I've been training at Chang's Hapkido Academy in London for about 7 years now and I still look back at the time I decided to take a look at the club and think how glad I am I made that decision. I had been to other martial arts London schools and trained in other styles, but I had never experienced such a feeling of satisfaction after every class. As well as being a very complete self defence system which caters for everyone's interests, incorporating hand strikes and kicks, throws, joint locks, pressure points and free sparring, it more importantly complements the physical aspect with ki meditation and a teaching philosophy that emphasises self control, discipline and altruism. The result is a learning environment in which there are no egos, where students encourage one another, and which also provides a great social atmosphere. These positive aspects are made possible by the exceptionally high standard of teaching we receive from the Head Instructor Tammy Parlour and Grand Master Gedo Chang, who are both very respected and admired by the students. I would highly recommend Chang's Hapkido Academy to anyone who is looking to pursue a practical martial art that develops your mind and body whilst honouring tradition and good values. Ricardo, 29, IT Consultant read more

I've been training at Chang's Hapkido Academy in London for about 7 years now and I still look back at the time I decided to take a look at the club and think how glad I am I made that decision. I had been to other martial arts London schools and trained in other styles, but I had never experienced such a feeling of satisfaction after every class. As well as being a very complete self defence system which caters for everyone's interests, incorporating hand strikes and kicks, throws, joint locks, pressure points and free sparring, it more importantly complements the physical aspect with ki meditation and a teaching philosophy that emphasises self control, discipline and altruism. The result is a learning environment in which there are no egos, where students encourage one another, and which also provides a great social atmosphere. These positive aspects are made possible by the exceptionally high standard of teaching we receive from the Head Instructor Tammy Parlour and Grand Master Gedo Chang, who are both very respected and admired by the students. I would highly recommend Chang's Hapkido Academy to anyone who is looking to pursue a practical martial art that develops your mind and body whilst honouring tradition and good values. Ricardo, 29, IT Consultant read more

'I've studied hapkido at Chang's Hapkido Academy London since October 2003. I'd always wanted to learn a martial art but taking that first step and walking into a class had always seemed a little daunting. As soon as I met the instructor, Tammy Parlour, and my fellow students, however, my fears were quickly forgotten. 'Everyone at Chang's Hapkido Academy London is incredibly helpful and supportive and students are there to learn and improve. There's no macho posturing and egos are definitely left at the door. 'And that's quite reassuring as Hapkido is primarily a fighting art which includes a huge variety of punches, kicks, throws, joint locks, pressure point techniques and grappling throws and pins. 'It also has a meditative element in ki exercise, which has all the health benefits of tai chi, meditation and yoga rolled into one. 'Walking into that class remains one of the best decisions I've ever made and if a martial arts novice and one-time uncoordinated halfwit like myself can progress and learn a martial art to a competent level there, then anyone can.' Paul Brooks, 40, Journalist read more

'I've studied hapkido at Chang's Hapkido Academy London since October 2003. I'd always wanted to learn a martial art but taking that first step and walking into a class had always seemed a little daunting. As soon as I met the instructor, Tammy Parlour, and my fellow students, however, my fears were quickly forgotten. 'Everyone at Chang's Hapkido Academy London is incredibly helpful and supportive and students are there to learn and improve. There's no macho posturing and egos are definitely left at the door. 'And that's quite reassuring as Hapkido is primarily a fighting art which includes a huge variety of punches, kicks, throws, joint locks, pressure point techniques and grappling throws and pins. 'It also has a meditative element in ki exercise, which has all the health benefits of tai chi, meditation and yoga rolled into one. 'Walking into that class remains one of the best decisions I've ever made and if a martial arts novice and one-time uncoordinated halfwit like myself can progress and learn a martial art to a competent level there, then anyone can.' Paul Brooks, 40, Journalist read more

My initial reasons for starting a martial art were to get fit and learn a few self-defence techniques, should anyone fancy mugging me. But at Chang's Hapkido Academy I learned that Hapkido was so much more than that: aside from the broad range of physical skills, including punches, kicks, sparring, takedowns, ground grappling and more, I've learned that you can take on pretty much anything life throws at you if you are controlled, disciplined, loving and can free your mind of prejudices and fears. Suffice to say, the club has kept me hooked for five years. Many things that used to scare me now exhilarate me, and it has improved my life much more than any self-help book could have done. I couldn't have arrived at this point without the excellent teaching (lead by instructor Tammy Parlour) that really makes the club stand head and shoulders above the rest: it offers a safe, controlled, disciplined environment and I would fully recommend it to anyone. read more

I have studied at Chang's Hapkido Academy for nearly ten years, and now couldn't image life without it. Saboumnim Parlour is not just an excllent teacher, but the perfect embodiment of the art's ideals of discipline and humility - this is a club where egos are left at the door. Not only have I reaped the benefits physically from its complete system of punches, kicks, joint locks and throws, but its holistic approach has helped me cope comfortably with a demanding job working for a national newspaper, and ensure a good work/life balance so that I can always make time for the people that are most important to me. I think/hope I am a better person thanks to Hapkido, and would recommend it to anyone wishing to study a martial art in London. read more