Two hapkido heroes shared a lifetime of teachings and techniques at a special seminar at the Ballito Martial Arts Masters Academy last week.

Grandmasters Don Oh Choi and Yong Woon Kim, president and vice-president of the World Hapkido Martial Arts Federation, both travelled from South Korea to join the local academy.

Beyond direct self-defence training – including grappling, throws, sweeps, joint locks and pressure points – the grandmasters also spoke of what the sport can offer off the mat. A strictly defensive martial art, hapkido promotes control in a dangerous situation rather than initiating aggression. Precision, discipline and calmness are paramount.

The Ballito academy thanked senior master Vladimir Grachev for facilitating the seminar and the grandmasters for making the intercontinental trip, citing “a dream come true” for up-and-coming local martial artists.

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