Blog
Wisdom Hidden is Wisdom Wasted
I read somewhere that “Wisdom hidden is wisdom wasted.” For the true martial arts students I feel that it is wasted knowledge to hold back on techniques and one of my fears is to go to my deathbed with knowledge of martial arts that I have not given to my students. This does not mean that all my techniques or things that I know should be given to all martial artist just for the asking but should be given when they are ready. To find out if one is ready it is just the same as climbing a mountain; one must start at the bottom and then...
read moreDeveloping the Warrior Spirit
Desire and attitude are the only things that it takes to make a martial artist, but to develop the warrior spirit one would think more is needed but in reality it’s not. Developing the warrior spirit is a process that one can spend a lifetime searching to achieve yet never get unless a true commitment is made to him or herself. The commitment that one needs to make is a commitment or promise to search for a path that they can follow both physically and mentally even though it could be a burden to them. Setting goals and achieving them...
read moreSparring or Free Fighting
At American College of Martial Arts we believe that sparring is optional. We don’t believe that a person should be pushed into a situation where they have to have physical contact with another person in a striking or kicking environment. We would like for all individuals who would want to spar have the opportunity but to get pushed into doing so could have adverse effects. Sparring is important since it can help sharpen your skills but also just doing your techniques if practiced correctly can have an important roll as far as making one...
read morePrinciples of a Joint Attack
Whether you are in Korea (where I began studying Hapkido) or in Alamance County, North Carolina (where I am currently teaching) a fighter must use one or more of the following principles in order for a joint attack to work. Pressure points Use 2 way action Twist joint in a direction in which it is not designed to go. Confuse opponent Generate a base Use movement in your body to apply direction Change pressure on joint Stay with the opponent Use combinations Steal ki Use ki -Master John...
read moreFear
Fear is realized after the fact for some, before for some and during for others. For those after the fact for fear it shows training and no mind. This is part of who we are and who we were as children of no egos and thus new minds or as believed no mind. We were like running water, free moving, absorbing. As we got older the water froze and we learned fear and distrust of ourselves and then we believed we had limits. We are all equal, a doctor is no more important then a ditch digger, they both have the same human features. Respect...
read more10 Most Asked Questions/Answers About Martial Arts
1. Do I need to be in shape first? No. The reason a large number of people participate in Tiger Shark Hapkido is to get in shape. A workout at American College of Martial Arts is very healthy as long precautions are taken as need be. It incorporates aerobic exercise with stretching, balance and coordination drills along with simply learning how to breathe. 2. How expensive is it? The price varies but it’s about the same you would pay the cable company each month to prevent physical fitness. 3. Are there family rates? Yes. The more...
read moreWhat is Tiger Shark Hapkido?
“Hapkido” is a Korean martial art, which literally means “the Way of Coordination Power. Tiger Shark Hapkido is an evolution of several styles of Martial Arts with their techniques and skills designed to make a more proficient Martial Art. Tiger Shark can be distinguished from other styles of martial arts by its use of both hard and soft moves and techniques as well as both linear and circular techniques. Much of the style is comprised of joint manipulation and use of pressure points for practical “street” application. It is also...
read moreVictory
If you defeat an opponent your victory dance should be the same as if you had lost. In Mixed Martial Arts as well as styles such as Judo and whether you study anywhere in the Piedmont Triad area a warrior should be measured by his compassion and courage by his enemies and friends alike. -Master John Dowdy
read moreMission Statement
No Limitations! We are here to help motivate individuals to achieve a higher standard for themselves, physically and mentally. To share this philosophy with all within their sphere of influence as they go out into the community. To help others understand any limitations they perceive can be overcome by proper desire and attitude. It is the mission of ‘TIGER SHARK HAPKIDO’ and its related systems of the martial arts, to help guide all to the path of NO LIMITATIONS. -Master John Dowdy
read moreTesting Ground
From the day we are born we are being trained for the testing ground of life we learn things that enable us to evolve into who we are with knowledge that is used to protect us and help us decide where we want to go. Be grateful for the hardships, setbacks and even the bad people you encounter without those we would never have grown nor had the experience to handle worse. Start looking at life and things that happen to you not as a blessing or curse but as a challenge. It is good to experience pain so when we are on our deathbed we will...
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