The kids program is great! My 7 year old has been going for almost 2 years and it has done wonders for her mental health and confidence. Master Ken is solid read more

Parents be AWARE... I am filled complaint about a bait-and-switch tactic done by this company with BBB.  I took my kids for a trial lesson in August, and the owner, Kwang H, gave me a paper to sign, noting that it was to save my kid's spot in case I decided to join. He specifically told me I didn't have to pay anything. I specifically told him I was not ready to join yet. Fast forward to November 06/24, I got a call saying I signed a contract and owed them money. I am speechless at this company's lack of transparency, blunt trickery, and cunning toward parents trying to survive day in and day out. I feel deeply misled by this situation. My children visited one day for the trial lesson only. I did not agree with any payment or submit payment information. read more

I attended their years ago and the training was great. I learned a lot about discipline about concentration and meditation.

My daughter loves the martial art. Great staff, clean place, respectful energy. People and staff are super respectful. Great work out. Great place for kids to learn taekwondo and/or hapkido. Hapkido is great for learning self defense and just a great environment. read more

Hyun's Hapkido & Tae Kwon Do school is a great place for students, both young and old to learn about Martial Arts. Master Hyun is an extraordinary teacher. I highly recommend! read more

I attended Hyun's Hapkido (Elston) a few years ago for 5 years and earned my black belt there. When I started off, I was a shy kid who didn't like to talk and was scared to try new things. Naturally, my first couple of weeks I was reserved. However, my instructors - Master Lee and Master Park - were very kind, funny and motivating instructors. They noticed I was more reserved, yet managed to get me to open up and be more self-confident in a natural way. Their technique and warm-up instruction was also fantastic. They would take the time to observe and correct people's technique, without making them feel intimidated. By the time I was a purple belt, I went from shy girl to occasionally leading warm-ups in front. Everyone there was one big family. There were other adult students who always took the time to help younger students like Julius Collins who was like everyone's Martial Arts Dad! The instructors also answered questions and talked to you in general beyond MA. Master Hyun almost always had his door open and would answer any questions my parents had in terms of the contract and classes. Beyond giving me the opportunity to learn a great Martial Art, Hyun's Hapkido helped me grow into a more confident and disciplined person. A lot of what I do in my adult life, goes back to the life lessons I learned from my Masters and fellow classmates in Hapkido. read more

I would totally agree with others here who mention the sales tactics and cancellation issues. My experience at Hyun's goes back over ten years ago, and at that time I was pretty young, and apparently naive enough to sign a contract. After injuring my ankle and realizing that taking two buses from Lakeview to the north school at Elston and Western wasn't going to work, I tried to cancel my contract. I was told there were two ways to get out of the contract: the school had to go out of business, and at that time they had been in business for 25 years with a strong following -- that clearly wasn't going to work; the other alternative to get out of the contract was for me to die -- clearly I wasn't in favor of that either. I enjoyed what I learned in the few months I was there but the contracts and sales tactics are shady. Seems there are a lot of martial arts choices around Chicago. Choose another. read more

I studied at Hyun's Hapkido several years ago and really enjoyed being there. I trained under Master Park who was a phenomenal instructor and I stayed long enough to advance a couple belts... white, yellow, orange. Ultimately, work got in the way and the next step would have been a much lengthier contract so something had to give and it was my Hapkido training. Therefore, my rating of 3 stars was based on my personal experience as a student. i enjoyed the training but felt that it really was a very commercialized martial arts gym. Since then, Master Park and the instructors who worked with him have left and it sounds like quite a lot has changed. As stated, I enjoyed the school but what tends to define the quality of a school is the number of black belts that stay and continue to advance. While there is a ton of emphasis on getting to that holy grail of martial art marketing the Black Belt, that's generally the end of the line for students at Hyun's. My impression, which is also based on conversations with Black Belts from Hyun's, is that they suddenly found themselves paying the same rate to instruct and never being given new material. If you're starting out, I would recommend trying a few different martial art styles at schools that don't worry as much about locking their students into lengthy contracts. The most important thing is to find the right match and you very well may find this at Hyun's, particularly if you just want to try a martial art. (Just make sure that you don't get pressured into a contract for longer than you are comfortable because then you'll be stuck. This school takes its contracts very seriously.) If you really like the idea of Hapkido, try a few schools and talk with the Black Belts if permitted and get a sense of whether you've found a school that offers a long-term benefit should you decide to go further than your Black Belt. After all, that's typically considered the equivalent of a high school diploma in the martial arts world and when your real training begins. Oh, it is important to understand that Hapkido is generally considered a martial art for adults so the children's classes are Tae Kwon Do. read more

I trained for some time under Master Gary Keller, who is a Protégé of Grand Master Hyun. With nothing but respect for other schools, and other disciplines I can 100% say that Hyun's Hapkido is the real deal. I train at the North school. Everyone has the same goal in mind - to study the art of coordinated power. It's an honor to receive this level of training. Not only is Hyun's hapkido practical, but it's a great workout, and fun. I cannot say enough good things about this man, and these 2 schools. I would recommend Hyun's Hapkido to anyone, in any capacity. See you in class. "A black belt, is a white belt that never quit" read more

Overall my experience at this school has been positive, but I still have many issues with it. Many other reviews mentioned problems with the contract. I knew I would have the dedication to attend for more than a year, so I had no problem signing up. It seems a bit costly, but the price is comparable with other schools. That being said, they do sort of nickel and dime you. The uniform isn't cheap and you have to pay forty dollars for each belt you get. It sort of takes away the sense of accomplishment if you have to pay for your advancement. Really, your skill level is not important. If you put in your time, you will advance. Also, there is no way the simple colored belts actually cost forty dollars. Another problem for me is the fact that they let children in the adult classes. Yes they have separate classes for kids and adults, but kids can and do still attend the adult classes. You end up feeling like Kramer on Seinfeld, training next to ten year olds. Fifty percent of the techniques just don't seem practical for defense in a street fight. Many of the moves require your attacker to do something specific and unusual like grab your wrist. That just doesn't happen in real life. That being said, you will learn the proper techniques for striking and some good joint lock/breaking techniques. They do have some great instructors, however, they are currently without a master. The classes can actually be fun, but this largely depends on who you get paired up with. Like with any group of people your fellow students will be both good and bad. If you put in the effort you can benefit from this school. I think there are better schools, but this isn't a bad one, it just needs some improvement. read more

#1 Martial Arts Gym in Chicago. :) I highly recommend you come and try a class. I love training with Grandmaster Hyun...he's awesome. I'm getting back into shape. I used to be out of shape since starting my new business but now I'm getting stronger and more toned. I'm also learning Hapkido, a self defense martial art that simulates street fighting. I'm doing it just in case I get attacked or in a physical fight somewhere. O yea and the breathing techniques help me stay focused and reduce stress. read more

This review is only for the kids taekwondo instruction. My two kids attended Hyun's for 3 years (older son) and 2 years (younger son) until we moved from Chicago to Northbrook over the summer. Hyun's is a fine school if you're not interested in taekwondo competitions but are more interested in ensuring your kids exercise and learn some fundamentals of martial arts with a strong focus on taekwondo. Grand Master Hyun generally has the kids graduate out of the taekwondo side at around 12 years old and then begin on the hapkido side anyway (a significantly more effective martial art in my opinion). Now we have settled into a new taekwondo school out here in the suburbs and after some reflection I do have one huge gripe about Hyun's that I wish I knew earlier. They didn't follow the Kukkiwon standard (what most other schools follow) during our time there (and maybe they still don't). When my boys transferred to their new suburban school it was obvious to their new instructors that my kids didn't learn everything they should have for their respective belts. In particular their knowledge of the standard poomsaes (forms) were severely lacking. My kids are basically in a holding pattern, learning all the poomsaes they should already know, before being allowed to test for their next belts. So transferring from Hyun's to another taekwondo school was not easy. Aside from that big gaping issue I think Hyuns is fine. Good people, decent facility, reasonable cost. Fyi, all the "standard" poomsaes are online. Go to YouTube and search for "Taekwondo Kukkiwon poomsae". Poomsae 1 is for yellow belt, 2 is for orange, etc. My kids knew like the first 3 or 4, even though they are higher belts. My older son, had he stayed at Hyuns, would probably be a black belt by now at but is preparing for "red/black" at his new school. read more

i started my training in 2000 on the southside school under master ahn, and master patterson. two of the best instructor i've came across. received my black belt in the year of 2004. during 2005 to 2006 is when a lot of us started to depart from the school because there wasn't a black belt class in the curricuclum. then the art i loved became commercialized. it as no longer hapkido, it became a martial art. attended other schools to try to find my way and found myself defending hapkido to instructors that said they weren't teaching you all anything. but master ahn told us as black belts, that if we decide to go else where, other instructors will have problems with you all. needless to say, my training was sufficient with that group of black belts that showed up at that last evening class, rain, sleet, or snow. thank you master ahn, and master patterson. read more

My husband and I started attending about two months ago. We love learning all the techniques by Grand Master Hyun. If you want to learn from the best, take this class. Hyun is a 10th degree black belt (the highest level ever achieved) and has taught thousands of students over the course of 40+ years. Some black belts who trained under Hyun later went on to teach on their own. We are so glad we started training here. Hyun is a very knowledgeable and patient teacher. Black belt students are also kind enough to help correct our technique whenever needed. For the most part, all the students are kind and considerate. I suggest this class to anyone looking to learn tried and true self-defense techniques. In addition to learning, you can get a great workout and learn mental toughness that helps boost your self-esteem. Classes are offered multiple times throughout the day and scheduling is flexible. There's also free street parking right in front of the studio. read more

DO NOT SIGN ANYTHING! I had my ex take my boys for the free class that was offered. He thought he was signing up for information to be emailed to him and instead was sent a bill for over $3000.00. He is now in collections and was told he has to pay 1/3 of the bill to get it dropped. Who does business like this? My boys have not had one class as we decided against it, but they are refusing to remove this bill for services we never received. This place is a total scam and I will continue to write emails every where this place is listed on the internet until this bill is removed from their records. DO NOT GO HERE! read more

i started there couple years ago, and it was fun. The only part i dislike about this place is that it was a lot of changes ( from master to master ) is like you always have to adjust to new practices. i'm not disrespecting the grand master or anything but that lengty contract was a killer. beware of the contract, if you're in it's hard to get out without paying a price. too many chiefs and hard to crasp the whole concept of Hapkido read more

I totally agree with the comment made, " I enjoyed the training but felt that it really was a very commercialized martial arts gym." I trained there for a couple of years. After my first year I did sign another contract, When I did resign my other contract a majority of the black belts left the school due to paying same fee as everyone else even if they were instructors and lack of new material to be taught. It was never discussed by Master Jacoby or Master Hyun about the circumstances leading to all them black belts walking out. I am by far no expert but it has to do with muscle memory and your ability to do the technique even with your eyes closed. I really enjoyed working out with some of the black belts that had years of experience and emphasized technique over muscle power. The school took a great loss in leadership when those black belts left the school. I have met many great fellow students as well as some great instructors. As far as the training I never felt like I was in danger of receiving injuries from any of the instructors, most understood and taught techniques well. Some students would get a little out of hand trying to speed through a technique and forget form and try to muscle it, that's when you as a crash dummy should speak out, and tell him to slow down and do a couple of slow repetitions before going full speed. Master Jacoby is very knowledgeable but anyone would be if that was your job and been training since age 5. My only issue that I had was that I was a paying student and when I was a white belt I was taught to sweep the dojo by other black belts. Which I understood it as the bottom of the ranks as a white belt training with all black belts. As I progressed in belts it seemed that I was still in charge of the sweeping the dojo even if I was stretching or warming up even if lesser belts were in the room. I wonder who's sweeping now? Master Jacoby does have his favorites students that he spends more time training than those that are having difficulty with the technique. Grandmaster Hyun has a lot of knowledge and I never really had issues as he is considered the Owner after all he is running a business for over 40 years. My experience with Grandmaster Hyun was always like a father figure, If I had an issue with the bill he would resolve it, and his door was always open. What I didn't like was the corporate people in Florida and them calling my cell phone asking when I was going to make a payment. It seems that the school and corporate bill collectors didn't talk, I would have to remind them that I already talked to grandmaster Hyun about the issue. Would I come back? most likely not it came to the point where I was counting down my days at the school. I hope this review helped and that if you really want to try Hapkido you should give it a go. read more

In the month of August, I took my 2 children to shop around for a karate school. We lived in the area of Albany park, so we went to Hyun's Hapkido School. Mr. K.S Hyun welcomed us personally and told us the works, advertising his business as a very prestigious place. He said my kids would go for a 15 minute session, and I would have to sign some papers for liability. "In case the kids got hurt," he said. A few months later I am getting bills in the amount of more than $4,000 for 2 contracts made out for my two children, who have never again stepped foot inside that school since that 15 minute session. It turns out that I am not the first to fall for Mr. Hyun's schemes. Please post if you are in a position like mine. I have decided not to pay, but to rather take him to court. read more

I've trained at Hyun's Hapkido with Grand Master K.S. Hyun and Master Ky Jacoby for three and a half years. Their instruction and guidance has been outstanding, and my hapkido training has become a core focus and one of the great joys of my adult life. The community of students and instructors -- from white belts in their first weeks of class to black belts training for 30+ years -- has been nothing but warm, welcoming and supportive since the start. If you're interested in studying martial arts, not for competitive sport but for true self defense and self improvement, then l highly recommend trying some classes at Hyun's. But try it for one month at least. Walking in for just one class is not enough to know if you've found a good fit. I tried another Chicago martial arts school for a couple months before deciding to try hapkido. I greatly preferred Hyun's because of the school's singular focus on Hapkido, as opposed to a mixed martial arts school, where you learn only a little bit of several different traditions. Of course we do incorporate and study elements of other disciplines (tae kwon do, karate, judo, jiu jitsu, etc) but Grand Master Hyun is one of the highest ranking Hapkido black belts in the world and he embodies a direct link to the Korean originators of the art. That means a lot, but it has to be experienced to be fully understood. When he demonstrates a technique on you for the first time, or sits you down to discuss theory and the wisdom of the hapkido tradition, you will understand. Master Jacoby, who leads the vast majority of hapkido classes, is an excellent and highly trained martial artist, but more importantly he is also an excellent teacher. His keen eye, firm guidance and encouraging support has made my experience at Hyun's nothing but positive. One interesting note: walking into a martial arts school for the first time is intimidating. I wasn't sure at first if I would like the fact that hapkido students of all ages and skill levels train together in the same class (i.e. they don't break you up into beginners, intermediate, advanced). But it actually works really well. Newer students get to observe and learn by working directly with more experienced students while the more advanced students get to learn through teaching. As a teacher myself, I believe wholeheartedly that the best way to learn is through teaching, and I can say that the system at Hyun's is effective. The school just underwent a complete renovation this year. It looks beautiful, and it is a very clean, comfortable and pleasant environment in which to train with natural light pouring in through the large storefront windows and sky lights. To address some other reviewer's comments about contracts... Yes, they are running a business here. To think of it as anything else is very naive. It is a school not some causal club, so just like any pre-school, private high school, university or any other educational institution, contracts are necessary. You are never obligated to sign a one- or two-year contract, and I felt no pressure to do so when I started. I signed up for the shortest term (three months, I believe), and then as I renewed my contracts and knew that I'd be sticking around I moved up to longer terms. If I were injured or some other major change took place in my life, I have no doubt that Grand Master Hyun would be reasonable in sorting out the situation. I have found him to be nothing but an honorable and respectful business man, mentor and friend. As for the earlier comments about an exodus of black belts. People move on from things for all sorts of reasons. So people are coming and going all the time. Some return month after month, year after year, but many others don't have the discipline and commitment to do that. I train every week with black belts who have been at the school for many years. Some have been coming back for over 30 years, so the statements that there is a lack of leadership amongst black belts is completely untrue. I attend class three times a week (class schedule is extremely flexible, by the way, with classes in the morning afternoon, evening and Saturday), and for the past three and a half years I have worked out with an incredibly diverse, dedicated and fun group of people. Yes, many have come and gone along the way, but there is a very strong and sizable community of students who have stuck around and it's a simply great group of people. Come take a few classes and see for yourself! read more

I find this to be a most impressive school where it is clear from everyone's behavior that the goal is to develop keen mind-body awareness. A disciplined workout is had and students are learning from masters. The Grand Master is paying attention, modeling deep reverence for tradition and safety, and expresses his sense of humor too. Through this, deep a deep-level of caring comes through. I recommend the school to anyone interested in making a real commitment to wellness through learning and service. read more

This is coming from a 26 yr old male who has never tried Martial Arts. Pros: Location Cons: Everything else. If they could, they'd sell you a vehicle. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if they own a dealership. One Week Free Trial Lesson is as Asian as you can get. Notice they say "Lesson". Not sure why they say One week when here is what you can expect: - Sign up for more information or "1 week free trial lesson". Someone will call (probably Ramon - who is genuinely a nice guy) and they won't supply with pricing after you ask. He just encourages you to come in and try it out. Not a problem. - Go in for an adult lesson and the first thing they did was sit you down in the Grandmaster's office. He is there to basically put a paper in front of you and tell you "the deal." Basically he tells you that it typically takes 3 years to go Black Belt (which I really don't care about as I'm just trying to see if this is 'for me.') Most people don't sign up for 3 years, though, he says.. They sign up for 1 or 2. Of course, if you sign up for 2 you "only pay $115/mo". If you sign up for only 1 year, "you pay $130/mo." It costs about $130 to start to get your uniform, and then the $130 upfront for your first month. Before you even get your 1 day trial (not 1 week), he is trying to get you to sign. So at the NORTH location I went in for a lesson..they partnered me up with a guy who was wearing a Brown belt and was very friendly and knowledgable. The black belt was Master Cheun who never acknowledged me at all. He barely spoke as he was leading the group - mainly just mumbling stuff and just asking if people "got it." He would show a few techniques and then have you try them on the partner. Again, never came over to me and the person I was working with. After exactly 1 hour he came up to me (which I thought he was about to help me or show me something), and then has me sit back down with Ramon in the Grandmaster's office. Again, wanted to sign me up on the spot. I said I'd be happy to sign up at $100/mo as I'm tight on a budget - he said he thinks he might be able to work something out with the Grandmaster and he'll call me the next day. Next day he backdoor voicemails me (yes, you can send a backdoor message so the person doesn't have to pickup the call) and says "the Grandmaster wasn't able to lower the price. Sorry.." Oh well... I probably would have paid the $30/mo more than what I wanted if it was a more favorable experience in the first place. It seemed too business dealish and less "art" for what they're doing. I could barely understand the only instructor I would have had, and the Grandmaster wasn't very personable. He never asked me why I was thinking of getting into Martial Arts or any other questions pertaining to my life. It was basically "I have been in this location 38 years, and have students from 30 years ago that still pay same price as what i offer you." Yeah, OK...... PS - This isn't coming from a fatass who they don't think has any hope. I was an All-Star athlete/still a coach and in decent shape. Good luck with this place. I wouldn't have written a review if I wasn't given such a sour taste. If you have a background in Martial Arts this place might be better for you.. that's all. :) read more

I took my daughter here for a few months and she loved it! We stopped going due to a family tragedy and I was out of state for a few months. I tried to call and I told them my situation; only to be hung up on. I believe if you going to run a business at least have manners. Hanging up on people is not morally right. Life is unpredictable and things happen! Apparently here they don't understand that. It's a wonderful atmosphere and the instructors are great! If only I was handled in a respectful manner that would have been appreciated. I don't have anything negative to say about the place. Heck, I was willing to talk to someone, but wasn't given the time of day. Mind you they withdrew money from my account when we stopped going! Without my permission! Sad world we live in when people lose morality over money read more

When it seems like there's a martial arts studio on every corner. One open and one closes every other day. One stands out as a long-time staple in the Chicago martial arts community, K.S. Hyun has been at the same location for over forty years. Grandmaster Hyun and his instructors have a deep understanding of the art of Hapkido and the need for self defense. I've tried other hapkido studios in the past. Having found my way there two years ago, I discovered a friendly place where I became one of the Hyun's family very quickly. With great hours and many classes daily, Hyun's has a time and a day for every schedule. Grandmaster Hyun has extensive knowledge of martial arts and is always willing to take the time to discuss any subject that life brings your way. At Hyun's, you will gain confidence. We train in a friendly, controlled atmosphere. We are all here to learn an art that will last a lifetime read more

Took the week trial lessons. There is NO sparring (absolutely required for serious training) and there are little kids training with the adults. Cannot recommend. read more

The instruction at Hyun's Hapkido is incredible, and the people--instructors, fellow martial artists--pull together to help every student get the most from their training. The quality of instruction I've received at Hyun's Hapkido has helped forge me into the person I am today. Grandmaster Hyun and his instructors are dedicated to training students to be the best martial artists each can be and I have achieved a major accomplishment under their helpful training. The confidence and sense of accomplishment I now have was forged through the superb training I received at Hyun's. I enjoy the classes, the hard work, and the dedication required to achieve anything worthwhile. I have been studying there for two years since my return (I began in the 70s and have returned to finish what I started) and cannot imagine a better martial arts venue. If you want to learn a martial art (instead of a sport) then study Hapkido at Hyun's. You will not regret your choice. I've noticed some of the other comments regarding contracts. I had signed a two year contract and it has run its course and I have signed another contract for another two years. Contacts don't concern me as I fully understand my obligations and know that there are several ways to be released from the contract if the situation calls for that. I appreciate the lower monthly payments when I agree to study for a two-year period and it's my intent to continue improving my skills for as long as I am able. read more

Grandmaster Hyun is indeed a master! A master in martial arts and in sales too! I brought my daughter to try out his tae kwon do class and had the most unbelievable experience. While my daughter was doing her tae kwon do lessons, Hyun brought me into his office for some martial arts orientation. After brief discussion about his credentials and martial arts history, he brought out a piece of paper and started making a computation of charges. I instantly felt like this guy was turning into a salesman who needed to fill his sales budget. He hasn't even toured me around the dojo and he wanted me to sign up for a 12 or 24-month plan, right away. He added that I could cancel within 3 working days in case I change my mind, however, I knew that this was a "sales trap" because there would always be a cancellation fee but he intentionally didn't mention any of that.. I was turned off and really felt like this guy was hard-selling and trying to squeeze any cash he can get from me. By the way, the rates are kind of expensive - 115 per month for the 12-month plan plus 215 one-time fee for the uniform and processing - a total of 1,595 plus taxes. Very high price to pay for a dilapidated and untidy dojo. Did I mention that you'll also need to shell out some more quarters because there's no available parking for members? read more

I took Hapkido here several years ago. I enjoyed it for the first year a lot, and it was a good workout. The facilities were pretty run down, but I didn't really mind. Things went downhill, though, when Master Jang (the only female instructor, and a seriously kickass one at that) left. She had really stressed community, mutual respect, and serious training over machismo or competition. This changed when she left, with the atmosphere becoming more macho. I took it as my cue to not renew my contract (which was pretty pricey) when several people were injured, including a broken collar bone, in this more competitive and macho environment. Also, sometimes it felt like students were advanced to a new belt just for how long they had been attending class and not based upon their actual skill level (there were no tests other than the black belt test). I can't say I had confidence that the black belts were actually black belt level. It looks like all the instructors are different since I was there, so I can't rate the current instructors. read more

My 4 year old has been a student at Hyun's for about 6 months and I have nothing but great things to say. Instructor Collins and Assitant Instructor Carter are great with kids of all ages. Their message of discipline and respect is a breath of fresh air these days and they manage to make it fun too! read more

I have been training at Hyun's Hapkido for several months now and am very happy with my decision to join this school. The level of instruction is outstanding and there is a culture of helping one another to learn and grow in this martial art. I am an older student and appreciate the emphasis on safety. I feel honored to belong to such a school, it is certainly worth the investment (time and finance). read more

My 8 year old daughter has been attending Hyun's Hapkido for almost 2 years. She has had instructor Collins for her entire time at Hyun's. He is an extremely dedicated, hard working instructor who has had a major impact on my daughter. He can be tough with the kids but what I see is that they really rise to the occasion and strive for improvement which is amazing . They learn all the techniques necessary for Tae Kwon Do and work hard on forms as well as kicks and hand techniques. She is has really progressed and is learning the meaning of hard work and focus which has carried over in to other areas of her school and home life. She is also learning responsibility through daily practice and class. Part of her goal is not only to progress in obtaining belts but to actually do a great job at each class she attends. I attribute this in a large part to Instructor Collins. I would recommend this school for your kids from a health, character development and technique standpoint but need to warn you that it requires a commitment from both you and your child. My daughter attends 2-3 classes per week and practices daily. Believe me, it is worth it! read more