We are an elite martial arts school founded by Grand Master Cho, K.H., 9th degree black Belt, in 1973. We have been teaching the traditional martial arts of Chung Do Kwan Tae Kwon Do and Hap Ki Do in the Madison, Chatham, & Morristown area for more than 48 years. Today Master Brian O'Connor, a student of Grand Master Cho's for more than 34 years, continues the legacy of Grand Master Cho's timeless teachings and training.
Master O'Connor is a former United States Marine and Close Combat Instructor and was directly appointed a World Certified Master by both the World Tae Kwon Federation and the World Chung Do Kwan Federation due to his ceaseless dedication and development of martial arts throughout the world.
Master O'Connor is a former United States Marine and Close Combat Instructor and was directly appointed a World Certified Master by both the World Tae Kwon Federation and the World Chung Do Kwan Federation due to his ceaseless dedication and development of martial arts throughout the world.
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More than 2,000 years ago the indigenous people of the Korean peninsula began to develop a form of combat called Taek Kyon to defend their country from tyranny and oppression. Taek Kyon eventually evolved into what we now know as Tae Kwon Do. Tae Kwon Do is literally translated as the "The Way of the Foot and the Hand".
Hap Ki Do or the "Way Harmonizing Energy", is a traditional martial art that has its roots in both Korea and Japan. This gentle, yet powerful martial art is made up of movements that are circular and flowing in nature, making it aesthetically pleasing as well as very effective.
Hap Ki Do techniques focus on using an opponent's momentum and energy to dissipate an attack, making Hap Ki Do an ideal method of defending oneself, even against someone larger and stronger.Hap Ki Do also utilizes techniques to deal with close quarters self-defense situations, such as when someone grabs you from behind or you are pinned to the ground.
Hap Ki Do techniques focus on using an opponent's momentum and energy to dissipate an attack, making Hap Ki Do an ideal method of defending oneself, even against someone larger and stronger.Hap Ki Do also utilizes techniques to deal with close quarters self-defense situations, such as when someone grabs you from behind or you are pinned to the ground.
ASCENT Close Quarters Combat (CQC) is a specialized program designed and created by Master Brian O'Connor for students who are looking solely for an intense self-defense combat class or as a supplement to their current martial arts training.
As a former Close Combat Instructor and martial arts instructor in the United States Marine Corps, Master O'Connor relies on his extensive knowledge and experience in hand-to-hand and hand-to-weapon combat techniques to teach this innovative class.This is a program that combines martial arts techniques with close-quarters combat tactics to create an overall superior self-defense combat system.
As a former Close Combat Instructor and martial arts instructor in the United States Marine Corps, Master O'Connor relies on his extensive knowledge and experience in hand-to-hand and hand-to-weapon combat techniques to teach this innovative class.This is a program that combines martial arts techniques with close-quarters combat tactics to create an overall superior self-defense combat system.
Our Children's Classes are filled with a high and dynamic energy. They include many different challenging and exciting lessons. Through Tae Kwon Do training students will learn marital arts skills such as self-defense, kicking, punching, and blocking, while gaining confidence, discipline and respect.
If you've ever thought about taking a martial arts class, you will enjoy our Adult program here at Ascent Martial Arts. Tae Kwon Do emphasizes the kicking, punching, striking, and blocking of training where Hap Ki Do focuses on the close quarters self-defense aspect utilizing an opponents energy to apply various joint control tactics and throwing techniques.
Reviews (10)
Ryan Rauschenberger
Oct 22, 2020
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Great place. Not only teaches you great martial arts but also teaches how to improve your mind and your character (e.g. lessons of respect and meditation). The Ascent community is friendly and Master O'Connor is a charismatic, skilled, and kindhearted master. I highly recommend Ascent Martial Arts for people of all ages.
Tobias Farelo
Jul 21, 2020
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Tiffany Tocmacov
Jan 26, 2020
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I have trained here for the past (almost) eight years under Master O'Connor and it is safe to say that the school and the people in it are like family now. I have learned so much, both for my mind and body. It is an amazing environment to learn in for both children and adults, I speak from experience as over the years I have been a part of both groups and I always look forward to returning to classes. Master O'Connor is an amazing talented teacher who has managed to pass down traditional teachings and techniques to his students. He always makes sure that we work hard while still having fun. If
George Mar
Oct 15, 2019
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Our daughter has been with Master O'Connor since she was five. He is very encouraging and motivating. Great with kids and adults. There was one time where my daughter was afraid of advancing to the next belt. Master O'Connor didn't push her but instead motivated her to overcome her fear. He's been great teaching her all the disciplines of Tae Kwon Do, most importantly being respectful in life. We're glad he has been part of her childhood. Thank you! Thank you!
Mart C.
Jun 11, 2019
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Great School and community. Master O’Connor teaches honor and respect to all things but especially to ourselves and others. He is great with children and adults of all ages. When I started looking at schools to join there as one closer to home. When I went for a trial class at this other place I felt like they were interested more in the tuition than me. When I went and trialed Ascent, there was a completely different culture and sense of community. Over three years later, I am still very happy with the decision to go with Ascent.
Gary Pien
Dec 22, 2017
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Karen Delavan
Dec 18, 2017
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Phenomenal teacher, fantastic school; Ascent Martial Arts is the best. Our 3 kids started training under Master O'Connor about 12 years ago. They have become strong and skilled physically, and further, their training here has developed their self-confidence, respectful attitudes, discipline, and perseverance. Everyone loves coming to class. Master O'Connor is an amazing teacher who inspires his students to do their best.
Jeanne Zaptin Koczara
Dec 02, 2017
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My husband and son both attend this fabulous school. I recently had the chance to observe most of my son's class and could not have been more satisfied that we chose Master O'Connor's program for him. There are children with all types of abilities, and the teacher models respect for all while providing an engaging and fun environment. I know my son is learning life skills here in addition to the traditions of TKD which is a key highlight as well. Our son is practicing forms passed down for centuries and is gaining an appreciation of the Korean culture. I could rave about the program all day!
Bill Tuttle
Nov 15, 2017
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We have had our kids at Ascent Tae Kwon Do for close to nine years and it has been a spectacular experience.
As a parent you want to help your child feel competent and confident, and develop a sense of passion and purpose. Ascent has proven to provide a great atmosphere for that development to occur.
Master O’Connor communicates expectations realizing there are multiple learning styles and multiple learning techniques utilized for different types of kids.
Additionally, they excel in facilitating a positive group atmosphere. Each of his students are expected to respect and treat all other students
As a parent you want to help your child feel competent and confident, and develop a sense of passion and purpose. Ascent has proven to provide a great atmosphere for that development to occur.
Master O’Connor communicates expectations realizing there are multiple learning styles and multiple learning techniques utilized for different types of kids.
Additionally, they excel in facilitating a positive group atmosphere. Each of his students are expected to respect and treat all other students
Michael Billings
Oct 31, 2017
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