David A. Hall - Chief Instructor
Mr. Hall has been studying, training, and teaching martial arts for over 45 years. He holds black belts and certifications in multiple systems across several disciplines. With his extensive experience with these traditional and eclectic systems, he has come to understand the need to coalesce the core of our Kwan with multiple offerings in order to offer a broad range of possibilities for the discerning public. Mr. Hall has gone to extensive lengths to have the Kwan sanctioned by all relative governing bodies so that any rank or certification earned here is honored worldwide.
The four cornerstones of our Kwan are Hapkido, Kumdo, Yuen Sou Fa, and Tai Chi Chuan.
Hapkido
Hapkido is a “hard/soft” internal art with modern and ancient lineages. We teach a curriculum that is very comprehensive. OMPI utilizes several Hapkido system basics and Kuk Sool curriculums. Along with empty hand techniques and forms (hyungs), there are weapons techniques and forms taught as well. This, along with history, etiquette, philosophy, and cultural terminology, give this traditional art a well-rounded structure.
We are member school of the World Kido Federation/Hanminjok Hapkido Association. Any belt rank in Hapkido earned here is legitimate in lineage all the way back to country of origin.
Kumdo
Kumdo is a fully comprehensive sword art. It utilizes all aspects of sword training, from stances to strikes and all points in between. We teach the mok kum (wooden sword), jukdo (slatted bamboo sword), ka gum (cast aluminum practice sword), jin gum (live blade or real forged blade) and foam sword (padded blade). All of these help provide the student a greater understanding of the proper handling, posture, movement, and force required for each instrument. Traditional Korean archery (zen) is taught at the dan grade (black belt) level as well. Our belt rank structure is separate from Hapkido, so rank is earned in two individual arts if studying both simultaneously.
Yuen Sou Fa
Yuen Sou Fa literally translates as “circle hand method.” It is a modern eclectic system that borrows from multiple disciplines across several cultures. Among these are Tai Chi Chuan, Hsing I Chuan, Pa Kua Chang, Filipino arts, Muk Jong (wooden dummy applications), and Chin-Na. This, along with a blending of what OMPI offers in other disciplines, serves to yield a unique symbiosis of internal arts. Because of the nature of the curriculum, the required age of students is 12 and up. There are certified class levels of achievement, and the curriculum is governed by the Circle Hand Method Self Defense Association (CHMSDA). Certificates of class level are basic, intermediate, advanced, and instructor.
Tai Chi Chuan
We teach several forms from different “families” of Tai Chi Chuan here at OMPI. We offer the 6 Forms, 13 Golden Postures, Peking Form (Simplified 24 Short Form), Tai Chi Fan (18 Single Fan Form), Tai Chi Jian (32 Sword Form), Sun Short Form (36), along with 8 Immortals Cane. These are all learned in the general order listed with the exception of the Fan form being taught at different levels based on individual students’ progression. Separate classes and community enrichment courses for colleges are available. Individuals are able to earn certificates of completion for each form learned and can then certify at a secondary level for martial application of each separate form.
Self Defense
OMPI offers separate classes and seminars in self defense that are tailored to the specific group that is participating. For example, the core curriculum for each class or session could be general self defense, ladies’ self defense, law enforcement control and containment, or security assessment. We can host the class or seminar at the Kwan or at an offsite location based on logistical need. Certificates are awarded for seminars and courses if completed.