Choosing between Hapkido and Tae Kwon Do? Help! ?

Question

I am debating joining a place in NYC either a Hapkido organization that has great reviews or a strictly tae kwon do organization. I want to get a great work out and the TKD seems to be a little light. I am not sure if I will get a better work out doing the Hapkido.

Answer 1

It really depends on the instruction.  Hapkido is more well rounded for self-defense.  You'll learn some self defense in Tae Kwon Do too but it emphasizes high kicking and is also a sport.  

Answer 2

You also have an opportunity to study weapons in Hapkido if you choose to do so.

Although I started in Taekwon-Do, I must say that Hapkido gives you more options.

Answer 3

If you are concerned solely with the level of a work out you will get that will depend directly on the school and the instructor.

Both styles can give you a good work out.  I would visit each place and take a few free classes to see how things go there.

I have written about how to choose a school if you are interested in reading more tips on choosing the best school/style for you.

Here is the article:  http://www.socalmartialarts.com/choosing...

Answer 4

It depends upon your interest in the style.  HapKiDo uses joint locks, throws, chokes, and submissions.  TKD depending on it's Grandmaster may be a hard hitting military style like ChunDoKwan or it may be more of a traditional kicking style.  Bottom line is that TKD will focus more on Kicking as a form of defense (and will incorporate kickboxing as a way of sparring), and Hapkido will be more of a self defense style with some moves that you can not practice without injuring someone . . . so think carefully about WHY you want to train and WHAT your main objective is.  Either style will give you a GREAT workout so focus on your next level of importance.  Good luck & Pil San (victory)!

Answer 5

I do WTF taekwondo and we get taught hapkido in our school, but I guess were the exception XD  seriously though, there are schools that teach both hakido and taekwondo. if you can find one of those schools, then your dilema could be solved. Personally, I would say you get more of a work out in taekwondo because of all the kicking and jumping you have to do. hapkido you do get a work out (and a couple slams on the mat) and you learn self defense, which is more helpful than taekwondo if someone trys to attack you by surprise. But it all depends on the instructor. when you go to check out a school (I highly recommend you do and if you can get a free lesson) check out how hard they are working out. if they are sweating like h**l, then you should join. if they are just talking, then run away! hope I helped.