Chang's Hapkido Academy
Martial Art Instruction in London
11-15 Brad Street
London
SE1 8TN
Contact Numbers
Key Services
About
- Daytime and evening classes.
- Body and mind
Details
Chang's Hapkido Academy UK is a martial arts school based in London. We have schools across America & England and teach Wol Ge Kwan Hapkido under Grandmaster Gedo Chang. Wol Ge Kwan was formally registered with the Korea Hapkido Association in 1964.
The UK branch was founded in 1993 by head instructor Master Tammy Parlour who currently teaches Hapkido full-time at our London martial arts school. We hold sessions before work, late afternoon and in the evening. Emphasis is placed on Ki and the philosophy of Hapkido as well as becoming physically skilled.
Reviews
The best martial arts school
I cannot recommend this highly enough! I first joined Chang's Hapkido Academy when I was 15 - it was a fantastic place to get fit, meet new people and increase my confidence levels. Sadly, I had to leave when I moved out of London for University - while I was away I tried a number of other martial art schools (sulkido/tkd/judo) but that just really made me realise what I had left behind: nothing even came close to this club - the quality of instruction, the friendliness, the culture... So, the second I moved back to London I went straight back to CHA and started from scratch again as a white belt! I have been back for about 2 years now. So why join CHA...? The ethos: The class is so polite and disciplined and non-competitive. It means there's a strong emphasis on technique and personal development. All ages and abilities are welcome and everyone can get a lot out of it. I've never felt at risk of injury. The club is well-matched gender wise and completely female-friendly. The ki sessions and general life-lessons that are imparted on the way also start to have a positive impact on the rest of your life. The instructor: Saboumnim is brilliant! No where else will you get such a level of individual attention and dedication. The supporting black-belts are also fantastic. You never go a class without coming away with something new. Really inspirational. The martial art: A total mix of techniques (punches, kicks, sparring, throws, locks), never stagnating or dull, always something new to learn. The people: Everyone is so friendly, supportive and encouraging. It makes it a really easy, relaxed environment. You get to experience a range of diffierent opponents and body-types, too, which helps hone the skills! The club operates in multiple locations, all in easy reach of the city. Definitely give it a try for one or two classes to see if its for you! Pip
Philippa Harris - 20/02/2014 | report this review
Excellent martial arts school in London
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 hope I am a better person thanks to Hapkido.
Sharon Lougher - 01/12/2013 | report this review
Favourite Martial Arts in London
I started training Hapkido with instructor Tammy Parlour when I was 15. She is a kind, patient, and persistent teacher, helping beginners to develop and flourish at this efficient, effective, exotic martial art. It's also great fun, and a good workout! Classes are well organised, with both a regular structure and a range of techniques and exercises. I really enjoy the 'holistic' approach to teaching that Tammy uses, which aims to unify body and mind. I couldn't recommend it enough! Make sure you try out the 'Ki' classes as well as the Hapkido classes. Michael A., 26, Data Analyst.
Michael Ahmed - 26/11/2013 | report this review
apkido - An excellent all round martial art
I studied Karate as a child, but at the time became disillusioned with what felt like my lack of progress and the constant pushing to enter competitions even when I was not fully ready. Years later I came across Chang's Hapkido Academy and decided to give martial arts another try, and I'm glad I did. Six years later, I am still there and still enjoying it as much. For me this school has the vital element that some may lack. As well as teaching punches, kicks, joint-locks, throws, pressure points and free sparring this club promotes discipline and self development. Through Ki breathing exercises we learn to relax our bodies, let go of ego and become fully focused in the present. Not only does this improve our reactions and behaviour in the dojang, it also has a positve effect on daily life. As I gain each new belt, it's interesting to reflect back on how I've developed both mentally and physically over the period between gradings. It's a great club for both nervous novices and hardened martial artists, as both will gain something from the school. Saboumnim Parlour is a patient instructor who is firm when needed, but encourages when she knows you need that extra push. Paul Murray
Paul Murray - 16/02/2011 | report this review
Excellent Hapkido School
I%u2019ve been training at Chang%u2019s 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%u2019s 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%u2019s 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
Ricardo Pacheco - 09/02/2010 | report this review
Chang's Hapkido Academy
‘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
Paul Brooks - 04/02/2010 | report this review
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