Dohyun International Hapkido
Universal City
(15)
Universal City
(15)
15 customer reviews
Nori N.
I used to go to Grandmaster Ho Jin Songs from 1988-1996 LOVED the class and Grand master Songs teachings. I strongly recommend his studio, he has taught me much more than self defense, definitely consider his schools if you are looking toEnroll in martial arts for your self or child!!!Great job Master Song!
Reviewed on Yelp
Min Song
Real deal hapkido with plenty of seniors/masters to help teach you and a grandmaster with an amazing history and talent.
Reviewed on Google Maps
Gabriel G.
How has my life changed in the past two years, since joining Song's Hapkido? (What skills have I inherited?)1.) Confidence/Composure: Maintaining a calm demeanor in a high-stress environment. Small situations to large, whether dealing with aggressive children or drunks, it has gotten so much easier for me to stay focused on the matter at hand, rather than panicking and acting out of fear. My master once told me that high-stress situations suppress an individual's IQ. Being prepared for a high-stress situation has made it second-nature and eliminated surprises. Additionally, a calm demeanor during a high-pressure event helps your peers remain calm.2.) Efficiency: Ability to employ training and act immediately, as opposed to freezing up. Performing agility drills, sparring, and escape tactics help prepare you with the mindset of someone who is playing a game competitively, instead of becoming overwhelmed with what seems to be impossible at that moment. 3.) Training: LEARN HOW TO FIGHT FROM DAY 1! Knowing where/how to strike (vulnerable tendons/arteries), based on an opponent's position or what weapons they may have and finishing them off QUICKLY! Also, when should I fight, when should I run? Know how to react to whatever's thrown at you. Â What if your opponent is petite and fast, or large and fast, or average sized but holding a dagger? You should be used to the common tells of all of these types - the only way to do that is to practice with them and on a consistent basis. P.S. There's no kata!4.) Endurance/Bullies: remembering to breathe. "You don't have to run faster than the lion, you just have to run faster than the person running next to you." Unlike lions, aggressors are biased. Their preferences are specific, not random. Most aggressors are looking for an easy target. DON'T BE ONE! Learning just a few of these techniques will prepare you with solid skills to fight smarter and foresee bad situations for the rest of your life. 5.) Deceit: throwing an aggressor off by seeming small or naive, leads the aggressor to leaving their guard down, thus exposing more vulnerable areas: groin, throat, eyes! Also, learn how to give the impression of an attack to the face, with the intention of attacking to the groin - Learn how to diverting attention and block vision, while controlling breath and kicking 'em where it hurts. 6.) Equilibrium: enhanced balance and the ability to attack just as well with your left as you can with your right. How long can you stand on one leg with the other out at a 90 degree angle? Most people can't do this, but you have to figure out what you CAN do effectively!7.) Teaching: you learn a tremendous deal when you teach. Not to mention, giving back is rewarding in a way one could not imagine. This makes an individual more accountable and thus, smarter in the methods utilized to prepare themselves in future training. 8.) Respect: appreciation for authority and those that protect us in society. Appreciation for your elders and inheriting the understanding for those that have lost abilities they once had. Admiration for those that work hard for what they want and know what they want! 9.) Acting Smart vs. Acting Proud- One of the best tools I've personally inherited, has been my ability to diffuse a situation with words before tension has risen. I fail to think of a way that this could have been possible if I hadn't been trained in Hapkido. You're never too old, too fat, too small or too short...but you can also never be too prepared. My Grandmaster was a Korean presidential guard, in the Korean Marine Corps, and lead the Korean Special Forces Tae Kwon Do team, undefeated, during the 5 years that he served. He was then in the U.S. Marine Corps. He's 74 years old, weighs no more than 145 lbs. and can lift and toss me off his back with a smile on his face. 10.) Why are Blackbelts regarded so highly? There is a preconcieved notion, associated with the character traits of a blackbelt. Even those who have never taken a self-defense course in their lives, somehow, have the understanding that one cannot become a blackbelt over-night. Hard-work, self-determination, knowing one's strengths and weaknesses, the list goes on. Long story short, this is someone who is percieved as punctual, determined, respectful, and reliable. Why else does being a blackbelt look good on college transcripts and job applications? Â Â This Burbank location is Grandmaster Song's Flagship Studio, where he personally teaches. Learn the secrets of Korean military training strategies. Great for kids, great for adults, great for morning people and great for evening people. Classes on weekdays and the weekend. Expect to sweat, gain flexibility, become a part of Burbank's wonderful community and discover the responsibilities of inheriting a BLACKBELT!Check out this video of Grandmaster as a guest on the TV show, 'Deadliest Warrior', to see some of the tricks you'll learn at Song's Hapkido.vimeo.com/28547128 More...
Reviewed on Yelp
Ron B.
There are few instances in any lifetime, to learn ANYTHING directly from a Grandmaster. Â This particular location at this point in time is one such rare opportunity. Â Legendary Grandmaster Ho Jin Song, descendant to a line of Korean Grandmasters, teaches the ancient marital art of Hapkido the way the bodyguards of Korea's old kings practiced it. Â Very little in the world of martial arts compares. Â It is the loosest, most fluid, and most nuanced of the martial disciplines. Â While I already earned a black belt at this studio myself, I can honestly admit I'm only scratching the surface. Â A life altering hobby recommended to anyone, at any age, of any health. More...
Reviewed on Yelp
Amy Tracy
Awesome! :D This is W
Reviewed on Google Maps
Edwin S.
As someone else said , he is like Mr Miagi from Karate Kid. He is compassionate , understanding, and a father figure. He has the most amazing backround, check out his site! songsdohyunhapkido.comHe even came out in the show Deadliest Warrior! More...
Reviewed on Yelp
Shari R.
Let me start by saying that my ENTIRE family (both parents and both kids) study here, and have been for the last ...4 years. Â Not only is this a VERY reasonably priced school (we researched ALOT before we came here), but the training here by Grand Master Ho Jin Song and the instructors is invaluable! Â Not only do you get top notch instruction, but the studio is a real family. Â No matter how old or young you are you can learn the art of Hapkido. Â It's a wonderful atmosphere to be in, and learn in. Â There are expectations, discipline, and LOTS of encouragement. Â I would HIGHLY recommend it to any and everyone!!! More...
Reviewed on Yelp
Martin S.
You have to try it's like having a new family and master Song is our father and in this day and age you never know if and when you will have to defend your self hopefully never and master Song will have you walking with confidence.
Reviewed on Yelp
Frank C.
I trained with grandmaster song for 4 years. One of the best. Taught me so much, also made a lot of good friends
Reviewed on Yelp
Chris L.
Grandmaster Song is the greatest martial arts teacher I've ever had. Â He is patient, kind, funny, and really knows his stuff. Â I have a 2nd degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do, and I feel like I've learned more in the last few years w/Grandmaster Song than I have in all my previous years combined.He's great with kids and adults alike, and unlike most masters, he actually teaches class himself, often joining in to help teach techniques mid class.He's great! More...
Reviewed on Yelp
Lana S.
I have 2 daughters ages 9 & 5 and have been searching for some time for a martial arts school that can teach them to be confident, respectful and most important to be able to defend themselves should they ever have to. Â I came across Song's Hapkido Studio and was intrigued. Â Grandmaster Song has a very good-natured approach to teaching children and was able to get my girls to open up in just the first week of training. Â Best of all, my girls don't ask to be in a class with more "girls" any longer. Â They are treated equal to the boys and are expected to perform to the best of their abilities. Â They feel truly empowered and leave each class feeling more and more confident. Â They can't wait to practice and return for another class. Â What I like about the studio too is that Grandmaster Song welcomes other teachers and other black belt students to teach and assist in the classes which brings a slightly different approach and personality to each of the week's classes. Â The kids never feel bored and it's a great workout for them. Â I am truly happy with Grandmaster Song and the progress my kids are making. Â I highly recommend this studio! More...
Reviewed on Yelp
Elise C.
I have heard nothing but good things about this dojo, and after having taken several trial classes, I can only confirm that they're all true. This place is very special. I've heard that it's not often you have the Grandmaster actually teaching in the same dojo he started, but Grandmaster Song was there for all three of my trial periods. He teaches with kindness, good humor, and discipline. He is knowledgeable, energetic, and goodnatured. Everyone is very kind and welcoming even to the fresh-faced newbies.Hapkido is an amazing martial art that teaches a wide variety of skills: it's not just focused on kicking, or grappling, but everything and more. It is not only a practical martial art, but a beautiful one that is a hell of a workout to boot.The one and only catch - and why I couldn't continue - is that these are not really classes for those on a budget. But I am definitely planning to return sometime when I can more fully devote myself! More...
Reviewed on Yelp
David G.
Greetings fellow marital artists / enthusiasts, and thank you for reading this. I can NOT say enough about Grandmaster Song nor about the martial art known as Hapkido. I have studied Muay Thai, Aikido and Bagua for various periods of time and have been fortunate in having great teachers. However, Hapkido for me is the most complete system I have ever trained in and studied. Yes, there are joint locks, breaking forms, punching, kicking, rolling, etc. However, Grandmaster Song takes Hapkido far beyond the physical content of this martial arts system.Grandmaster Song, though very humorous, is simultaneously consistently teaching LIFE SKILLS and VALUES. He also emphasizes the fact that martial arts is a WAY OF LIFE. His knowledge and understanding of Hapkido is very deep and he makes you feel great about learning while also keeping you humble. Grandmaster Song makes a point to teach the internal aspects of this martial arts system as well, an aspect that seems lost to many teachers.The black belts share the same passion as Grandmaster Song for teaching, and learning, and everyone is very respectful and easy to get along with. There is never a day I do not look forward to my next training sessions in Hapkido because Grandmaster Song challenges you to challenge yourself. The ambiance is very comfortable, safe and enjoyable. "Hapkido is most enjoyable", one of many Grandmaster Song's quotes is very true. All students, new or continuing, are welcomed and treated as family.If you have an inkling of interest in Hapkido, please speak with Grandmaster Song and experience what he is about first-hand. Sign up for a 1-week trial to further your experience and judge for yourself what I have expressed. At the absolute worst, you will laugh and enjoy yourself while learning. More...
Reviewed on Yelp
Miller S.
I trained with Grandmaster Song for seven years and it's one of the things I'm most proud of in my life. Â Grandmaster Song teaches with love, respect and humor. Â He pushes you to do your best without pushing too hard. Â It's a very respectful studio; everyone is very careful with one another. Â Song is amazing with kids. Â Hapkido is a very thorough martial art - punching, kicking, falling, grappling, self-defense - and an incredible workout. Â If you're considering a martial art, go in, meet Grandmaster Song and begin your journey. More...
Reviewed on Yelp
Clay C.
Grand Master Song is the real deal!! If it 's fitness or being able to protect yourself you will find both here. I can not say enough good things about this art form. Stop in for yourself and see a very special man and art.Grand Master Song is amazing. More...
Reviewed on Yelp
