FAQ

There is no guarantee that a child would not use martial arts on another child. When they begin their training in martial arts, they will learn the consequences of hitting others. Most children use force against others because they don’t know about power and the effectiveness of techniques. They also have not learned to control their power in a positive way. Your child will have role models to teach them proper usage of the techniques. A great saying is “It is better for a bully to pick on a child who is a black belt than on a child who never trained in martial arts, because the black belt has the training and the confidence to walk away”.

Why does my child have to test for each rank? Why do I have to pay for each test?

At each rank there are specific requirements that your child has to meet in order to ensure that he or she is progressing properly. Testing at each point of progression is the best way to reward your child and teach him or her about goal setting. It is also a great way for parents to see their child’s progress. The testing fee is a processing fee that is paid only when the child advances. This fee is separate from tuition so that you don’t pay for services that you do not have to. The testing fee covers all expenses incurred including staffing, belts, certificates, and miscellaneous expenses.

My membership has expired. What should I do?

If your membership has expired, please speak to the school manager or instructor about renewing your membership agreement. There are two options to pay the tuition. One is by using a coupon book that is issued by Black Belt Billing Company. The other is paying directly by check or credit card (Visa, MasterCard and Discover).

What if I lose my payment coupon book?

Black Belt billing is our billing company. There contact number is (909) 599-9654. Please contact the company immediately.

What is the Black Belt Club?

Black Belt Club is a special program for dedicated students who set goals to be excellent black belts within 3 ½ years. The students who are dedicated to this program show their excellence in Hapkido with a “never give up” attitude. Students who have a positive attitude are welcomed and are invited to our special group. To enroll in Black Belt Club, students must be an orange belt or higher and show exceptional enthusiasm for martial arts. Black Belt Club offers 50% off testing fees (only color belts, not black belt) and allows for the student to attend a special class only for Black Belt Club members. Sparring class is included in the Black Belt Club.

How can I make up the classes that I missed because of a vacation or illness?

If you know your schedule in advance, you can take extra class before. After an unexpected absence, you can make up classes as soon as you are ready. Please let your instructor know if you will be missing any time. All of the makeup classes must be completed within your membership period.

I missed my promotion test day and I do not want to wait until next month’s test.

We can set up a private promotional test for your convenience. The additional fee for the private test is $20 on top of the promotional test fee. Please see the school manager or an instructor for more details.

What is sparring class?

Sparring class further hones a student’s fighting skills. It is a great way to improve hand and foot techniques. Other skills that will be improved are coordination, focus, timing, stamina and reaction time. Sparring also provides the opportunity to try inclass techniques on different partners. Students are required to wear safety gear when they participate. Sparring class is scheduled every Wednesday (Alhambra, Fontana), Monday (San Dimas) and Thursday (South Pasadena, Yucaipa), unless otherwise noted. The entire match is supervised by a black belt.

Sparring class is included in our Black Belt Club program.

It is mandatory for students to wear all safety equipment. (Gloves, kicking pads, shin guards, head gear, groin cup and mouth piece)

Sparring gear must be approved by the Black Belt instructor leading the sparring class.

Rules during sparring includes the following:

Obeying the instructions of the supervising instructors
Respecting fellow students
Stop sparring when an injury has occurred
Wearing the appropriate protective equipment
Sparring only during sparring classes or under the supervision of a school instructor

Non-Black Belt Club members who want to participate in sparring must contact the school manager or an instructor for details and approval.

What equipment is necessary for sparring?

Our primary concern in training is SAFETY. In order to properly train our students and prevent serious injury, all sparring students must wear at least a helmet and chest protector. However, we recommend that students own all of the approved sparring equipment (helmet, chest protector, shin pads, forearm pads, groin cup, shoes, gloves and mouth guard) for maximum protection. Students can order equipment at the front desk. Equipment should be clean and well maintained, with your name printed clearly on it with a permanent marker.

It seems like my child & I need some extra help. What are the options available for me?

Contact your instructor and ask about the least crowded classes. You may also get more personal attention and help from an instructor. If you are seeking more help/feedback, please consider scheduling private lessons with an instructor. If you think you need consistent help, you can change your program to our Special Combo program. This program integrates private lessons with our regular group program. Please contact your school manager or instructor for more details.

I like to compete. How do I get a trophy?

At Kim’s Hapkido Jang Mu Won, we hold our family style tournament semi-annually. Look for upcoming announcements about tournament dates. Each participant in the tournament receives a trophy.

Are there any books or DVDs that will help me earn the next belt level?

There is a written curriculum for each level which you can get from your instructor. Jang Mu Won Hapkido DVDs are also available for purchase.

DVDs 1-6 are beneficial if you are planning on testing for 1st degree black belt. The techniques on these videos are essential for your training. DVDs can be purchased at your Hapkido school or at www.jangmuwonhapkido.com or www.kimshapkido.com. Please see your instructor for details.

I am a returning student, should I start from white belt?

Each situation is different. If you have been away for an extended period of time and have forgotten most/all of your techniques, it is in your best interest to start over again. You will resume at the rank in which you left. For example, if you were a blue belt and you left for 5 years, you will still be a blue belt. However you will not learn techniques for your belt until you have mastered the previous lower belt techniques. You may be evaluated by a black belt instructor from your studio; they will decide where you will start. Our foremost concern is your satisfaction and success in Hapkido.

Is it ever too late to start?

Absolutely not. Martial arts training are not limited to certain individuals or certain ages. Martial arts are great for any age, particularly as they help with physical conditioning and coordination. Please come and watch our adult class, you may be surprised! Do not hesitate to drop by and watch our classes!

How do I tie my belt?
Click Here to learn how to tie your belt

I have a hard time getting my child to go to class. What should I do?

Every individual will at some point struggle to accomplish his or her goal. This is very common for children since they have a lot of energy. They also possess the desire to do many different activities at once. You will want to teach them to be patient and about the importance of goal setting. We strive to teach students to have a “never give up” attitude. Parents please do not give up either. Your child’s success depends a lot on you and they need help from both you and their instructors. Our experienced instructors have various solutions to help your child stay on track. Your child needs continuous encouragement and support in order to be a successful student.

I need a new or better uniform. What do I do?

If you need a new or better quality uniform, contact your school instructor. There are different price ranges for official uniforms that you can purchase. See your instructor or check our web site for details. We offer lightweight uniforms, medium uniforms, and heavyweight uniforms. Prices vary depending on each uniform.

Any other things should I know?

Birthday Parties – We gladly host Hapkido parties at our studio. Please contact us for details or visit our web site, www.kimshapkido.com.

Summer Boot Camp – This is a great way to improve your Hapkido skills as well as catch up. This camp focuses on improving students’ techniques while also engaging in fun activities. Children will also learn to respect authority figures in addition to social skills, team work, and leadership skills. Check the yearly schedule or go on our website or ask a staff member for details. Register early to save your spot.

Parents’ Night Out – Parents’ night out allow for parents to have their children participate in fun activities with our staff members (games, movies, etc.) Check the schedule with our staff members.

Jang Mu Won Hapkido hosts an annual special seminar in Laughlin, Nevada. This event is open to your family and friends regardless of your martial art discipline. It is usually in the month of May. Please look for future announcements about details or go online to www.kimshapkido.com.

We sell a wide variety of Hapkido and Martial Arts items (apparels, bags, belt racks, patches, weapons, training DVDs, etc). If you are interested in purchasing any of these items, please see your school instructor for details or check out our web site. www.kimshapkido.com and www.jangmuwonhapkido.com.

I want to be a hapkido instructor. Are there any job opportunities as a Hapkido instructor and/or school owner?

There are four different stages to becoming an instructor. Each level has certain qualifications including Hapkido belt level and time commitment for instructor training.

1st: Training Instructor. Must be an advanced belt in Hapkido and have finished part of the training course.

2nd: Assistant Instructor. Must be a red belt or above and have finished the assistant instructor training course.

3rd: Instructor. Must be a Black Belt in Jang Mu Won Hapkido and have finished the instructor training course.

4th: Official Jang Mu Won Instructor (Sa Bum Nim): Must be 3rd Dan in Jang Mu Won Hapkido and certified from the Jang Mu Won Hapkido Association (JMWHA).

At this level you can officially open a school as long as you are in good standing as a member of Jang Mu Won. You must get permission from your direct master.

We are always looking for qualified instructors and individuals who have passion and energy for Hapkido. We are looking for positive role models to add to our Jang Mu Won family. We provide the training courses necessary for someone who wants to be an instructor or future leader within our organization. Instructors are not born but built. Speak to your Master/Head Instructor for more information.