Welcome to Chang's Hapkido Academy UK - a London martial arts school teaching traditional Wol Ge Kwan style Hapkido in the UK since 1993. Our classes are mixed ability and beginners are very welcome. Master Parlour teaches all sessions ensuring students receive quality and consistent instruction no matter which time you attend.
If you know little about martial arts, choosing the right one can be rather daunting. Please don't hesitate to drop in during a Hapkido session or contact us directly for more information and/or arrange your free taster class.
If you know little about martial arts, choosing the right one can be rather daunting. Please don't hesitate to drop in during a Hapkido session or contact us directly for more information and/or arrange your free taster class.
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Unlike most martial arts, Hapkido is a complete system teaching kicks, punches, pressure point techniques, throws, joint locks, weapons, free fighting, ki and meditation. Many other martial arts are "hard" - they rely on physical power and are offense oriented. Hapkido is "soft" and defensive, emphasizing throws, twists and pressure point techniques.
I started training under first generation Hapkido Grandmaster Gedo Chang when I was 13 and have remained a student of his for almost 40 years. I set up Chang's Hapkido Academy UK in the early 90s and run our London school. Aside from the enjoyment I get from being physically active, one thing that draws me to Hapkido is the constant learning it provides.
Wol Ge Kwan was formally registered with the Korea Hapkido Assn by Grandmaster Chang in 1964. Our UK school was founded in 1993 by Master Tammy Parlour. In the United Kingdom we are also affiliated/insured by NAKMAS martial arts governing body. Classes are rigorous and have a traditional focus on mastering the basics as the foundation for developing advanced technique.
If you'd like to know more about learning the traditional martial art of Hapkido in London, come and see us, give us a call, or send us an email. Most people like to watch a class before signing up, and you would be welcome at any of our advertised sessions. You're also welcome to have a free taster session - but please book this with us in advance.
Access to members only section of website (new student pack, downloads, Hapkido Times subscription, social events, etc.). Dues are paid monthly, however this equates to between 4 and 11 per class depending on the option chosen. The more you come, the less it costs. Classes are scheduled regularly throughout the year; students choose the most appropriate payment/attendance plan to suit their circumstances, and pay by standing order.
Reviews (9)
Paul Richie
Aug 28, 2021
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Karen Barrett
Jul 18, 2016
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If you're looking for something in life but you don't know what, this is probably it. For fitness, for self defence, for calming your mind, for meeting genuine, lovely people, for unrivalled tuition and for a guaranteed smile on your face that lasts longer every time you train; give CHA a try... You will love it!
Paul Murray
Feb 05, 2016
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Tim Allard
Jan 26, 2016
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I've been coming to Chang's Hapkido for around 12 years now and have found it a great way to keep fit, learn new skills and make new friends from a wide variety of backgrounds. There is a real positive vibe in the club and the instructor (or Sabhoumnim) has not only a natural gift for correcting techniques but endless patience and optimism in her students. Members are friendly and supportive and egos are left at the door. I would highly recommend checking out the club for a free trial.
Aurimas Ramanauskas
Jan 25, 2016
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Tristan McMillan
Jul 20, 2015
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If you're looking for an activity to get fit and learn some useful physical and mental skills I can highly recommend Hapkido (easiest way to describe it is a combination of Taekwondo and Aikido).
I practice here and another location 4 or 5 times a week, both are <5 mins walk from Southwark tube. Master Parlour teaches 7 training sessions throughout the week and 3 Ki meditation sessions (which I'd describe as meditation through movement/stretching followed by traditional meditation). I do my first (double) grading in a couple of weeks and hope to achieve yellow belt green tag!
I practice here and another location 4 or 5 times a week, both are <5 mins walk from Southwark tube. Master Parlour teaches 7 training sessions throughout the week and 3 Ki meditation sessions (which I'd describe as meditation through movement/stretching followed by traditional meditation). I do my first (double) grading in a couple of weeks and hope to achieve yellow belt green tag!
Alliumbulb
Jun 30, 2015
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Martial Arts is not just about physical fitness, being clever and efficient, it's also about a way of life. If you desire to combine your life energy with real physical skills, then Hapkido is definitely for you.
I have been practicing for 3 years now - relax, focus, move like wind and you can conquer whatever is ahead of you - it may or may not lead you to the highest level of spirituality and fitness, it depends on how much effort you put in. The general (don't want to generalise) rule of thumb is 10000 hours, so prepare to spend that much time from white to red before entering the realm of
I have been practicing for 3 years now - relax, focus, move like wind and you can conquer whatever is ahead of you - it may or may not lead you to the highest level of spirituality and fitness, it depends on how much effort you put in. The general (don't want to generalise) rule of thumb is 10000 hours, so prepare to spend that much time from white to red before entering the realm of
Pippi Longstockings
Sep 30, 2014
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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
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
Robert K.
Mar 11, 2012
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I only attended one introductory class at Chang's Hapkido in Lombard, around 1993, when I was living in Lombard. I was very impressed by Master Chang, who was teaching at the Lombard school at that time - his kindness and obvious concern for his students. They put me through one of the most intense workouts I've ever had, and I wanted to return, because I could tell it was a good martial arts school. Unfortunately, the apartment I was living in at the time was too expensive, so I had to move, which nixed my plans. I still hope to return to Chang's Hapkido in the future.
