HanMuDo UK
About Us
Our schools teach HanMuDo; a traditional Korean Martial Art and Self-Defence System which combines practice of controlled techniques, joint locks, throws, strikes and kicks.
Traditional weapon techniques are also taught, including sword, staff, cane, belt and short weapons.
There is a strong emphasis on self-defence and practical application as well as more traditional practices including breathing techniques and the use of ki energy flow.
HanMuDo is a well rounded and balanced martial art with something to offer for everyone.
Our instructors are all experts in their fields, each with several decades of practice and teaching experience in HanMuDo and other art forms.
We welcome everyone of all ages and abilities and most of our schools are run on a not-for-profit basis allowing us to keep students training costs down whilst doing what we are passionate about.
All our schools offer free introductory classes, there's no commitment and nothing to lose by coming and seeing what we have to offer.
Chief Master Tom Pellew, HanMuDo UK
Founder Grandmaster Kimm
Dr. He-Young Kimm first began learning martial arts at the age of 7. He began seriously studying in 1953 under Song Kwang Sub who taught him Yudo (Korean Judo) and Bi Sool. During the 1950’s and 1960’s, Dr. Kimm also began training in a number of styles including Taekwondo, Tang Soo Do, and Kong Soo Do. While studying for his Bachelor of Science Degree in Marine Science, he taught martial arts at the 8th US Army Command Compound but discovered that his background in Yudo was insufficient to teach military police and helicopter pilots, so in 1962, he began to learn Hapkido from Won Kwang Wha and Kim Jung Soo at the Shin Moo Kwan school. After graduating from the Maritime College of the National University of Pusan, Dr. Kimm was commissioned as a Marine Lieutenant.
In 1963, Dr. Kimm moved to the United States to further his education at Missouri State Technical College, where he also taught Judo and Hapkido. He was the first to teach Hapkido in the US. He graduated in 1969 with a Master’s Degree in History. He also received a Teaching Certificate for Hapkido from Won Kwang Wha in 1969. After receiving his Master’s Degree, Dr. Kimm enrolled in Louisiana State University where he earned his Ph.D. in History. While studying in Louisiana, Dr. Kimm taught Tae Kwon Do, Yudo, and Hapkido classes.
Dr. Kimm also cohosted a number of combination Kuk Sool/Hapkido seminars in an effort to help spread the style.
After a number of years of work, he created Han Mu Do in 1987. Unlike many styles whose differences are focused on differences in martial techniques, Han Mu Do primarily differentiates itself from similar styles by its philosophy.
Dr. Kimm is the Founder and 10th Dan Grandmaster of Han Mu Do, has a 9th dan in Hapkido, and also holds advanced ranks in the numerous Korean martial art styles mentioned above. He has written extensively and has published numerous books on Korean Martial History