as a woman?
• What about ground techniques and defence against weapons?
• How long will it take me to get a black belt?

How is HupKwonDo different from Taekwon-do?
We like to describe HupKwonDo as Advanced Taekwon-do. Taekwon-do took traditional block, punch and kick martial arts and standardized and popularized forms, techniques and rules for competition. HupKwonDo takes the techniques we learned in Taekwon-do and other martial arts and refines and expands upon them to give us a unique new HIGH ENERGY, NON-COMPETITIVE, system of exercise, personal development and practical self-defence. Our natural stances and fluid movements replace traditional stances and full extension kicks and punches with smoother, more natural, follow through techniques without sacrificing power or effectiveness. The techniques and training methods of HupKwonDo are not designed to look good in demonstrations or score points in the competitive arena. They are designed with practical self-defence in mind. But what distinguishes HupKwonDo from other martial arts is more than just a different approach to kicking and punching. First and foremost, as epitomized by our founder, Grand Master Lim, is our inclusive approach to our students and to martial arts in general. Everyone, regardless of age, gender or physical ability can benefit from HupKwonDo, and HupKwonDo can benefit by learning and incorporating ideas and techniques from the current vast array of martial arts.

Why is it called "HUP" KwonDo?
That's easy. The "kwon" and "do" parts come from the same roots or characters as in Taekwon-do:
KWON, meaning boxing or hand-to-hand combat, and DO meaning "the way" or art.
HUP means to combine or unite. In other words, HupKwonDo is a new martial art or system of unarmed combat which combines or unites concepts and techniques from diverse martial art styles.

Why do you call it a "fresh approach" to martial arts?
HupKwonDo has its roots in traditional martial arts. But while we respect the traditions, we also recognize that we live in a very different and rapidly changing world. Our techniques and training methods are adapted to that world. So what's new about HupKwonDo? For one thing, we aren't afraid to change and adapt. For another, we stress self-development over competition and self-control over regimentation. Our style is based on natural stances and practical self-defence -- keeping what works in the world in which we live and adapting or even discarding techniques or training methods which may have been appropriate to another era but aren't now. Finally, rather than wear you down with excrutiating stances, joint grinding techniques and intimidating feats, we seek to work with you, as stated in our pledge, to develop your "body, mind and spirit in a healthy and positive way."

What martial art is best for me?
If you are asking this question from the perspective of preference, then no one can really dictate to you what is best. That is a decision that you have to make for yourself. There are several factors that have to come into consideration. What are your goals for studying a martial art? Some styles cater to those who are interested in competitive sport. Some focus primarily on aerobic exercise. Other styles appeal to those with aggressive personalities. Some emphasize strict, military style discipline. Really, it is a question of research on your part. Never be afraid to investigate. Visit schools. Ask questions. The instructor is as important as the art you are going to learn. You want to make certain that your teacher is someone that you can respect. Be careful and never commit yourself unless you are absolutely sure. You wouldn't buy shoes without trying them on first. We think a good fit is just as important when it comes to choosing a martial arts school. Come try HupKwonDo. We think you'll like our fit and style.

Do you do just self-defence training without the belts and other martial arts trappings?
Although we believe that all aspects of HupKwonDo are geared towards practical self-defence, we also realize that not everyone is interested in the uniforms, belt levels and other more traditional martial arts aspects of HupKwonDo. Because of this we offer the option of only attending our monthly self-defence workshops. All classes include basic techniques and drills (blocking, dodging, counter-attacking etc.) which will benefit you whether or not your aspirations include a black belt. Monthly Monday self-defence workshops focus on releases, escapes, ground techniques and other self-defence applications. Regular weekly classes may also cover these techniques, but add HupKwonDo patterns, free sparring and other elements primarily of interest to the martial art student.

I'm kind of out of shape, will I be able to handle the training?
With some martial arts you might never make it but not in HupKwonDo. The movements can be done with minimum exertion in the beginning. You will be able to set your own pace. Our instructors are very versatile and will be able to help you to make adjustments. That is the nature of the art. Come on in and try it.

What age is too old for HupKwonDo?
We've had students well into their sixties. We have found that the older people get, the more reluctant they become to involve themselves in the martial arts. They worry that the movements would shatter their weaker bones and damage sensitive joints. In HupKwonDo, we encourage you to train to your level and ability. Our stances and techniques tend to be more natural and fluid than traditional techniques, and, although we can't say you won't face some challenges starting at a more advanced age, we think that, instead of breaking yourself down you will be building yourself up and enrich your life as a result.

Can HupKwonDo help me lose weight?
Of course, but so can running, cycling, swimming, joining a gym and dieting. We're not going to claim HupKwonDo has some sort of magic formula. Ultimately, if your goal is to lose weight, you should to eat less and better and increase your level of physical activity. We think HupKwonDo is a great choice as one part of that equation. It's fun, we're a sociable group, and you'll get all the other benefits while you're burning calories.

How young can my son or daughter start?
We have enrolled children as young as four, but the age at which a child is physically and emotionally ready can vary greatly from one child to the next, which is why we encourage a trial registration. Hupkwondo is the perfect art for children. Traditional forms are often too severe for bodies that are still growing or the physical demands can be excessive and unfair. HupKwonDo is a gentle, natural discipline that children can enjoy while they learn. The risk of injury is greatly reduced. Our instructors are committed to your child's overall development: strength, discipline and integrity, in a supportive environment. Besides HupKwonDo is fun! Why don't you try it too, Mom? How about you Dad? Get the whole family involved.

Why are there different patterns and a different system of rank for children?
On a physical level, because of their shorter legs, children take more steps to cover the same distance. The same is true when it comes to learning something new. In the dojang, as at the dinner table, we can only feed children what they can digest. Because of this, our promotion system for children is designed to cover the same ground as adults but in more, shorter and less complicated steps. This means less frustration, more fun and faster progress.

Is it a problem if I have no previous martial arts knowledge, training or experience?
Your ability to learn, your dedication and hard work are more important than previous experience. In fact, having no preconceptions, techniques or approaches to "unlearn" can sometimes be an advantage. It can be difficult to "pour fresh tea into a cup that is already full.

I have a belt in another martial art (Karate, Taekwon-do etc.) Do I have to start from the beginning in HupKwonDo or does my experience give me a head start?
Your ability to learn, your dedication to hard work and trust in your instructors will help you move through the belt levels quicker. Some people who come to us from other Martial Arts are amazed at how different HupKwonDo is. When you take your first class you will not want to rush through the program. Although we sometimes allow people coming from other systems to wear the belt they have already earned, they have to master the requirements up to and including those for the next HupKwonDo level before progressing. Most prefer to start from the white belt level.

What about competition and tournaments?
Although our training methods and philosophy aren't oriented toward competition, we are not necessarily opposed to competition, and certainly do not prevent or discourage our students from participating in open tournaments, but since competition is not our primary emphasis, we do not organize tournaments, or organize our training schedule around them. We believe that we train champions, but not the sort that need judges or medals to signify it.

How will HupKwonDo benefit me as a woman?
HupKwonDo believes in the equality of all human beings. It does not believe in a macho, aggressive training environment. Mastery of HupKwonDo can be achieved by anyone, regardless of gender. HupKwonDo equips you to overcome the size and strength advantage of men. It serves the need for modern, thinking women to be able to defend themselves on the street along with all the other benefits in the areas of fitness, fun and self-development.

What about ground techniques and defence against weapons?
While we don't emphasize these aspects at the lower levels, after you have mastered the basic "vocabulary" of blocks, releases, hand and foot techniques, we do teach you (primarily at the black belt level) to apply these and other techniques to more extreme self-defence situations, including weapons, grappling and ground techniques. But bear in mind that the best defence against any assailant (armed or unarmed) is always going to be avoidance, something we hope to teach along with more active techniques as you progress to those more advanced levels.

How long will it take me to get my black belt?
If you train regularly and seriously, it will can take as little as three years. But it's really up to you. We don't push you into the promotion exam for the next level, but as long as you're ready, we don't hold you back either. You don't have to pick up flaming pots with your bare flesh or walk on nails. Nothing out of the ordinary. Work hard that's all. Some folks would like us to hand them a black belt without much effort on their part. We never do that. There are no shortcuts but if you're dedicated to your training, you'll be amazed at the speed of your progress.