News

THE HAPKIDO CENTER has a fresh home on the web — rebuilt for speed, clarity, and phones. Explore class programs, directions, news, and contact information in one place, with a look that reflects the discipline and warmth of the dojang. Whether you are returning to training or stepping onto the mat for the first time, this site is here to help you take the next step. Share it with friends, bookmark it, and we will see you in Warren.

Matt started his martial arts journey in the 2nd grade at a Taekwondo school. By the 7th grade he began teaching the weekend kids classes for ages 4+. High school was a hiatus period, but around the age of 22 he began studying traditional Tang Soo Do. It was during this time he knew he wanted to train martial arts the rest of his life. Around the time of receiving a first degree black belt in Tang Soo Do he was moving to rural Vermont. There he struggled to find any worthy Korean dojangs so he took this time to branch out training a variety of arts from Shotokan, Tai Chi Chuan, Kenjutsu, BJJ, traditional Jiujitsu, and training at MMA schools. Eventually moving to northern NJ he began training solely at The Hapkido Center in 2020 and has continued ever since. Congratulations for earning his 2nd degree under Grandmaster Lee.

Congratulations to Dr. John and Anne Franzese for their hard work. After over three years of studying together, they have completed their first degree black belt test. In 54 years of teaching, they are the first husband and wife to receive their black belts together with Master Lee.

Congratulations to Matthew Teixeira for earning his first degree black belt! Matt works the overnight shift through the week including weekends. During the daytime he takes care of his children, but also comes to class (often with his son) to train three times a week. His perseverance has paid off!

Raul Guzman, after studying Hapkido for six years, has earned his First Degree Black Belt. Raul accomplished much in this time, often coming in early and training without many other students available to practice with. His black belt is a testament to his determination and drive as a martial artist. Congratulations to Raul on receiving his 1st Degree Black Belt!

Michael Lackland, from Metuchen NJ, and CEO of a local company has received his First Degree Black Belt after over seven years of private instruction! Congratulations to Michael Lackland on receiving his 1st Degree Black Belt!

Alia Bu, from Warren NJ, has received her First Degree Black Belt and is the second female black belt in over forty years of teaching; she is now also in college! Congratulations to Alia Bu on receiving her 1st Degree Black Belt!

Mitchell Carr, from Basking Ridge NJ, has received his First Degree Black Belt after training with us since he was about six years old and is now in college! Congratulations to Mitchell Carr on receiving his 1st Degree Black Belt!

Greg Carr, from Bernardsville NJ, has received his First Degree Black Belt after training with us for over ten years! Congratulations to Greg Carr on receiving his 1st Degree Black Belt!

We have introduced a new Free Power Breathing Technique class for Seniors. These classes concentrate on Power Breathing Techniques to enhance your well being and overall physical health. Classes are Thursdays at 11:00 am.

William McFadden has attained a 2nd degree black belt test in Hapkido. Congratulations to William McFadden on receiving his 2nd Degree Black Belt!

Gerard Bu has attained a third degree black belt test in Hapkido. Gerard is only the third to have attained the 3rd degree from Grand Master Lee in over 38 years. Congratulations to Gerard Bu on receiving his 3rd Degree Black Belt!

Congratulations to John Traverse! John Traverse was awarded his 2nd degree Black Belt.

Congratulations to Aubery Lawton! On October 31, 2015, Aubery was awarded his first degree Black Belt. #64 on the distinguished list of Black Belts under Grand Master Chong M. Lee. Aubery has been training for over 8 years.

Congratulations to Olga Mesa-Caporaso! On October 17, 2015, Olga became the First Woman in the United States to receive a Black Belt under Grand Master Chong M. Lee. Grand Master Lee has been teaching Hapkido in the U.S. for over 35 years and this is the first time that he has awarded a woman a Black Belt. Olga has become #63 on the distinguished list of Black Belts under Grand Master Lee. Olga has been training at The Hapkido Center for over 3 years, and continues her journey under Grand Master Lee.

On August 1, 2015 Grand Master Lee of the Hapkido Center of Warren New Jersey, awarded his 62nd Black Belt to Aaron Bu. Master Lee has only awarded 62 Black Belts in his 36 years, showing how difficult this is to achieve. What also makes this an exceptional achievement is that Aaron is one of the youngest students of Master Lee to earn a black belt, as Aaron turned 18 on August 1, as well. Aaron will be attending Cornell University’s School of Engineering this fall as freshman. Congratulations on a job well done Aaron Bu!

Celebrating 45 years — thank you to students, families, and friends of the dojang.

We have introduced a new Free Power Breathing Technique class for Seniors. These classes concentrate on Power Breathing Techniques to enhance your well being and overall physical health. Classes are Thursdays at 11:00 am.

Congratulations to Peter Sushko on receiving his Black Belt!

Gerard Bu has attained a second degree black belt test in Hapkido. Gerard, like many of the students, has studied other martial arts such as Kung Fu, Karate and Judo before joining The Hapkido Center to explore and learn the defensive soft style martial art of Hapkido. Congratulations to Gerard Bu on receiving his 2nd Degree Black Belt!

Congratulations to Marc Heflich of Watchung, NJ on receiving his Black Belt! Marc is a private security guard and has been studying Hapkido since February 2008.

Congratulations to William McFadden on becoming a 1st Degree Black Belt. William has been studying with Master Lee for over 6 years. He is the 58th black belt that has come out of the Hapkido center since 1980.

Family Classes and In-Home Private Classes. For more information on any programs, please contact Grand Master Lee directly at (732) 563-2922.

Congratulations to Steven Thielman on receiving his Black Belt! Steven scored a very respectable 90 on his test.

Congratulations to Gerard Bu on receiving his Black Belt! During his test, the mastery of his skills were displayed and recognized being awarded an all-time high score of 93 points.

Congratulations to Sam Masucci on receiving his Black Belt!

We have introduced a new children's program. In this program we will work with young adults in maintaining and improving their mental and physical health, increase their concentration for better school work, overall discipline and increase their self confidence and well-being. First 20 students get a free uniform!

We have introduced a new Power Breathing Technique class for mature individuals. These classes concentrate on Power Breathing Techniques to enhance your well being and overall physical health. These classes are geared towards those entering their golden years but that want to remain active and obtain the benefits of regular exercise. Please stop by or contact us for further information.

A new Saturday class to increase your familiarity with this wonderful weapon. Working with the nunchaku is sure to improve your hand eye coordination. Contact us or drop by for details!

Congratulations to John on receiving his Black Belt!

Congratulations to Brian on receiving his Black Belt!

Greg Pitts received his Master Instructor Degree as a 5th degree Black Belt!

Congratulations to Steve Hoffman on receiving his 3rd Degree Black Belt.

Family classes and in-home private classes — contact Grand Master Lee at 908-917-7214 for details.

Evening and weekend classes — ask at the school for the current schedule and openings.

Training emphasizes defense, control, and respect — under 9th degree Grand Master Chong M. Lee.

165 Washington Valley Road — see Directions for a map and parking notes.