Self-Defense Programs
The following Age-Appropriate Programs are available for study:
- The Lil’ Dragons Program (ages 3-6) is an introduction to martial arts in a basic, fun manner, reaching out to early childhood Instruction includes fundamental life skills, safety skills, basic martial arts training, and exercise.
- The Youth Programs (ages 6-12) [Youth Hapkido and TaeKwonDo] teach children respect, responsibility, honesty, self-defense, teamwork, self-discipline, academic achievement, safety, leadership, goal setting, perseverance, and other life skills that students should benefit from their entire lives!
- The Adult/Teen Programs (ages 13+) [Combat Hapkido and TaeKwonDo] It is a terrific way to learn practical self-defense, relieve stress, get in better shape, feel healthier, and make new friends!
- The Survival Centric Programs (ages 14+) [Survival Centric: Hand (Unarmed), Impact Weapons (Stick), Knife, Gun/Counter-Gun, Close Quarters Concepts (CQC), Essential Filipino Martial Arts (FMA), and Pacific Archipelago Concepts (PAC)] It is a terrific way to learn ‘seamless applications’ of all weapons and tactics in all ranges, standing, kneeling, sitting, and on the ground!
- The Kajukenbo Goldade Method Program (ages 14+) [Survival Centric: Hand (Unarmed) plus Kajukenbo specific requirements] It is a terrific way to learn and incorporate an added blend of striking, kicking, throwing, takedowns, joint locks, and weapon disarmament!
Combat Hapkido: A Modern Evolution of Practical Self-Defense
In the world of martial arts, traditions run deep—but so does the need for realism. Combat Hapkido stands out as a system designed for today’s self-defense challenges, blending classical principles with modern practicality. Developed to strip away what doesn’t work under pressure, Combat Hapkido focuses on efficiency, adaptability, and real-world application.What Is Combat Hapkido?
Combat Hapkido is a modern self-defense system derived from traditional Korean Hapkido. It was founded by John Pellegrini, who sought to refine Hapkido into a streamlined method suitable for civilians, law enforcement, and military personnel. Unlike sport-oriented martial arts, Combat Hapkido emphasizes:- Street-realistic scenarios
- Gross-motor movements under stress
- Rapid threat neutralization
- Legal and ethical use of force
Core Principles of Combat Hapkido
1. Efficiency Over Flash
Techniques are designed to end confrontations quickly. There’s no emphasis on spinning kicks or complex forms—only what works when adrenaline is high.2. Joint Manipulation & Control
Combat Hapkido is known for its devastatingly effective joint locks, pressure points, and takedowns. Control is prioritized over unnecessary injury whenever possible.3. Weapon Awareness
Training includes defense against common weapons such as knives, sticks, and improvised objects—reflecting real-world threats rather than tournament rules.4. Adaptability
Practitioners learn to flow between striking, grappling, and weapon defense depending on the situation, environment, and level of threat.How Combat Hapkido Differs from Traditional Hapkido
| Traditional Hapkido | Combat Hapkido |
|---|---|
| Circular, formal techniques | Streamlined, direct techniques |
| Emphasis on tradition and forms | Emphasis on real-world scenarios |
| Complex movement patterns | Simple gross-motor actions |
| Less focus on modern weapons | Strong weapon-defense integration |
Who Is Combat Hapkido For?
Combat Hapkido is especially well-suited for:- Adults seeking practical self-defense
- Law enforcement and security professionals
- Military personnel
- Martial artists looking to cross-train
- Beginners intimidated by flashy or athletic styles
Final Thoughts
Combat Hapkido represents a no-nonsense approach to self-defense in an unpredictable world. By blending the wisdom of traditional Hapkido with modern combative science, it delivers a system that is accessible, effective, and brutally honest about violence and personal protection. If your goal is survival over style, Combat Hapkido is worth serious consideration.Taekwondo with the Independent Taekwondo Association: Tradition, Independence, and Practical Skill
Taekwondo is one of the world’s most recognizable martial arts—but not all Taekwondo is practiced the same way. Within the Independent Taekwondo Association (ITA), Taekwondo is preserved as a complete martial art: traditional, effective, and free from the limitations of sport-only rule sets.
The ITA approach emphasizes balance—between discipline and realism, tradition and adaptability, art and application.
What Is the Independent Taekwondo Association?
The Independent Taekwondo Association is dedicated to maintaining the technical and philosophical roots of Taekwondo while allowing instructors the freedom to teach without political interference or excessive sport governance.
Rather than chasing medals or trends, the ITA focuses on:
- High technical standards
- Instructor integrity and independence
- Practical self-defense alongside traditional training
- Personal development through martial discipline
This independence allows schools to tailor training to real students—not just competition formats.
The ITA Taekwondo Philosophy
1. Traditional Foundations
Students train in classical Taekwondo fundamentals:
- Strong stances and precise striking
- Formal patterns (tul/poomsae)
- Etiquette, respect, and discipline
These elements preserve Taekwondo’s Korean heritage while developing focus and body control.
2. Practical Self-Defense
Unlike sport-centered systems, ITA Taekwondo includes hosinsul—realistic self-defense techniques such as:
- Releases from grabs and holds
- Joint locks and control techniques
- Defense against common attacks
This ensures students understand how Taekwondo applies beyond the dojang.
3. Balanced Sparring
Sparring within the ITA is treated as a training tool, not the end goal. Students develop:
- Timing and distancing
- Controlled contact
- Adaptability under pressure
Competition may exist, but it never replaces comprehensive martial development.
Ranking and Progression
ITA Taekwondo emphasizes earned rank, not fast promotion. Advancement is based on:
- Technical proficiency
- Understanding of principles
- Consistency and attitude
- Application of techniques
Black belt is viewed as a beginning, not a finish line, a foundation for deeper learning and leadership.
How ITA Taekwondo Differs from Sport-Focused Systems
| Sport-Oriented Taekwondo | ITA Taekwondo |
|---|---|
| Competition-first | Martial art first |
| Narrow rule sets | Broad technical training |
| Emphasis on scoring | Emphasis on effectiveness |
| Centralized control | Instructor independence |
This approach appeals to students seeking depth, realism, and authenticity.
Who Is ITA Taekwondo For?
Independent Taekwondo Association training is ideal for:
- Students wanting traditional martial arts values
- Practitioners interested in self-defense, not just sport
- Instructors seeking autonomy and integrity
- Adults and children looking for disciplined, structured growth
Whether your goal is confidence, fitness, self-protection, or lifelong study, ITA Taekwondo offers a well-rounded path.
Final Thoughts
Taekwondo within the Independent Taekwondo Association stands as a reminder that martial arts are about more than trophies and titles. Through independence, tradition, and practical application, the ITA preserves Taekwondo as it was meant to be, a system for developing both skill and character.
For those seeking Taekwondo without compromise, the Independent Taekwondo Association represents a return to what truly matters.
Hock Hochheim’s Survival Centric: Reality-Based Self-Defense Without Illusions
When it comes to real-world violence, assumptions can get you hurt—or worse. Survival Centric, created by Hock Hochheim, is a reality-based self-defense system built on one uncompromising idea: survival comes before style, tradition, or sport. This system strips away fantasy and replaces it with hard-earned experience, stress-tested tactics, and brutally honest training methods.What Is Survival Centric?
Survival Centric is a modern self-defense and combatives methodology designed for civilians, law enforcement, and military personnel. It focuses on preparing practitioners for chaotic, high-stress encounters where rules don’t exist and consequences are real. Rather than teaching idealized techniques, Survival Centric trains people to function under:- Sudden violence
- Adrenaline overload
- Environmental constraints
- Legal and ethical realities
Core Principles of Survival Centric
1. Simplicity Under Stress
Complex techniques fail when fear and adrenaline spike. Survival Centric emphasizes:- Gross-motor movements
- Natural reactions
- Easily repeatable actions
2. Context Is Everything
Survival Centric training accounts for:- Multiple attackers
- Confined spaces
- Uneven terrain
- Surprise assaults
3. Weapon Awareness and Defense
A major component of Survival Centric is dealing with weapons commonly encountered in street violence, including:- Knives and edged weapons
- Impact weapons
- Improvised tools
4. Mindset Over Technique
Survival Centric places heavy emphasis on:- Pre-incident awareness
- Decision-making under pressure
- Legal aftermath considerations
Training Methodology
Survival Centric training is deliberately pressure-based. Drills often include:- Resistance and unpredictability
- Verbal aggression and distractions
- Fatigue and stress inoculation
How Survival Centric Differs from Traditional Martial Arts
| Traditional Martial Arts | Survival Centric |
|---|---|
| Formal techniques and patterns | Adaptive, situational responses |
| Cooperative training | Resistance-based drills |
| Rank-focused progression | Skill-focused survival readiness |
| Ideal conditions | Worst-case scenarios |
Who Is Survival Centric For?
Survival Centric is especially valuable for:- Adults seeking realistic self-defense
- Law enforcement and security professionals
- Military personnel
- Martial artists wanting practical cross-training
- Anyone concerned with personal safety in real environments
Final Thoughts
Hock Hochheim’s Survival Centric stands as a blunt reminder that violence is chaotic, unfair, and fast. By focusing on realism, mindset, and simplicity, the system prepares people not for tournaments or demonstrations—but for survival when everything goes wrong. For those who value honesty over tradition and effectiveness over appearance, Survival Centric delivers exactly what it promises.Kajukenbo – The Goldade Method: Evolution Without Compromise
Few martial arts wear realism as boldly as Kajukenbo. Born in Hawaii as a response to real street violence, Kajukenbo has always been about effectiveness over elegance. The Goldade Method carries that legacy forward—refined, pressure-tested, and unapologetically practical. This approach preserves Kajukenbo’s combative roots while evolving training methods for modern self-defense realities.What Is the Kajukenbo Goldade Method?
The Kajukenbo Goldade Method is a progressive interpretation of traditional Kajukenbo developed by Al Tracy and Malia Tracy. While grounded firmly in Kajukenbo’s original principles, the Goldade Method emphasizes adaptability, simplicity, and functional skill under pressure. Rather than being locked into rigid technique lists, the system encourages practitioners to understand why techniques work—and how to apply them dynamically.The Roots of Kajukenbo
Kajukenbo itself is a hybrid system, its name drawn from its core influences:- KA – Karate
- JU – Judo & Jujutsu
- KEN – Kenpo
- BO – Boxing
Core Principles of the Goldade Method
1. Functional Integration
Striking, clinching, takedowns, and ground survival are trained as interconnected skills—not separate categories. Practitioners learn to flow naturally between ranges as situations change.2. Pressure-Based Training
Techniques are tested against resistance, stress, and unpredictability. Cooperative drills are a starting point, not the destination.3. Adaptability Over Memorization
Rather than memorizing fixed responses, students develop:- Timing and positioning
- Structural balance and leverage
- Decision-making under pressure
4. Street-Oriented Mindset
The Goldade Method maintains Kajukenbo’s street-defense focus, addressing:- Multiple attackers
- Environmental hazards
- Surprise and ambush scenarios
- Legal and ethical considerations
Training Progression and Rank
Rank within the Goldade Method is based on performance and understanding, not time served. Advancement reflects:- Technical competence
- Ability to apply skills under pressure
- Consistent training mindset
- Respect for Kajukenbo’s combative heritage
How the Goldade Method Differs from Traditional Kajukenbo
| Traditional Kajukenbo | Goldade Method |
|---|---|
| Fixed technique sequences | Principle-driven application |
| Emphasis on classical drills | Emphasis on pressure testing |
| Structured responses | Adaptive problem-solving |
| Historical focus | Living, evolving system |
Who Is the Goldade Method For?
Kajukenbo – Goldade Method is well-suited for:- Adults seeking realistic self-defense
- Martial artists looking to pressure-test skills
- Practitioners interested in hybrid combat systems
- Students who value practicality over aesthetics
