Defend yourself with powerful martial art

Hapkido is a martial art of Korean descent that can protect you from all forms of attack, and neutralise a threat within seconds. So says Philip Wadsworth, junior to middle belt instructor at Fitness Warriors, Randpark Ridge, where the martial art is taught. The art is relatively new in South Africa, Wadsorth says.

Hapkido incorporates “various styles such as taekwondo kicks, judo throws, boxing, grappling and certain jujitsu submissions”, Wadsworth explains. “It also focuses on weapons such as short and long stick, nunchucks and sword. Its focus is self-defence with quick opponent neutralisation. It further enhances self-discipline, self-belief, confidence, strength and fitness.”

He says that hapkido teaches people how to break opponents’ necks, wrists, kneecaps and other body parts. For this reason hapkido is dangerous, and Fitness Warriors only competes in one tournament per year. However it participates in many taekwondo tournaments. Fitness Warriors head instructor Natasha Oosthuizen is now the first woman Third Dan black belt hapkido practitioner in South Africa.

“I have been training in hapkido for about four years, and I don’t think I would ever pick another form of martial arts,” says Derryn Dowie. “From kicking and striking technique to self-defence, grappling, throwing and falling technique as well as weapons training, hapkido is an all-round martial arts system.” He adds that hapkido has taught him about himself and pushed him to his limits but he still loves it. “Most of all I have learned discipline and respect for others both inside and out the dojang,” he concludes.

Details: Fitness Warriors 082 499 8403.