Try 5 classes - for a dollar a class!
OUR LEADERSHIP GROUP MAKES THE DIFFERENCE!
7th DAN JR GRANDMASTER PORTER HUGHES
7th Dan Jr Grandmaster
WT Taekwondo
7th Dan Senior Master
Chung Do Kwan
5th Dan Master
Oh Do Kwan
1st Dan Black Belt
ITF Taekwondo
Original background
Traditional Japanese Jujitsu
CURRENTLY ACCREDITED BY THE WORLD HAN MU KWAN FEDERATION FOR TAEKWONDO AND HAPKIDO AND THE USAT ORGANIZATION FOR OLYMPIC TAEKWONDO. IN THE PAST HE HAS ALSO HELD A
7th Dan Jr Grandmaster
WT Taekwondo
7th Dan Senior Master
Chung Do Kwan
5th Dan Master
Oh Do Kwan
1st Dan Black Belt
ITF Taekwondo
Original background
Traditional Japanese Jujitsu
CURRENTLY ACCREDITED BY THE WORLD HAN MU KWAN FEDERATION FOR TAEKWONDO AND HAPKIDO AND THE USAT ORGANIZATION FOR OLYMPIC TAEKWONDO. IN THE PAST HE HAS ALSO HELD ACCREDIDATION WITH THE IJTF AND USKF ORGNIZATIONS.
HIS AWARDS INCLUDE TWICE BEING INDUCTED INTO THE US KIDO BLACK BELT HALL OF FAME; 2019 AND 2024 NATIONAL AWARDS FROM THE AMAA KARATE ASSOCIATION, AND SEVERAL INSTRUCTOR'S AWARDS FROM VARIOUS ORGANIZATIONS.
GRANDMASTER HUGHES IS A US NAVY COMBAT VETERAN, WITH 8 YEARS SERVED IN A VARIETY OF AIR/SEA/LAND SPECIAL OPERATIONS UNITS. HE HAS OVER 20 COMMENDATIONS FROM THE US NAVY, US AIR FORCE AND US ARMY INTELLIGENCE OPERATIONS GROUPS, BUT THE AWARD HE IS MOST PROUD OF EARNING MIGHT BE THE TITLE OF US NAVY 'SHELLBACK'!
MASTER HUGHES AND HIS FAMILY MAKE SURE THE TRAINING HERE IS TAKEN VERY SERIOUSLY - BUT THE CLASSES ARE FUN AND RELAXED - NO EGOS OR STRESS!
-2badc69.jpg/:/cr=t:0%25,l:2.8%25,w:94.4%25,h:100%25/rs=w:365,h:274.4360902255639,cg:true)
Senior Black Belt Staff
5th Dan Malinee Hughes
5th Dan Michael Hughes
5th Dan David Hughes
5th Dan Anthony Casapao
5th Dan Ivan Pechtel
4th Dan Mark Gill
VERY FEW Martial Arts Schools can claim the experience and background of this Black Belt Staff! In addition to the instructor list above, we're now onboarding a new member, 6th Dan Kirke Woodall, who comes to us f
5th Dan Malinee Hughes
5th Dan Michael Hughes
5th Dan David Hughes
5th Dan Anthony Casapao
5th Dan Ivan Pechtel
4th Dan Mark Gill
VERY FEW Martial Arts Schools can claim the experience and background of this Black Belt Staff! In addition to the instructor list above, we're now onboarding a new member, 6th Dan Kirke Woodall, who comes to us from a long history in Jacksonville, Florida. Master Woodall is a 6th Dan in original Chung Do Kwan - something that is difficult to find! He will be adapting to our system over the next few months, but you'll be able to see him in class in a week or two!
MASTER MALINEE HUGHES
1ST DAN IN ITF TAEKWONDO
4TH DAN IN OH DO KWAN
5TH DAN IN CHUNG DO KWAN
MASTER MICHAEL HUGHES
1ST DAN IN ITF TAEKWONDO
4TH DAN IN OH DO KWAN
5TH DAN IN CHUNG DO KWAN
MASTER MICHAEL HUGHES
1ST DAN IN ITF TAEKWONDO
4TH DAN IN OH DO KWAN
5TH DAN IN CHUNG DO KWAN
MASTER DAVID HUGHES
1ST DAN IN ITF TAEKWONDO
4TH DAN IN OH DO KWAN
5TH DAN IN CHUNG DO KWAN
MASTER ANTHONY CASAPAO
1ST DAN IN ITF TAEKWONDO
4TH DAN IN OH DO KWAN
5TH DAN IN CHUNG DO KWAN
ADDITIONAL BACKGROUND IN DAITO RYU JUJITSU AND SHITO-RYU KARATE
MASTER IVAN PECHTEL
2ND DAN IN ITF TAEKWONDO
4TH DAN IN OH DO KWAN
5TH DAN IN CHUNG DO KWAN
BLACK BELT IN KRAV MAGA
ADDITIONAL BACKGROUND IN JUJITSU
MASTER MARK GILL
4TH DAN IN GHUNG DO KWAN
3RD DAN IN KEMPO KARATE
1ST DAN SHOTOKAN KARATE
BLACK SASH IN KUNG FU
CERTIFIED INSTRUCTOR/TAI CHI
Trust, Respect and Integrity
The Hughes family founded this academy with the intent of maintaining the highest integrity, and after 15 years we are even more adamant about it. You will NEVER have to deal with unscrupulous teachers, sales tricks or bogus technical instruction here. The only Black Belts we ever allow to work with you are good people, that we know and
The Hughes family founded this academy with the intent of maintaining the highest integrity, and after 15 years we are even more adamant about it. You will NEVER have to deal with unscrupulous teachers, sales tricks or bogus technical instruction here. The only Black Belts we ever allow to work with you are good people, that we know and trust!
Besides the 17 Black Belts full-time who call us home, another half dozen+ have retired or moved out of state for work, or are attending university away from home. They still manage to visit from time to time, to help out. You'll meet them during spring, summer and winter college breaks; on belt rank test days, during seminars and so on.
Rec. Black Belt Helen Pappas
Rec. Black Belt Jeff Simmerson
1st Dan Ali Hurtado
1st Dan Sergio Hurtado
1st Dan Liam Milner
1st Dan Reid Porter-Shirley
1st Dan Candace Pressley
1st Dan Guy Smiley
1st Dan Daven Budiama
1st Dan Jonathan Parker
1st Dan Ash Johnson
2nd Dan Michael Rogers
2nd Dan Bekah Anders
3rd Dan Craig Kellberg
3rd Dan Bennett Finkler
3rd Dan Scott Embler
And for the past 15 years, running a zero-profit, non-commercial academy was challenging. The following Black Belts helped us along the way (and some still show up here from time to time). For making extra efforts to provide support over the years, participating in test judging panels, helping with research, logistics and other items, our Special Appreciation:
1st Dan Kira Sherrill
3rd Dan Daniel Francis
3rd Dan Dru Wetzel
3rd Dan Andrew Cook
3rd Dan Daniel Cook
5th Dan Jason Elkins
7th Dan James Craeton
8th Dan Grandmaster Chuck Blackburn
8th Dan Grandmaster Khoa Vu
9TH Dan Grandmaster Wayne Kirby
9th Dan Grandmaster Louis Raddicione
9th Dan Grandmaster Robert Dunn
FAQ - You Have Questions!
Do I Need To Get Into Better Shape Before I Start?
Probably not; after all, would you start dieting 2 months before you joined a weight loss program so you could get ready to lose weight?!
It works the same way here - we will assess your condition and tailor your training to match your abilities and needs. Everyone learns the same self-def
Do I Need To Get Into Better Shape Before I Start?
Probably not; after all, would you start dieting 2 months before you joined a weight loss program so you could get ready to lose weight?!
It works the same way here - we will assess your condition and tailor your training to match your abilities and needs. Everyone learns the same self-defense tactics - but the 50-year old with AFIB will not be given the same day-to-day goals as the 19-year old soccer player. Your training will be tailored to YOU.
Is It Really Worth Paying For Self-Defense Training?
In truth - It's one of the FEW things in life that can be worth every penny - and more - than you could ever pay.
If you find a truly affordable program (like ours) that teaches truly useable self-defense (like ours) the value you get- will be 20-30-40X what you ever paid into it.
Before we get to defense - our training helps you in several beneficial ways. More than one student has told us of suddenly stopping and not getting hit by a red-light runner - when they don't even remember seeing the other car coming. Members recount falling off ladders, and not getting hurt; dropping tools off high places - and catching them one-handed without thinking... slipping on ice, with bags of groceries - and hitting the ground without getting hurt OR spiling the groceries!
Several of our members have PTSD, with different triggers. All of them are managing it better than before they joined. One veteran says his anger trigger 'is an inch long now' - and that 'it was only about a quarter-inch', when he got here!
There's way more to this, than just fighting!
We teach students how to defend themselves without going to jail, or ending up in court... or the ER.
What Should I Look For In A Self-Defense Class?
Smart, useable and efficient training - from really knowledgeable instructors! See if they feel personable, honest - and patient - with you.
Vet the school before you join, see if they'll let you take a free class - and then pay attention to how comfortable it feels.
Some people like to dazzle you with intricate moves that take months to perfect... it's all part of the 'mystique', the 'special training' they could only get by travelling to Tibet or some place. Avoid high priced 'secret' training, and turn down offers of '6 months' training in 30 days'.... they might teach you a bunch of moves - but that's not enough time to make them automatic reactions for your mind and body - OR to condition your muscles, tendons and ligaments to actually do the job in an emergency.
Why Can't I Just Learn Self-Defense At Home?
You CAN self-learn a few things, in fact, WE offer free video lessons on our Youtube.com channel (look for Asheville Self Defense, and our red tiger patch symbol).
But who's good enough to put you in a dangerous choke hold at home without breaking your neck when you escape it!?
Master Hughes' stepfather practiced his Police Academy Jujitsu nerve-point holds on him for the 6 month span of his time in the academy. The result? Master Hughes has dead nerve endings in his hands that have never recovered - since 1972! These things matter!
And how do you know if your wrist-grab escape technique actually works if you've only ever practiced it with a rubber band on a door knob?
You will NEVER know if you can get out of a fast-moving threat situation.. unless someone with good training shows you how - Step.By.Step.
20 or 30 times!
You MUST learn self-defense from someone knowledgeable, and careful!
Each self-defense situation has 5 possible outcomes. We work to prepare you to avoid the bad ones:
1- your situational awareness/defensive movement training helps you avoid the whole thing completely;
2- you take just enough verbal or physical action that nothing happens and they go away;
3- you do what needs to be done; you give your statement and the police take them away;
4- you do too much and the police want to ask you a bunch of questions, maybe down at the station;
5- you over-react and do far too much - meaning you're going in for questioning and maybe to jail.
Believe it or not - you can't just shoot somebody because they punched you in the chest and knocked you down. Do that, and you'll be in custody talking to investigators, then in court talking to lawyers and judges. It could cost you your home, even time in prison.
Knowing how, when and where to hit or block someone (and with which technique) makes the difference between you going home relieved, and you maybe not going home.
Many of the fighting techniques we'll teach you have 3 or 4 levels of intensity - but you need to know which level to go for, and HOW to choose.
Lopsided as it might feel to you - being arrested for putting a scary shoplifter into a coma is the law....
and that legal bill will cost you 500X what you would have paid for good training!
Adult Training
The Only Local Place Where Families Practice Together!
Jung Kwon Academy is the only predominantly adult martial arts program here. Fully 85% of our members are adults with regular jobs, rough schedules, stressful days and nights... They do class here to de-stress and get something special just for themselves!
The Only Local Place Where Families Practice Together!
The Only Local Place Where Families Practice Together!
It's proven that families who practice martial arts together, form stronger bonds, and have more mutual respect for one another. It's great for everyone's wellness and overall development too, and for keeping things peaceful at home.
No one else in the region offers you this opportunity. And it's affordable!
Worried About Sending Your Teen Off To College?
Try It Out For $5.00! Seriously - No Tricks, No BS!
Try It Out For $5.00! Seriously - No Tricks, No BS!
They're off to college, and you're a little stressed. Maybe more than a little, about them being to far away to get to them.
The good news is that you have options:
PLAN B) You could pay $600 for one of those advertised weekend 'college self-defense' classes that will show them how to spray pepper spray, scratch eyes, grab ears and make noise ...
Or A) you could do this -
Try It Out For $5.00! Seriously - No Tricks, No BS!
Try It Out For $5.00! Seriously - No Tricks, No BS!
Try It Out For $5.00! Seriously - No Tricks, No BS!
You get 5 full classes to use at your own pace— no contract, no pressure. It’s a real look at our training, our people, and a cross-section of our full curriculum. No other school gives you this kind of open access up front, without joining. Talk to members privately on your own, ask anything — the vibe, the value, the training. No tricks. No BS.
Safe For Seniors!
Try It Out For $5.00! Seriously - No Tricks, No BS!
Traditional Chung Do Kwan Defensives Can Save Your Life
O.G. Chung Do Kwan (1940's-1950's style) focuses on efficiency of movement. It was designed for prolonging the life of your tendons, joints, reflexes and brain functions. Our oldest member is 73, and several are in their 50's. See the woman on the floor taking down a guy with a scissors kick? She's 58 there! And now, 11 years later, she's
O.G. Chung Do Kwan (1940's-1950's style) focuses on efficiency of movement. It was designed for prolonging the life of your tendons, joints, reflexes and brain functions. Our oldest member is 73, and several are in their 50's. See the woman on the floor taking down a guy with a scissors kick? She's 58 there! And now, 11 years later, she's preparing for her 6th Dan test this summer! YOU CAN DO THIS!
Traditional Chung Do Kwan Defensives Can Save Your Life
Traditional Chung Do Kwan Defensives Can Save Your Life
Traditional Chung Do Kwan Defensives Can Save Your Life
O.G. Chung Do Kwan (1940's-1950's style) is the most aggressive form of self-defense you can learn. After all, it was designed for the famous ROK Marines. We teach usable defense skills. CDK also has an aggressive defense suite, for when you have to protect someone else in trouble; and you'll learn how to subdue an attacker without doing
O.G. Chung Do Kwan (1940's-1950's style) is the most aggressive form of self-defense you can learn. After all, it was designed for the famous ROK Marines. We teach usable defense skills. CDK also has an aggressive defense suite, for when you have to protect someone else in trouble; and you'll learn how to subdue an attacker without doing permanent damage - to protect you from liability (for school, work, and family gatherings). After all, who wants to spend a week in jail, or a month in court, over someone attacking YOU!? Our training is varied and interesting, you won't get bored. And - with our unique program of instruction methods - it's easily learnable!
WHO WE ARE
Our History
We are not the usual, commercial, studio!
Founded on May 26, 2011, Jung Kwon Academy began as a club, built around research into reviving lost practices in martial arts. When we were invited to assume the lead spot for the IJT federation in the region, we decided to embrace the challenge, and formed an academy on Jan. 1st, 2012.
Following up on chance meetings over the past 10 years' travels, we had assembled a group of 11 black belts, from 5 different schools. People who shared our concerns; all of us were dedicated to returning to the clean, pure roots of martial arts,
We began by digging into historical writings, old military training films, books, magazine articles and interviews dating as far back as the late 1800's, from all over Asia. Then we began searching out old-timers who had actually begun their practice in Asia, in the early days of modern Korean and Japanese martial arts.
That kept us busy well into 2016, as we travelled to meet with these old-time practitioners. When a call went out to meet somewhere, even far outside the county, everyone in the group showed up, every time, for over 2 years!
Many trips ended in pick-up classes: in dark parking lots, on gravel driveways, wet grass, in the rain, in the snow, and even between the glass doors in a building lobby! Wherever they wanted to teach - we went. They seemed energized by being found. Most people didn't understand our intensity (who travels 135 miles to meet some old Karate guy for a late-night class in a laundromat?!) but we had learned how urgent it was.
Of the old-time artists we met, 2 passed away within months, and several soon retired. Now, a decade later only a few are still around; none are active in their arts. They had each been holding out for someone to come along who valued what they had.
'Non-Commercial Academy' - What does that mean for YOU?
MONEY
Our school runs differently; it's not dependent upon profits, and we don't spend thousands on marketing. If your school spends $3,000 a month on advertising, and has 100 students - YOU pay $30 a month for their advertising! So our prices are better.
VALUE
It may take longer to earn your black belt here - we found measurable mental, physical and emotional value in the old-time systems. With gradual progression, you have time for deeper knowledge, stronger conditioning and better 'seasoning'. In short - YOU will be a superior martial artist.
POTENTIAL
You get better instructors, more black belts on the mat with you, few injuries, less mental pressure, no egos, no drama. You don't miss out on special training that others charge hundreds for. It was always meant to be part of traditional training anyway! So 'black belt club' training, 'master's club training', instructor training, competition training, seminars, VIP classes, specialty classes .... all those opportunities are yours for FREE.
CONSISTENCY
Jung Kwon Academy has 500% better retention than the US average! Fortune 500 survey company Fairchild Inc, found that the typical American martial arts studio keeps students for 4 months before they quit. Our typical student stays for more than 3 years! We currently have 11 members who've been here for 7-9 years, and some who have stayed for 15 years!
SATISFACTION
Imagine joining a studio that gave you less than you paid for. One third of our students come from other arts, schools, or classes. Some left because their school closed, or because they moved. Most were unhappy where they were before. No matter why they changed - ALL of them say they are saving LOTS of money here, getting better training, more attention, and aren't getting hurt. They're here for a reason!
CHUNG DO KWAN
(CDK) Chung Do Kwan ('School Of The Blue Wave'). Following the concept that even a small wave at the beach can violently sweep you off your feet. CDK's roots were in Shotokan Karate, Okinawan Te and Korean Hapkido. It later morphed into a much more comprehensive art.
The first Chung Do Kwan school (founded by Won Kuk Lee) opened in Korea under Japanese occupation in 1944. At the end of WW2, that school became the training center for the South Korean National Police.
4 years later, Lee and his top black belt, Nam Te Hi, were recruited to assist Army General Choi in forming a new martial arts system, mandated by the president of South Korea; one he expected to be the most effective martial arts system ever devised...in history!
Lee, the founder of CDK, and General Choi (the founder of Taekwondo) recruited many combat veterans, guerrilla fighters and so on from the occupation years, and over a 5-6 year period created a system based on the best parts of a dozen classical Asian fighting arts. Choi named it 'Taekwondo' ('The way of the fist and the foot'). Taekwondo was so effective, it was named 'the deadliest fighting art on the planet' in the 1960's.
But then half of the TKD world changed things drastically to push the art into the Olympics. WTF Taekwondo became a sport-style art while ITF Chung Do Kwan TKD became the training program for 170 countries' military and national police forces. Then, in the 1990's the martial arts industry changed, and schools began taking in large numbers of small kids. CDK went through the same changes that had diluted TKD 20 years earlier.
By the time we started Jung Kwon Academy, traditional Chung Do Kwan was disappearing rapidly, and the last schools in North Carolina were switching over to sport-style arts. Fully 60% of the techniques were no longer being taught. Allowing such a fantastic art to just bleed out, was not an option for us.