I walked into the dojo for the first time just wanting to be able to learn some techniques to protect myself; what I found was so much more. –Master Ellen Reichelt
Personal Growth -You cannot fathom what you are capable of until you are challenged to rise above your expectations. Martial arts will lead you on a path of learning, introspection, greater awareness, development of effective communication skills and tapping into immense power of the mind.
Friendship/Community/Family- There is something extremely powerful about being surrounded by a group of supportive, encouraging, accepting people who share the common motivation to better themselves and the world around them. They truly become a strengthening community of extended family. This is the supportive environment we facilitate at TOP.
Fitness-Martial arts is an incredible means of staying strong, limber and mentally sharp.
Self Defense-We train to handle situations within families, workplaces, schools and on the street. We train through eye contact, posture, body positioning, energy projection and clear communication to not be a target; to be in a position of power. If it escalates to that, we train techniques that can be modified to differing levels of control and intensity based on the situation. Drunken uncle who has a little too much to drink at a family holiday party may not deserving of a broken nose if his touch is unwelcome. Drunken uncle can be handled with a well executed joint lock or simple escape. A thug on the street who wants to very much harm you is justly deserving of much more. The power and adaptability of our curriculum serves our students well. I am evidence that you can be a smaller person to be extremely effective utilizing the art of Hapkido.