I'm updating my prior post, as some folks asked me about the acronyms. BJJ - Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. A Judo-derived style (via Mitsuyo Maeda) emphasizing ground grappling. Pioneered by the Gracie family. (Arguably influenced by CACC, though given the paucity of lower-body locks prior to John Danaher's contributions, this seems apocryphal.) Ground-level combat is emphasized in HKD to the extent that we'd like to get vertical as quickly as possible if dropped in a self-defense situation. We're sport to learn new tricks, but our aim really isn't to roll with BJJ assassins. CACC - Catch-as-catch-can wrestling. A submission grappling style epitomized by Farmer Burns, Frank Gotch, Billy Robinson, Yoshiaki Fujiwara, etc. It boasts a rich repertoire of super-nasty "hooks" that work great for finishing a thrown opponent in HKD. HKD - Hapkido. The way of coordinated power. A hybrid Korean style whose schools operate in a loosely coordinated, federated manner, consistent with the "water principle" (i.e., that polymorphism and adaptability to differing circumstances are desirable). Other basic principles include non-resistance to force (redirect/ leverage it instead) and circular motion (many techniques have a spherical aspect). I find the philosophical consonance of HKD with Bruce Lee's Jeet Kune Do remarkable, though perhaps unsurprising given Lee's connection with the renown Hapkidoist, Dojunim Ji Han-Jae? JJJ - Japanese Jujutsu. Jigoro Kano carved out a subset of JJJ, "nerfed" it (theoretically!) for competition among school-age youth, and in the process introduced the Olympic sport of Judo. Judokas will immediately recognize certain takedowns, joint locks and chokes used in HKD. Some of the more painful HKD locks probably originate from daito-ryu aiki-jujutsu, a JJJ lineage from which Morihei Ueshiba's Aikido was derived. (On the basis of a perfunctory reading of the Westbrook-Ratti text and some online video surfing, I fail to see terribly much correlation between Aikido and HKD, despite certain claims to the contrary.) TKD - Taekwondo. The foot fist way, an Olympic sport, and a beautiful fusion/ evolution of Taekkyeon, Gichin Funakoshi's Shotokan Karate, Tang Soo Do, etc. Aside from extrinsic weapons, TKD's kicking techniques provide the longest-range attacks used in HKD. A substantial difference is, similar to Kyokushin Karate and Muay Thai, HKD encourages strikes to the legs. Similarly, HKD's fist fighting comes more from a Western Boxing angle than from the hand strikes used by TKD. To re-emphasize my earlier point, I thoroughly enjoy training in GM Kim's Hapkido formulation, which impresses me as a modern-day Pankration of sorts. HKD is akin to the Borg in Star Trek, continuously assimilating what's useful and jettisoning the residual. I've recently begun cross training in TKD with GM Kim (World Taekwondo/ Kukkiwon provides an interesting counterpoint to the Tang Soo Do-like Chung Do Kwan/ ITF variant I grew up with) and this has really helped to clean up my striking skills in HKD and get my aerobic capacity back to something respectable. read more

I now own my own martial arts school, but I studied here and became a school owner because of GM Kim's encouragement. For that, I'm very grateful. If you're interested in Taekwondo, this is a wonderful place to study. GM Kim is supportive, kind, and works hard to do well for his people. There are people that have reviewed this school negatively and I think this is unfair. When I saw his low score, it bothered me. While I no longer use the company they used to handle membership agreements because I didn't like the way they represented my business, the buyer in these cases seem to sign things that they don't bother reading or take seriously. Martial arts schools have membership agreements because they are businesses. As much as school owners want to focus on the students, they can only do that if they're paid appropriately. If you can't commit longterm, then don't sign up for a longterm membership. If you treat your martial arts school like a Disney+ account, then you don't understand the nature of the community and support structure that a martial arts school can offer. Sign up for the membership length you can handle and see it through. Don't let the haters dissuade you. If you want to do TKD, this is a good place. Just read what you sign and see it through. Anything with having in life takes commitment. I hope this review is helpful. read more

The one-star reviews on here appear to all have a similar theme: someone signed a long-term contract and changed their mind (for whatever reason), and then got upset they couldn't cancel. There are multiple plans offered when you sign up, some are short and some are longer. The longer plans will save you money in the long run, but it also means you're committed to the program longer. This is like someone signing up for a 2-year cell phone plan, getting a free phone, and then getting upset they can't just cancel the plan and keep the phone. The good news is I believe they offer the first lesson (maybe even the first month) free! This is a great opportunity to check out a class and find a training program that works for you. Korean Martial Arts is a fantastic martial arts training center. It is very clear Master Kim cares about his students' success as well as their overall health. Highly recommended if you are considering learning something new (and no, I'm not getting paid to write this)! read more

I have 2 young elementary age children that started Taekwondo with Grandmaster Kim this summer and attend classes three times a week. Grandmaster Kim and Master Bill are great with the students of all ages in the classes. They have done a great job encouraging and building confidence in my eldest, while consistently building skills of persistence and order in my youngest. Grandmaster Kim perfectly balances providing routine and discipline while also making it fun. He provides constructive criticism in a way that shows my kids how they can improve their forms and techniques without making them feel bad. Grandmaster Kim allows you to attend any of the classes that are at the correct level, on any day and time offered; this provides much greater flexibility for when other school or family related activities come up. I have greatly enjoyed watching my kids' skills improve in this fun, safe environment. read more

Korean Martial Arts is an outstanding Tae Kwon Do dojang to learn traditional Martial arts! I have trained here for a little over a year and it is simply a wonderful place to go if you are looking to grow and develop in Tae Kwon Do. Hapkido classes are also offered as well so there is something for the entire family and all age levels. It's simply a fun and engaging environment for all levels from a world class Grandmaster! read more

I am 60 years old and three belts from my black belt. I wish I would have did this years ago. Hapkido is a wonderful defense for me. Instructors are outstanding. I participate in other things like boxing, and horse back riding. I highly recommend the Korean Martial Arts in Gaithersburg though. Again, Outstandig. Mrs. Bryant read more

I have just started taking the classes here and so far it's really been a lot of fun and I have been improving and for only having joined maybe a month ago I have already gotten a belt and I'm advancing towards a new one, I really recommend coming here, the scheduling is really good and so are the teachers and the students. read more

I started taking classes a little over a year ago. Being a fan of TaeKwonDo, I had always been interested in trying it out, and I wasn't disappointed. It is a great place to learn the very art of martial arts. The students, from toddlers to adults, learn from Master Kim to perfect forms and sparring. read more

This is the best place to take young children and older adults. Master Kim is a great instructor. The studio is very nice with plenty of room. 3 types of martial arts are offered. Tae Kwon Do, Hapkido, and Kumdo. They even have free intro classes. read more

I've been at the KMA location in Frederick for over 4 years. Master Kim is a great instructor and has worked with me and my son to help us progress. I'd recommend it to anyone. read more