MIXED MARTIAL ARTS
OUR MIXED MARTIAL ARTS SYSTEM THAT PREDATES THE TERM “MMA”
Sensei Hoover has been training in the martial arts for over five decades, and is the Owner, Founder, and Creator of the unique style of Kwon Ryu Fu Chi Do. He currently holds the rank of 7th degree black belt in this reality-based mixed martial arts system that focuses on the practical knowledge and application of the martial arts. Our MMA style is designed to take students from white belt beginner to 7th-degree black belt. This style is both cumulative and progressive, introducing the student to new material at each belt level, which provides a continuous challenge both physically and mentally throughout one’s martial arts journey.
KWON RYU FU CHI DO pulls from six disciplines: Tae KWON Do, Shorin RYU, Kung FU, Tai CHI Chuan, Jiu-Jitsu, and boxing. The style name was selected by pulling the second word of each style as it was learned through Sensei Hoover’s martial arts journey. Hoover Karate students are introduced to each of the styles as they are listed below. Here’s a brief description of these martial arts disciplines:
Tae Kwon Do is a Korean art form. We utilize feet, leg, and kicking techniques from this system, which is the foundation for our “Phase I” encounters.
Shorin Ryu is an Okinawan art form. This, along with boxing, provides the framework for upper body strikes, stances, and blocks, which are considered “Phase II” encounters or techniques.
Kung Fu is a Chinese art form, otherwise known as Pai Lum Kung Fu, which consists largely of passive movement, grace, and fluidity. This system enables us to have fluidity and balance when employing evasive tactics.
Tai Chi Chuan is a Chinese art form that helps the student learn the concept of energy. Also known as “The Mind and Body” — we use this system for breathing exercises, meditation, and to strengthen our inner core.
Jiu-Jitsu is Japanese and Brazilian, and is utilized for its close encounter techniques with standing and ground self-defense. In our style, it is also known as “grappling."
Boxing is a combat sport. We incorporate its punches, defense, footwork, and movement.
Do means “The way" or “Path." By “the way of” all these systems collectively put together, we have reached our style of “KWON RYU FU CHI DO.”
Four Phases of Fighting
Our style includes a full range of fighting encounters, otherwise known as “phases” that utilize both a passive and aggressive approach to the martial arts. These phases are progressive — beginning with “stand up,” grappling, and continuing on through ground fighting. The HKA four phases of fighting are as follows:
PHASE I (From Korean Tae Kwon Do): Requires the use of legs, allowing only 2 to 4 feet of distance between opponents
PHASE II (From Okinawan Shorin Ryu): Requires the use of arms, hands, and elbows, allowing approximately an arm’s length between opponents
PHASE III (From Chinese Kung Fu and Japanese Jiu-Jitsu): No space is given between opponents, and therefore, requires the use of grappling fighting skills
PHASE IV (From Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu): Takes place on the ground and requires the use of ground-fighting skills