History of Martial Arts

History of Martial Arts

US-Korean Martial Arts

Murrays WOL Martial Arts History Header 1200

Exploring the Legacy: A Fusion of Combat Hapkido and Taekwondo

Discover the rich history and dynamic fusion of Combat Hapkido and Taekwondo at our dojang, where tradition meets practicality. Through the pioneering techniques of Combat Hapkido, students learn effective self-defense skills rooted in real-world scenarios, while the disciplined art of Taekwondo enhances agility, focus, and inner strength. Our inclusive curriculum, and exclusive , tailored for all ages and skill levels, offers a holistic martial arts experience, blending the best of both worlds to empower students physically, mentally, and spiritually. Join us on this journey of self-discovery and martial arts mastery.

History of Combat Hapkido

Combat Hapkido is a modern martial art that originated in South Korea and was developed by Grandmaster John Pellegrini. Its roots can be traced back to traditional Hapkido, which itself is a comprehensive Korean martial art that incorporates strikes, kicks, joint locks, throws, and grappling techniques.

The history of Combat Hapkido begins with Grandmaster John Pellegrini, who was born in 1948 in New York City. He began his martial arts training at a young age, studying various disciplines including Judo, Karate, and Taekwondo. In the late 1960s, Pellegrini enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, where he further honed his combat skills and developed an interest in practical self-defense techniques.

After leaving the military, Pellegrini continued his martial arts training and began to develop his own system, drawing from his experiences in both traditional martial arts and real-world combat situations. In 1990, he founded the International Combat Hapkido Federation (ICHF) with the goal of promoting his unique approach to self-defense.

Combat Hapkido differs from traditional Hapkido in several key ways. While traditional Hapkido emphasizes circular motions, fluidity, and the use of an opponent’s energy against them, Combat Hapkido focuses more on practical techniques that are effective in real-world self-defense scenarios. It incorporates strikes, joint locks, and pressure points, as well as elements of grappling and ground fighting.

One of the defining principles of Combat Hapkido is its adaptability and versatility. Practitioners are encouraged to modify techniques based on the specific circumstances of a confrontation, rather than adhering rigidly to a set of predetermined movements. This flexibility makes Combat Hapkido well-suited for individuals of all ages, sizes, and levels of physical ability.

Over the years, Combat Hapkido has gained popularity both in the United States and around the world, with schools and organizations affiliated with the ICHF teaching Pellegrini’s system to students of all backgrounds. Today, Combat Hapkido continues to evolve and grow, with practitioners constantly refining and updating its techniques to reflect the realities of modern self-defense.

Train in person with Grand Master John Pellerini this October!

The Combat Hapkido Training Seminar is coming to Glens Falls, NY this October!

2024 Combat Hapkido Seminar

As featured many times in all your favorite martial arts mags...

BlackBelt_Logo_FullColor
3 Techniques from John Pellegrini

History of Taekwondo

Taekwondo is a Korean martial art characterized by its emphasis on high, fast kicks and punches, often accompanied by distinctive yelling known as “kihap.” The history of Taekwondo can be traced back to Korea’s long tradition of martial arts, but its modern form began to take shape in the mid-20th century.

In the early 20th century, Korea was under Japanese occupation, during which time Japanese martial arts, particularly Karate, exerted a significant influence on Korean martial arts development. Karate itself had originated in Okinawa and had been further refined in Japan. During this period, Korean practitioners were exposed to various Japanese styles of Karate, leading to the integration of Karate techniques and principles into the indigenous Korean martial arts.

After the liberation of Korea from Japanese rule in 1945, there was a concerted effort to revive and promote traditional Korean martial arts. This led to the development of various Kwans, or martial arts schools, each with its own unique approach and blend of influences. One of the most influential figures in the development of Taekwondo was General Choi Hong Hi, who played a key role in unifying and codifying the art.

In 1955, General Choi, along with other prominent martial artists, established the Korea Taekwondo Association, which sought to standardize and promote Taekwondo as a national martial art. In 1966, Taekwondo was officially recognized as the national martial art of Korea.

The similarities between Taekwondo and Karate are evident in their techniques and principles. Both arts emphasize striking techniques such as punches, kicks, and blocks. They also share philosophical concepts such as discipline, respect, and self-control. Additionally, both Taekwondo and Karate utilize forms, or patterns of movements called “poomsae” in Taekwondo and “kata” in Karate, to practice and demonstrate techniques.

The popularity of Taekwondo in America began to surge in the late 20th century for several reasons:

  1. Olympic Recognition: Taekwondo was recognized as an official Olympic sport in 1988, when it was featured as a demonstration event at the Seoul Olympics. Its inclusion as a full medal sport in subsequent Olympic Games further elevated its profile and attracted many practitioners and spectators worldwide.

  2. Emphasis on Sport: Taekwondo’s focus on sparring competitions and its dynamic, high-flying kicks appealed to many individuals seeking a challenging and competitive martial art. Its inclusion in international sports competitions, along with its widespread television coverage, helped popularize it among Americans.

  3. Self-Defense and Fitness: Beyond its sporting aspects, Taekwondo’s emphasis on physical fitness, self-defense, and personal development resonated with many Americans seeking a holistic approach to martial arts training.

  4. Accessibility and Availability: The establishment of Taekwondo schools and organizations throughout the United States made it easily accessible to people of all ages and backgrounds. Additionally, its structured belt ranking system provided a clear path for progression and achievement.

Overall, the combination of Taekwondo’s Olympic recognition, dynamic techniques, emphasis on sport and self-defense, and widespread availability contributed to its popularity in America, making it one of the most practiced martial arts in the country.

Limited Spots Available

Pricing - DUAL BELTING

240 $ 120 / month
  • Combat Hapkido is Included
  • Taekwondo is Included
  • Learn Two Styles, at the Same Time, for the Price of One!
Corporate Value Package

Pricing - Self Defense - Group Rate

$ 500 / 90 min
  • Train with a Martial Arts Grand Master!
  • Learn Self-Defense
  • 3 hour self defense seminar (up to 16 participants) $800
Murray's-WOL-Masters-2

Register Membership

Get only the best training, on us!

If you’re looking for something different, and not sure yet if this is right for you, no problem.

TRY US FOR FREE!

(Good for 3 classes a week till the end of the month, up to $240 value. ONLY $120 a month if you want to continue!)