Raul Guzman 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 receiveng his 1st Degree Black Belt!
Michael Lackland
Michael LacklandMichael 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
Alia BuAlia Bu, from Warren NJ, has received her First Degree Black Belt and is the second female blackbelt in over forty years of teaching, she is now also in college! Congratulations to Alia Bu on receiving her 1st Degree Black Belt!
Mitchell CarrMitchell 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 CarrGreg 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!
Free Power Breathing Technique Class
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 McFaddenWilliam McFadden has attained a 2nd degree blackbelt test in Hapkido. Congratulations to William McFadden on receiving his 2nd Degree Black Belt!
Gerard BuGerard Bu has attained a third degree blackbelt 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!
John TraverseCongratulations to John Traverse!
John Traverse was awarded his 2nd degree Black Belt.
Aubery LawtonCongratulations 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 Min Lee. Aubery has been training for over 8 years.
Olga Mesa-CaporasoCongratulations 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 Min 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.
Aaron BuOn 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!
45th Anniversary Special Event!
Free Power Breathing Technique Class
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.
Peter SushkoCongratulations to Peter Sushko on receiving his Black Belt!
Gerard BuGerard 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!
Marc Heflich
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.
William McFadden
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.
New Location!
The Hapkido Center has moved to a new better location. We'll also be giving out FREE uniforms to the first 20 new students!
165 Washington Valley Road
Warren, NJ
New Special Programs to celebrate The Hapkido Center's 42nd Anniversary!
Steven ThielmanCongratulations to Steven Thielman on receiving his Black Belt! Steven scored a very respectable 90 on his test.
Gerard BuCongratulations 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.
Sam MasucciCongratulations to Sam Masucci on receiving his Black Belt!
Children's Class
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!
Power Breathing Technique Class
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.
Nunchaku Class
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!
John TraverseCongratulations to John on receiving his Black Belt!
BrianCongratulations to Brian on receiving his Black Belt!
Hapkido is a "soft" martial art, in comparison to other "hard" forms such as Karate and Taekwondo. It is distinctive in that it employs a totally defensive philosophy and posture, rather than attacking, aggressive tactics typical of other martial arts. The Hapkido practitioner, employing this defensive posture, can defend himself successfully against aggressive attacks using only his hands. This is to say the enemy can be controlled by purely defensive means.
Do you have a story you'd like to share with us? If so, please share your story.
"With the pandemic in full swing my 14-year-old son was frustrated with the lack of opportunities for physical activity. I was looking for ways to lose weight long-term and get into better cardiovascular health. With Grand Master Lee's help, I was able to get on the path to a healthier lifestyle and lost over 40 pounds since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Grand Master Lee's path has made this a true lifestyle change, not just a simple onetime weight loss. I have watched my son grow physically and mentally since we started. Studying Hapkido together has brought my son and I closer. With our everchanging and complex world, Master Lee has given my son additionally mental and physical tools to navigate life successfully."
-Seth Weingarten
"I started studying Hapkido with Master Lee about 2 years ago with my 16 year old son Joe. It turned out to be the best thing we had ever done together, we both got into great shape and Joe became more outgoing, less shy and he gained a lot of self confidence."
-Peter Kohut
"I lost over 20 pounds and with the Power Breathing exercises, and I feel calmer and more focused on my daily activities. I am so convinced of the benefits that I am enrolling my son in the school."
-Gerard Bu
"I e-mailed him and he invited us to visit the school. After visiting school and talking to his students, four us joined that evening. Ever since then, I'm glad I did, I have lost twelve pounds since that day. I've became physically fit and more alert. It even helped my short game in golf."
-Arthur Wong