Part exercise, part philosophy, martial arts is a great way to feed both the body and mind.  Some students of martial arts may consider it a physical sport, where others consider it an art or spiritual exercise.  While there are a wide range of martial arts that have originated in all areas of the world, they can generally be categorized in two groups, in reference to the major actions they emphasize:  striking or grappling.  “Striking” martial arts typically refer to those that focus on striking and kicking movements, such as Taekwondo or Muay Thai.  “Grappling” martial arts typically refer to those that focus on throwing, pinning, and holding, such as Hapkido or Brazilian Ju Jitsu. How do you know which one is for you?  The first step is to decide if you’re more interested in striking or grappling techniques.  If you’re interested in both forms and incorporating them as a full contact sport, Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) may also be another interesting option.  Below is a brief introduction to the aforementioned martial arts and places in and around Seoul where you can study them. 

Taekwondo

In terms of the number of practitioners, Taekwondo is the most popular of all martial arts around the world.  The Korean Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism reports that Taekwondo is being practiced by 70 million people in 190 countries.  In Korea, where it is a national sport, everyone has learned at least a little during elementary and middle school PE classes.  Taekwondo is also one of only two martial arts in the Olympics.  It was first introduced as a demonstration sport during the 1988 Olympics in Seoul and later became a full medal event during the 2000 Olympics in Sydney.

There are two major Taekwondo federations, World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) and International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF).  These two monikers are often used to describe the two main methods of Taekwondo which differ slightly based on the focus of the training.  The most common is WTF, the form recognized by the Olympics.  WTF is also closely associated with Kukkikwon, the governing Taekwondo organization which was set up by the Korean government.  The WTF training methods typically focus on speed and sparring.   The second style taught by ITF dojangs (gyms), which focus mostly on power and self-defense.  Below are two different dojangs that each specialize in the two different methods and offer classes specifically for expats.

Arirang Taekwondo Club (WTF)

Jin Sang-eun, the founder of Arirang Taekwondo Club, started studying Hapkido in elementary school and Taekwondo in high school.  He continued to practice Taekwondo all through his days in University and was eventually inspired to open a Taekwondo dojang after meeting many foreigners who wanted to learn Taekwondo but couldn’t find an appropriate place to study, due to Masters being unable to speak English or because all of the other students were children.

There are currently about 60-70 students who train there regularly and the students are comprised of both Koreans and expats.  Jin lists three main goals of the Arirang Taekwondo Club.  “The goal of our club is to make Korean Taekwondo popular among adult students.  We also want to provide a step-by-step program that’s accessible to foreigners.  Finally we strive for our members, both Korean and foreign, to share and become friends through training and Taekwondo.”

While they currently offer Taekwondo and Hapkido, he emphasized the “learning” environment of their gym, including opening up classes for members who want to help train other students in other martial arts disciplines.  “We’re open to other martial arts for members to also have a chance to share their own skills.”

Classes cover a range of exercises including “poomsae” or Taekwondo patterns and sparring.  Classes are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8-10pm and on Saturdays and Sundays from 2-5:30pm.  Monthly membership is 70,000 won for beginners and 50,000 won for intermediate or advanced students. The Arirang Taekwondo Club is located near Samgakji Station (Line 4 or 6), exit 12.

For more information, visit their website http://cafe.daum.net/arirangtaekwon, or contact them by phone 010-3078-1433 or email  tm3ym@hotmail.com.

The Way Martial Arts Academy of Seoul (ITF)

The Way opened only a month ago in Itaewon but has already started gaining a reputation.  The academy offers classes in both Korean and English and Master Kim Hun and is considered “one of the top instructors in the country.  Anna Desmarais, Director and Assistant Instructor at the academy credits part of their quickly growing membership to Master Kim’s stellar reputation and diverse instruction.  “Master Kim is not only a 7th degree black belt in Taekwondo, but also a 7th degree black belt in Hapkido, so he incorporates relevant Hapkido techniques into the Taekwondo program at least once a week.”

Because the classes are offered in both languages, the students are an equal mix of both expat and Korean students.  For students who are interested in studying a variety of martial arts disciplines, The Way also offers Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and Mixed Martial Arts, in addition Yoga.  For newcomers to martial arts, it may be beneficial to study a few different methods before settling on one that suits you the best.

Taekwondo classes at The Way are offered on Monday through Friday, twice a day, from 10:45am-12pm or 7:15-8:30pm.  Classes are also available on Saturdays from 2:45-4pm.  Monthly membership is 95.000 won per month, 250.000 won for 3 months, and 450.000 won for 6 months.  For students interested in private lessons with Master Kim, they are also available at an extra cost.  The Way is located near Noksapyeong Station (Line 6), exit 2.

For more information, contact by phone 02-790-2777 (Korean) 019 9155 7098 (Korean), or by email itfkimhoon@hotmail.com

Muay Thai

Muay Thai has been around since the 11^th century and began initially as a part of military training.  It is the national sport of Thailand and can be seen as a mix between martial arts and kickboxing.  Muay Thai is similar to Taekwondo in that it is considered a “striking” martial art, but is considered a much more full-contact sport.  Whereas Taekwondo uses “poomsae” or patterns that involve kicking and punching the air or sparring, which involves hand to hand combat with pads, Muay Thai fighters use gloves similar to boxing gloves and combatants exchange blows.  Muay Thai is often referred to as the “Art of Eight Limbs.”  This is due to the additional use of elbows and knees in its main movements.  Whereas boxing uses two points of contact (fists), and Taekwondo uses four points of contact (fists and feet), Muay Thai moves use eight point of contact (fists, feet, elbows, and knees).

For students who are interested in studying Muay Thai in Seoul, as mentioned before, The Way Maritial Arts Academy offers classes.  In addition, there is a chain of gyms called Tae Woong.

Tae Woong Muay Thai Gyms

First started by Kong Sun Taek in 1998, there are several locations around the city for all who are interested in studying this dynamic sport.  Some of the locations include Sillim, Noksapyeong, Sinsa-dong,
Dunchon-dong, Bulgwang-dong, Ansan, Wongju and Busan. Kong, who has studied Hapkido, Taekwondo, and Western boxing styles, has since become a true driving force between the gaining popularity of Muay Thai in Korea. One of the instructors, Belinda Caldwell, was Korea’s 2008/2009 Amateur Champion.  Caldwell is an Australian, who helps teach Muay Thai for expats who are interested in learning the sport.  Each location has different schedules and fees, so check their website for more information www.twmt.webs.com (English) or by phone 010-7133-9915.

Hapkido

Hapkido is another Korean martial art that focuses more on grappling and locks, than strikes and kicks.  It is considered an eclectic martial art, as it incorporates characteristics of several other martial arts disciplines.  Hapkido can sometimes be combined with weapons such as swords, ropes, nunchaku, canes, sticks, and staffs.  One interesting aspect of Hapkido is its emphasis of striking opponents at pressure points and using throws and locks to force your opponent to submit.  Similar to traditional Korean wrestling, Sshireum, footwork and gaining leverage by body positioning, is an important element for students to practice.

For expats interested in learning Hapkido, the aforementioned Arirang Taekwondo Club offers Hapkido courses.  In addition, there are a couple of dojangs that were established specifically to train foreigners.

Sangmukwan International HKD Training Center

Sungmukwan International HKD Training Center is located near Sin Jeon Ne Geo Ri Station and offers various programs for international students to learn this sometimes overlooked Korean martial art.  For more information on schedules and fees, visit their website http://www.sangmookwan.com/index.php

Total Martial Arts System

TMAS offers a course that incorporates blend Hapkido, Taekwondo, Judo, and Yongmoodo, and weapons martial arts techniques.  The classes are conducted in English and typically last for two hours, though students can come before and after to practice and train.  Master Kim Namsu graduated from Korea’s famous martial arts university and can boast black belts in five different martial arts disciplines.  The gym also offers yoga classes.  The schedules and fees vary so please check their website for more information http://t-m-a-s.com/

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BBJ) is a grappling martial art built on the principles of body locks, chokeholds, and ground fighting.  BBJ is a high-contact martial art which also focuses on the usage of body positioning to create leverage against your opponent.  BJJ emphasizes through its moves that smaller, weaker players may still take control over their larger, stronger opponents by proper positioning and maneuvering.  BJJ is actually derived from the Japanese martial art judo, but came to Brazil during the 1910’s and has since evolved to its current incarnation.  BJJ is becoming more and more popular in Korea and a large number of gyms are popping up all around the country.

Korea Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy

The first BJJ academy in Korea, this gym opened in 1999 under Master Lee Hee Sung.  Located in between Ahyeon or Ewha Women’s University Stations (both on Line 2), the gym offers a large range of classes. A new branch of the same academy opened this year in Gangnam, near Gangnam Station (Line 2), exit 2.  For more information, please check their website http://bjj.co.kr.

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