신무합기도 Sin Moo Hapkido

Safety first. All sharp-edged weapons (except for instructional weapons specifically utilized in training) and firearms are prohibited on the premises. Students participating in open carry or with a concealed carry permit must surrender their firearm upon arrival. On-duty law enforcement officers, whether state or federal, must take responsibility to ensure that no other person comes in contact with a firearm or with live ammunition.

Respect. Martial arts have their origin in military operations and by nature require their warriors to maintain respect for their leaders and everyone within their chain of command in order to function properly. Whether your reason to study martial arts is based on defending your nation, community, family or just yourself, students are required to maintain respect towards instructors and your seniors at all times. Respect yourself.

Exercise. The first part of each class begins with flexibility and aerobic exercises specifically designed to instruct, facilitate and execute martial art movements while reducing the risk of injury and eventually, sickness and disease. Aerobic exercise dramatically diminishes the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and both high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels within the body. A greater flexibility and balance lessens the possibility of accidental falling, which is especially a concern amongst the elderly.

Techniques. Hapkido utilizes both hard （ 硬 ） and soft （ 柔 ） techniques for both offensive and defensive applications. Practioners of hapkido wield an extensive array of punching and kicking techniques to overcome an attacker while applying holds, joint locks, throws, re-direction, blocks, pressure points, weapons, and energy flow techniques. Sin Moo Hapkido, the way of using martial arts to harmonize the mind and body to reach a higher more enlightened state of existence, incorporates a philosophy of non-violence, self-improvement, and adaptability.

Weapons. The agressive use of a weapon exponentially escalates any potential conflict. Sin Moo Hapkido utilizes both life-giving （ 活人剣 ） and death-dealing （ 殺人刀 ） techniques to neutralize armed attackers through the use of nunchaku （ 쌍절곤 ） the short stick （ 단봉 ）, medium stick （ 중봉 ）, long staff （ 장봉 ）, the sword （ 검 ）, cane（ 지팡이 ）, handkerchief, long-belt/ scarf, thrown weapons, and adapting everyday objects to use as weapons.

Meditation. The core principles of Sin Moo Hapkido are circular motion（ 圓 ）, the water principle （ 流 ）, and harmony（ 和 ）. Maintaining a physical, emotional and spiritual balance begins with introspection and expands towards situational awarness. Instead of standing around comparing yourself to other people, look inwards and improve yourself. Just imagine what a growing rice plant would say if it could talk to you. Take the time to reflect. Harmonize: （ 和谐 ）.