Defensive Arts Academy Ilyo Korean Martial Arts

Martial arts school offering classes in Hap Ki Mu Sul, Tae Kwon do and HapKiDo, Women's Self-Defense. We also offer private and semi-private instruction. The Defensive Arts Academy and Hap Ki Mu Sul are a journey that so far has spanned over 35 years.

Lets start with a quick look at the meaning behind Hap Ki Mu Sul:
Hap Ki Mu Sul basically means Coordinated Power Martial Technique, The Mu Sul (Moo Sool) is used to to show that the emphasis in our style is self defense. Yes it is a way of life as well as an art forms but the emphasis is on self defense.

Is Hap Ki Mu sul a traditional style? The answer would be yes and no.
The dictionary defines a tradition as something handed down from one person to another - in this regard we are traditional and many of the techniques are traditional. In the fact that some would not call it a "pure" version of HapKiDo or Tae Kwon Do or Gumdo would probably be the issue with the traditional tag for some. Also I do not tend to teach as my instructors have, at least not in all things.

We teach an eclectic style that utilizes techniques from several versions of HapKiDo, Chang Hon Tae Kwon Do, World Tae Kwon Do, Haedong Gumdo as well as techniques, principals and concepts from other styles as part of the curriculum.

We believe the variety of Martial Arts all come from one base and are just branches of the same tree. It is the concepts behind the techniques that are as important as the techniques themselves. And the ability for the student to make them their own and be able to use them without having to force the technique.

By making the technique their own, it is seeing the multiple variations within a technique and being able to utilize one even if one is injured or has a physical disability.

The Defensive Arts Academy is a small school at this time and some of our specialties are in private and small group instruction and also working with advanced students of other styles who wish to add to their knowledge base (We learn something as well during these exchanges).

We have previously been based out of the Mercy Medical Center Wellness Center and had also taught a class called AquaKicks in the Wellness Centers pool.

The Defensive Arts Academy and its Instructors are proud to be part of several associations such as the World Korean Martial Arts Federation (USA and Iowa Representative), the World Tae Kwon Do Sinuikwan Federation (Iowa Representative), the Korea Hapyumudo Association (Iowa Representative), the Chosun Haedong Gumdo Association, Korea Moo Moo Kwan Hapkido Association and Jun Tong Tae Kwon Do Federation.