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Hapkido is a soft-style martial art which integrates joint locks, pressure points, kicks and strikes for a complete system of self-defense. It is a compilation of a Japanese art known as Daito-Ryu Aiki-Jutsu and the Korean kicking art Tae-Kyon.
Three basic principles are involved in all Hapkido techniques: YU (flowing, as in water), WON (circle principle), and HWA (non-resistance or harmony). In addition to the physical aspects of Hapkido, students also learn Korean customs and courtesies.
Unlike most martial arts, Hapkido is strictly defensive. Most techniques learned in Hapkido redirect an attacker’s force instead of meeting it head on. There are no tournaments or contests in Hapkido. Hopefully, a Hapkido student will train a lifetime and never use his skill anywhere outside the do-jang.
Meditation and proper breathing are taught, beginning at the white belt level. Students will learn how to focus and utilize “ki” (internal energy). By focusing his ki, a student gains power and strength.
Hapkido helps instill confidence, disciple, respect, honor and perseverance along with the practical skills needed to survive a real world situation.
Welcome to the website for the Des Moines Hapkido Club.
Our head instructor is Master Ken Pilch.
We meet downtown Des Moines, at the Wellmark YMCA.
Classes are Mondays and Wednesdays from 6:00-7:00 pm, Tuesdays, Thursdays at 11:30 am to 12:30 pm and Saturdays from  9:00 am to 10:00 am.
Beginners are encouraged to come Monday and Wednesday nights at 7:00 to learn basic falling before joining the regular class session.