Hap hap hapkido

When Kelly Dairopoulos was pick-pocketed in a shop last year, she did not cower away or call for help like most of us would – she punched her assailant in the face and broke his nose.

She has been learning hapkido, a Korean martial art, from the only recognised hapkido dojang in Johannesburg for the past two years and now has a green belt in the sport. The Randpark Ridge-based dojang, Fitness Warriors, also teaches taekwondo, but hapkido is its draw-card, as only seven hapkido dojangs exist in South Africa.

“For more than two centuries, hapkido has grown into a martial arts form that has incorporated many other martial arts techniques and weapons, thus becoming a leading all-round martial art,” said instructor, Philip Wadsworth. He explained that the art originated from taekwondo and now also incorporates aikido, ju-jitsu, judo, kung fu, kendo and boxing, to name but a few.

“What makes hapkido attractive, especially to South Africans in the times we live in, is that it teaches self-defence in many situations from stand-up fighting, ground fighting, grappling and weapon self-defence – both gun and knife. Apart from self-defence, hapkido also teaches students how to use a short stick [baton], long stick, sword and nun-chucks.”

Dairopoulos said she felt empowered by the hapkido moves she knew. “It also helps me stay focused on one thing,” she added.
Travis Herbé has done hapkido for four years and has a black stripe in it. “Hapkido is a lot of fun and good exercise,” he said.
“It teaches discipline and respect for yourself and for others.”
Wadsworth added that Fitness Warriors competed in three domestic competitions and one international competition under the World Hapkido Martial Arts Federation every year.
Details: Fitness Warriors 082 499 8403.