About The Institute


The Hapkido Tae Kwon Do Institute moved in September 2007 to a larger location in Kingston, PA. The new facilities are easily accessible, feature larger training, sparring and observation areas, and include an on-site store featuring various merchandise, apparel, training equipment and videos.

There are several different types of self-defense taught at the Institute. The base curriculum is a blend of two forms of traditional Korean martial arts which can trace their roots back over 5000 years. These 2 styles, Hapkido and Tae Kwon Do, are taught together for a balanced blend of techniques. You can learn more about their specific strengths below.

This unique blend of styles, called "Taehap" for short, is based on the traditional format of these ancient fighting arts and has been preserved at the Institute, where a structured curriculum can take your training from a white belt beginner to a 4th degree Master level of proficiency.

In addition, specialized self-defense classes called "Kwon Ko Do" are taught. These are classic self-defense techniques that have been updated to reflect modern times. These modernized, accellerated self-defense classes are taught to the general public via courses that run approximately 10 weeks each. There are 3 levels of instruction - Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced.

We also offer 1/2 day self-defense seminars that are geared specifically to children, women and the elderly. These seminars are taught at various times throughout the year. Check our online calendar for the most up-to-date information on classes, seminars, events, and demonstrations.

If your organization would like to schedule a demonstration, please send an email to instructorpete@htkdi.com or call the Institute at 570-287-4290.

The Institute has recently added self-defense video training using DVDs that serve as personal guides for our students or for anyone interested in learning how to defend themselves. They are perfect for someone who does not have a lot of time to devote to training, or who wishes to learn from the comfort and convenience of their home. These DVDs are sold here on our site along with other items in our online store. We cater to all ages and skill levels. In addtion, we will shortly be offering distance learning programs via the Internet using the latest in IP-based video camera technology. Look for a link on our web site shortly where you will be able to look in on a class as it is being taught and learn from the comfort of your home or office.

Master Vince Sperduto currently holds a 7th degree black belt in Hapkido and a 4th degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do. The school has been located in Northeast Pennsylvania for over 25 years and is a founding member of The North American Hapkido Taekwondo Federation.

Senior Instructor, Pete Canavan - 3rd Dan has studied martial arts for over 24 years, and has trained at the Institute since 1996.

With classes 6 days a week, we're sure you can find the time to train at the Institute. We look forward to meeting you, and invite you to observe a class anytime - no prior arrangements are necessary - just stop by! Check our online schedule for days and times.

Click here for a HTKDI brochure

HAPKIDO
Hapkido is a "soft" style martial art that can trace it's roots back over 2000 years to the highly specialized Hwa Rang warriors in the Silla Kingdom of ancient Korea. These young warriors also adhered to strict moral conduct much like the later Samurai warriors of Japan, which is partially why many of the tenets of Korean martial arts also stress Discipline, Fortitude, Respect, Courage, Persistance Confidence, and Honor.

This martial art is very practical as well as battle-tested, and is geared towards self-defense methods such as joint locks, immobilization techniques and throws. It is known as the "gentle art of self-defense" because it is a counter-attack technique of self defense based on understanding the biological kinetics of the human body. Therefore the fast and slow movements of the body, blood flow and breathing, are the foundation upon which a mind-boggling three thousand seven hundred (3700) techniques were developed.

As you start learning these techniques you will become aware of the numerous vital points (pressure points) in the body, enabling you to quickly find them in your opponent and utilize his force of attack to your advantage to counter-attack. By applying one decisive blow to an unguarded vital point you can immediately render an attacker helplessly immobile.

The most important fact is that its techniques enable you to knock the opponent down using a minimum amount of your own force, because you are making use of your opponent's force.

This form of martial art is suitable for both young and old, fit and unfit, as well as women, elderly or physically weak since it does not rely on being strong or fit. Technique is more important than strength in Hapkido.

TAE KWON DO FOR ADULTS
Physical conditioning, self-discipline and confidence are goals for students practicing Tae Kwon Do. Instructors attempt to recognize the student's individual goals and conduct classes to meet them. Classes of different levels of difficulty are offered to satisfy the progressing student. It must be realized that many goals may not be achieved overnight. Students must learn persistance and determination.

Tae Kwon Do is an excellent way to keep physically fit. As machine parts need oil to keep functioning, body muscles need excercise. Tae Kwon Do builds and creates more energy in the body. Students develop both physically and mentally, becoming more satisfied with their lives. Their extra energy and confidence leads them to participate in training and life in general with more enthusiasm.

Martial arts are a highly effective method of mental and physical training. Through them one learns the nature of offense and defense - punching, kicking, foot sweeps, throwing, falling, grappling, joint locking, choking, and weapons techniques.

One purpose of training is to teach the student self-discipline. Once this is learned, the student will use his knowledge and skills only in a life threatening situation. Tae Kwon Do is a way of life, rather than a sport or pastime.

Are you in good physical and mental condition? Do you want to be? With practice in Tae Kwon Do you can take off excess weight and enjoy yourself in the process. General physical well being is accomplished through body conditioning and breathing techniques. Not only will you gain poise, but you will learn self-defense and gain confidence.

TAE KWON DO FOR CHILDREN
An article in the New York Times about sports for children recently stated that they should learn to survive in the water (swimming) and on land (self-defense). Tae Kwon Do is one of the most effective activities for self-defense, coordination, physical strength, confidence and development of the competitive spirit. No child should grow up without it.

There are eight major skills our instructors focus on when training children ages five to eight, those skills are: focus, teamwork, control, balance, memory, discipline, fitness and coordination.

Specific classes just for children are held 3 days each week to address the additional attention young children need. There are usually 2 instructors during children's classes to help maximize their training time

KWON KO DO FOR WOMEN

Did you know that in every minute of every day...

- 9 people are assaulted
- 7 homes are buglarized
- 2 cars are stolen
- 1 person is robbed

How can you protect yourself? Learn self-defense!


Women can be targets - don't be a victim! With our unique Kwon Ko Do Self-defense program, we dispense with all the formalities and get right down to business. If you don't have the time for our traditional classes, check out this accellerated program that will train you on specific techniques that will curb a wide variety of potential threats to you or your family's safety.

This class is taught with (2) instructors, ensuring that YOU get the instruction you need to survive a threat to your safety and well-being. This (10) week course is designed to get you comfortable with an array of highly effective techniques that can be used to counter the majority of bodily attacks including defenses against chokes, grabs, strikes, kicks and more! Don't live nearby? Not a problem - you can now purchase our Kwon Ko Do Classic Self-defense for Modern Times on DVD here.