We welcome visitors to our meetings! If you are interested in getting started at hapkido club,
feel free to drop by. Although dues are $40 for a semester, you are welcome to practice and work out with us up
to three times to make sure you enjoy our club (which we're sure you will!). If you decide to practice with us
though, don't forget to ask for a waiver. There's no obligation, but it's required by Indiana University.
If you are around for the summer, it's only $40 for both of our summer sessions. Make checks out to IU SDC.
What to Wear
Wear comfortable exercise clothes to start. Once you've decided to join the club as a member
you'll need a uniform called a dobok. This is the traditional martial arts uniform which is probably
familiar to you, consisting of a jacket, pants and a cloth belt.
We wear black uniforms but if you already have a uniform of a different color,
you need not buy a black one right away. You may NOT mix colors. The uniform must be either all white
or all black. Black belts have the option of wearing a white top with their black uniform pants.
Ask your instructor to suggest where to buy a uniform or supplies if you need one.
T-shirts, patches and sweatshirts are available at a modest price from the club.
Club or USHF T-shirts may be worn in lieu of a uniform top during warm weather.
Club patches are available from the club treasurer and USHF patches are available from Mr. Kelly.
The club patch is worn on the left sleeve and the Federation patch is worn over the left breast.
Etiquette
We enjoy a more casual atmosphere than many martial arts clubs, but we still observe the courtesies and show proper respect.
Bow before entering and leaving the dojang (practice hall). Before the line-up you'll see people sitting around chatting or stretching and warming up.
Feel free to join them, regardless of their rank. Introduce yourself, talk with them, use the time to pick up pointers.
The instructor will call "Line up!" Classes line up in descending order of rank,
with black belts in the right side of the first row as you face front. Beside them will be red/black belts, red belts etc.
If this is your first time, or if you're not wearing your uniform, please line up after the lowest ranking member
(probably white belts) present. Face the instructor as he addresses the group and be respectful and courteously quiet. When the instructor calls Charyut come to attention. At the command Kyungye, you bow to the instructor and the instructor will bow to you.
Stretching and conditioning exercises will follow, then we practice our drills: strikes, kicks, blocks etc. Kiyap (shout) when assuming the ready stance and each time you change from right or left leading stance.
After reviewing the basic drills, the instructor will direct the class in a new technique, or an examination of a technique already known by most of the group. You'll probably be directed to find a partner of your approximate size and rank. If you're unsure what's going on, someone senior to you will be happy to partner up with you till you get a handle on things. Bow to your partner both before and after working with them. Bow to an instructor or upper rank who offers you advice and thank them.
Be respectful and considerate when working with a partner. They're on your side, try not to cause them injury. To indicate that you're in pain or that a technique is successful, lightly slap or tap your body (or your partner or the mat) several times.
Turn your back to the instructor or your partner when you adjust your uniform, whether to retie your belt or to tuck your jacket top in.
Leave your gum, your shoes, your jewelry and your attitude off the mat. Swearing and tantrums don't belong in our practice, leave them outside as well. Your behavior is an indicator of your level of mental discipline.
Safety
Safety is a responsibility which we all share. We must be conscientious about avoiding stunts, showing off, or taking unnecessary risks. Obey instructions diligently. Pay attention to what you're doing when you twist a partner's wrist, throw a kick, a punch, or twirl a weapon.
Listen to what your partner is saying, be alert for their "tapping out." Tapping you, the mat, or themselves is the traditional way of saying "The technique works." Sometimes, however, we may lock someone into a situation where they are unable to tap. Simply saying "Okay" or "Stop" or even "Ouch" will suffice in these instances.
Only you can tell when you're hurt, too tired, too ill or just simply uncomfortable with something. Declare! Tell your instructor beforehand if you're sick or injured. If something hurts . . . STOP! Stoicism and courage in the face of pain are noble attributes, but don't confuse courage with false pride. We want your relationship with the club and with martial arts to be long and enjoyable. That won't happen if you cripple yourself by ignoring injuries in an attempt to impress an instructor, a club-member, a judge or an admiring fan.
The University requires that, for any facility in use there must be a Safety Officer present. These are club members who've received training in emergency procedures. These are the people you should seek out when you or your partner is injured. If you're interested in becoming a Safety Officer yourself, ask for details.
Equipment
Kicking and punching pads and targets are provided by the club for use during practice. These are not to be removed from the club practice area and will be returned to the locked cabinet after each practice.
You are free (and encouraged) to purchase any training equipment you want for use outside the dojang. Punching bags and kicking targets are popular items
Personal protective equipment such as cups for males and chest protectors for females, padded gloves, mouth protectors and shin/knee pads are solely the responsibility of the individual. Again, ask your instructor or a fellow club member where to get the best deal on merchandise.
Weapons Training
We use rubber and wooden knives, batons and guns for practice. The club can provide these or you can obtain them yourself. We practice with ordinary walking canes and short batons as well.
Canes: The club has canes for use during sessions. You will probably want to obtain one of your own for practice outside the dojang. Any commercially available cane is suitable and they can be found at drug stores, medical suppliers and even second-hand stores. No "sword-canes" will be accepted. Nor will a cane whose head (crook) is likely to detach during training. The rubber pad at the tip should be removed for training. If you purchase a cane, ask your instructor to help you determine whether it needs to be cut to suit your height.
Batons: For training we use rattan batons 2 feet in length. The club has practice batons which are foam covered for safety.
Knives: At the Red Belt level defensive knife training is taught. At this level, the knife is incorporated into a defensive knife body movement drill. Generally club will provide a rubber knife for you to train with. At NO TIME during club hours will anyone be allowed to train with real knives!
