Choosing a hkd class in LA

[Van_the_cookie_man]

(Shorten version under this long thing)

I'm 14 and have been a devoted and talented competitve swimmer for several years. This combined with homework leaves very little time for studying martial arts. I looked around and found many great dojos but I settled for a lousy dojo since it was the only way I could squeeze ma into my schedule. After a lot of thinking I decided to make an immense sacrifice and quit swimming to provide time for a proper eduction in ma. One of my top choice before settling for the mcdojo wuz a hkd studio called American Hapkido Karate in LA, California. It is an impressive place over 10,000 sq feet equipped with complete gym facility, hard workouts, and only $360 annual payment ($30 a month if itwas a monthly payment). That's what is worrying me. After shopping around I kno thats a great price, too good. Wouldn't be enough to pay for such a facility. I dont want to make a huge sacrifice and end up getting scammed.
His claims include international grand champ (4got the year), 6th degree black, and special recognition from polices etc.

Basically:
Does anybody know any background type of info on a studio called American Hapkido Karate in Los Angeles taught by Master Sayed Qubadi? Whether or not this is a legitamite place etc...

I appreciate any help that can be provided. I hope I didn't sound lazy by not looking for info myself. I don't know where to look for and reading these forums it seemed that the members were quite knowledgable about different masters.

Thank You

[thiaboxr2]

Do not get caught up in the awards or recognition given by outside sources. He may indeed be a 6th degree blackbelt. Who cares if he is an international champion. It's his skills in teaching a class that you should worry about. Is he a good teacher? How many students does he have? How long has he been in business?

I'm not too keen on the annual fee payment. But $30. a month is great. I wish I was paying that!

Why do you consider this place a McDojo? Because of the monthly fee of $30? I see now, not many schools offer such a low price.

First off, find out all you can about the school. Talk to the students if you can.

And finally, if you believe the school is a McDojo, then why train there? Only go for something you WANT, not just because the price is right.:)

[Van_the_cookie_man]

I am currently studying ma at another place that happens to be a mcdojo. At the place I'm currently studying, we recently had a test. The students couldn't even do simple turnins in horse stances and were allowed to pass.
I wasnt referring to the hkd studio. Srry for making it unclear. I have tried several free lessons at the hkd dojo and I like it but my main concern was just the price. It seemed oddly cheap and rose some suspicions.

[thiaboxr2]

I see now. Sometimes the instructors may not be in it for the money. So then they charge a small monthly fee. possibly for uniforms, pads and other neccesities for school.

But still, the full yearly amount up front still gets me wondering if its some kind of "trap". I would rather pay monthly if possible.

Personally, I will not pay a full year's tuition up front. Thats just me, though.:)

[Van_the_cookie_man]

Thats what my parents were worrying about also. I just realize that this decision isn't "life affecting" as I thought it was (how dumb I was :( ). If something minor happens then it would be only for a year and it probably won't affect the rest of my life like i thought. I'm finishing off my current swimming season then I'll sign up at the hkd studio. Thanks for all the input. :D

[Dahmanegi]

Hey if you dont mind going down to Santa Monica, then you can try Bong Soo Han's HapKiDo studio. I myself am planning to start there soon. I don't think you have to worry about credentials with someone as well known as Bong Soo Han.

[wild_pitch]

i will second bong soo han's hapkido as well.. you will probably not train with him directly but he is well respected second generation hapkido master.

his site.

http://www.bongsoohanhapkido.com/

also master kim another second generation master is located in that area as well. my teacher has trained with him and has also taken a number of senior students down to train with him.

http://www.kimshapkido.com

[doshim]

Hello Everyone!

My name is Jon Davis and I am the Director of Operations for Grand Master Bong Soo Han's studio and International Hapkido Federation.

If any of you have thought about training in Hapkido, I would encourage you to come to the Santa Monica studio. We have Adult and Kid programs. We even have a TEEN Program.

And, yes, Grand Master Han DOES teach. He is here every day and still very active.

Mention this blog and I'll give you a week of FREE classes!

Phone: 310.829.2643

Address: 3201 Santa Monica Blvd. (1 block West of Centinela)

website: www.bongsoohanhapkido.com