Korean Grandmaster Chang’s Hapkido Academy Hosts Grand Opening

Austin, TX -Austin-area residents now have a new option for meditation, physical fitness and spirituality, a place where they can also develop self-defense skills under the tutelage of a martial arts master. Chang’s Hapkido Academy is bringing the teachings of Korean Hapkido to the Greater Austin area with a new location hosting a grand opening June 11-12.

Located at 10330 Ranch Road 12 in Wimberley, Chang’s Hapkido Academy will feature the teachings of Grandmaster Gedo Chang, founder of the Wol Ge Kwan Hapkido school in Korea and president of the World Hapkido Union. Grandmaster Chang will lead class demonstrations and seminars at the two-day grand opening ceremonies.

Chang says Hapkido is a unique martial art because it requires minimal strength and focuses more on self-defense. Because of its focus on subduing attackers, Chang has also developed Hapkido techniques specifically for police personnel.

Born in the Chungnam province of South Korea to a Buddhist monk, Chang learned Hapkido as a student of Buddhism. In 1964, the Korean Hapkido Association formally recognized him as a master of Hapkido. The Korean government also presented him with an award for “Best Martial Arts Instructor.” Chang has an eighth-degree black belt in Hapkido and a fifth-degree black belt in taekwondo. He has been teaching in the U.S. since 1973 after founding Chang’s Hapkido in Lombard, Ill..

The grand opening ceremonies for the Wimberley academy will include demonstrations on Hapkido, practical self-defense, women’s self-defense and a Ki (life energy) seminar. Seats for the Hapkido demonstration with Grandmaster Chang are limited to 200 people, and everyone is encouraged to sign up early. Each of the seminars will have limited seating.

Chang’s Hapkido Academy will offer tuition discounts on June 11. Anyone wishing to sign up for a year of instruction will be offered $200 off an annual enrollment or $100 off a six-month enrollment.

Whether a first-time student of martial arts or an adult on his or her way to a black belt, Chang’s Hapkido Academy welcomes all skill levels. To create an inclusive and comfortable environment for instruction, courses will include beginners and advanced learners.

On June 11, Grandmaster Chang will lead a free demonstration at noon and a practical self-defense seminar at 2:30 p.m. On June 12, Grandmaster Chang will teach a women’s self defense seminar at 10 a.m. and a ki, or life energy seminar at 1 p.m.

Scholarships of $500 toward year-long enrollments will be offered to select students at each demonstration. Students can call (512) 436-2048 for registration information. Although Chang’s Hapkido Academy is based in Wimberley, instructors also lead self-defense seminars for groups in Austin.

Chang’s Hapkido Academy also has locations in Lombard and Naperville, Ill.; Atlanta; Clemson and Greenville, S.C.; London; and Lincoln, UK.