Kim’s Hapkido Karate Studio

I have been bringing my daughter here for lessons for a year and a half now and after she had been attending class for 6 months she joined the «Black Belt Club». She loves her classes and she loves sparring. In fact she loves it so much that my husband and I have joined the studio now as well! It is such a friendly atmosphere – kind of second family after you’ve been going a while.
My daughter’s main instructor worked with her each day after class to prepare for the tournament – she ended up getting 2 first place trophies! (one in sparring in her division and one in the demonstration event) The other parents, students and instructors are so encouraging and nice our whole family that it makes not just class fun but makes coming to the studio is something we all look forward to.
Watching my daughter excel in her class has become the highlight of my day! =D

I have been part of Kim’s Hapkido, Alhambra for almost 7 years not only as a parent but as a student as well. I had the honor of being instructed by Grandmaster Chong S Kim for a short time before his passing; he was the one that encouraged me to join after hours of watching my own children practice. I have to admit I was in my 30’s, had bad knees and was very overweight, so I was quite hesitant. I am now in my early 40’s and I am only a few belts away from Black Belt. Master Kim and the other instructors have never discouraged me from practicing despite my age, knees and now only «slightly» overweight body. It takes me longer for to remember techniques (I am not a teenager) so my instructors are very patient and understanding even though it was something I just learned only a few moments before! My family never joined Kim’s Hapkido to win at competitions, get trophies or medals, or to have any of us become a Black Belt as fast as possible. Master Kim has always encouraged his students to take their time and test when they are ready not just physically but they must be mentally ready as well. There are those that believe since you’ve earned a Black Belt, your training is now done and you should move on to your next sport. At Kim’s Hapkido that is not the case. Training continues not only for yourself, but Black Belts become instructors to pass on their knowledge to the younger students. Learning to instruct a large group of 6 – 8 year olds is training in itself! Every evening many of the older Black Belts come by to help train not only the younger students but also the younger black belts. My family has always felt welcome at Kim’s Hapkido and my boys have never been shunned for pursuing other interests and then coming back. I am hoping my boys will continue training in Hapkido well into their adulthood. We joined to learn and understand Hapkido, to make it healthy lifestyle for ourselves and for our children. For our family Hapkido really is a way of life!

It is an honor and privilege to train and be part of Kim’s Hapkido in Alhambra. Grandmaster Kim began instructing me in the 1990s. Along the way to Black Belt, I have taken several breaks. I was always welcomed back when I returned. I have been training non-​stop since 2007. We were terribly saddened by the death of Grandmaster Kim in 2009. We are fortunate to have his son, Master Kim step up to the plate and maintain the family business. He is an honorable, dynamic, charismatic instructor and truly cares for each of his students, and we care about him. He has put forth his own time, money, and energy into upgrading and giving the 40 year old studio a boost. He has added new mats, gear, and painted the studio for everyone to enjoy.
Kim’s Hapkido is the most prestigious Hapkido School in the country. Grandmaster Chong Kim’s instructors are outstanding people and keep the traditional Korean Martial Art alive. Each one was appointed by Grandmaster, himself. They are passionate, friendly, dynamic, attentive, and they truly understand and know the art. It is an excellent place for women, children, adults, and families to train. Students learn self-​respect, and to respect others as they learn techniques in self-​defense. It is a wonderful place where you can grow spiritually, gain self-​confidence, get into shape, and learn to live a healthy lifestyle. Each life is improved and miracles happen here. Come in and check this place out, you will be that glad you did!

This place was so much better when the original founder and owner was running it «Grand Master Kim» there was a sense of family and passion in the art of Hapkido when they where teaching. Now the son took over it just seems like its just how can they make more money even the original black belts that Grand Master Kim had made into black belts from a young age and ended up teaching there all stop going and teaching. Before old black belt students where always welcome even if they haven’t gone in a long time because sometimes they would show up just to get a work out or to get reacquainted again with the art but now they are not welcome. Now you have to pay to enroll in a class just to work out or just to stay sharp thats like saying we don’t care about our alumni’s. I had at least three friends enroll their kids there my kids graduated from there (6 years) and fought and won almost 1^st place every time at all of the tournaments and did the demos at the Doger Stadium to represent Kims Hapkido HQ now sad to say I will not be recommending them anymore after they shunned my 16 year old 1^st degree black belt away when he just wanted to come in and reunite and practice with old friends not to mention that master kims son who runs the school now was so rude about it to my son. If this is the kind of ethics and way of thinking they have at that school now I don’t think I will be recommending them to anybody anymore.