OC Mudo

OC Mudo provides a comprehensive training style of Hapkido, Jujitsu, and Kenpo! So you will learn how to defend yourself from where you stand to the ground from all angles. I have been going here for over a year and there’s always something new to learn with practicality and purpose. Sensei Steven believes and practices the philosophy of hands-​on training. You always get to see the Sensei in action with the students.
You can try the first class for free on Wednesday night or Saturday morning.

What? «Mudo» is Korean for Martial Arts. The hybrid system as taught by Master Steven Kim is a combination of Hapkido (strikes/​joint locks), Judo (throws), and Jiu-​Jitsu (grappling). Together they comprise a complete system that trains you to handle any self-​defense situation — whether standing up, clinching, or on the ground.
Who? It’s often said that «who» you learn from and with is equally important as «what» you learn. In Master Kim, you get first and foremost an exceptional man and then an extremely skilled and knowledgeable Black Belt Instructor who studied under the greats like Hapkido Grand Masters Bong Soo Han and Sung Ha Myung, and BJJ icon Royce Gracie. In class, you’ll train alongside classmates who are among some of the most standup individuals I know. All have various martial arts backgrounds (none, Tae Kwon Do, Jiu-​Jitsu, etc.) and degrees of experience (white belt to brown belt).
Where? The school is conveniently located off Highway 5 and La Paz Exit in South Orange County. It’s spacious, airy, and boasts $ 20K worth of mats that allow for safely throwing and ample ground fighting. Check out the gallery pics for more.
Why? If you’re looking for a school to train at, consider OC Mudo for its well-​rounded hybrid system. Or consider Master Kim for his expert skill and personable approach, or the friendly and easy-​going students. You might even consider it for the convenient location and affordable monthly tuition. But altogether and there’s little reason not to check us out and try the free trial program.

I’ve been attending OC Mudo for a little over 3 months under a trial membership which I just converted to a full membership. I am student of martial arts for almost 5 years with the majority of my training in Tae Kwon Do then some Krav Maga and Muay Thai.
As I told Master Kim, I had been looking for a hybrid training program like OC Mudo’s for several years. When I found OC Mudo on Unilocal and after speaking with Master Kim on the phone I was elated. You get a hybrid training system that includes Hapkido (joint and wrist locks/​kicking), Ju Jitsu (ground fighting/​wrestling) and Judo (throwing/​grappling). What a great way to make yourself a well rounded fighter/​opponent based on traditional martial art techniques and etiquette!
Master Kim is very approachable encouraging his students to excel and to push themselves without being overbearing. Polite but firm style. The other students in the training program are great to work with too. Everyone helps each other and there are NO egos. It’s about fun, learning self defense and helping your classmates improve along with yourself. Just as important, the cost of this hybrid training program is very reasonable too.
I highly recommend this studio and hybrid martial arts program. It’s nothing new but yet a very effective way of combining various self-​defense arts into a robust fighting system. I liken it to being able to use the «right» tool from your «tool box» at that exact moment it is required.

I started this class as a white belt in December 2014 with zero background in martial arts. I love it, it’s been about 7 months since I first started and I can’t get enough! Master Kim does a great job of teaching at a pace that is right for you, so that you are learning as fast as your capable, and learning each technique proficiently.
This class is so well rounded. It incorporates traditional martial arts into a hybrid system that is very well put together. The techniques from this class will make you feel comfortable defending yourself standing up, on the ground, in confined spaces, against larger opponents, etc. We learn about street effective techniques and also engage it as an art. If your looking for self defense, confidence buildup, exercise or a new positive hobby this class is great.
Master Kim is an amazing instructor. He does a great job of accommodating each individual. He is extremely proficient in hapkido and ju jitsu and has practiced under many Grand Masters. He’s very down to earth and always has great lessons to teach.
The other students are great as well. Everyone does what they can to help and support each other. Some of the friendliest and most genuine people I’ve ever met. The facility is awesome as well. the mat is large covering the vast majority of the room and is always clean. The space is also equipped lots of other equipment that we are capable of utilizing for fine tuning technique and furthering our abilities.
Extraordinarily happy with this place and the instructor!!!

**UPDATE: OC Mudo has moved to a new and bigger location!**
Andrew D. knows I love any opportunity to be able to kick some ass, so he invited me to join in on a few sessions with him at OC Mudo when I had time off from school.
Master Kim holds classes every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday. I have to admit, being the only girl in an all male class was intimidating at first, but Master Kim completely makes you feel comfortable and takes you out of your shell.
On the few times I have been, he paired me up with one of his advanced students and we would get one on one training on Jiu Jitsu moves. Since not many girls go, when they do go, he will set aside a little bit of time during training to go through some very easy self defense moves. Girls, the self defense moves he teaches are really helpful — and kind of fun — I got to practice those moves on the advanced students (sorry, but not sorry guys!) haha!
Aside from self defense, Master Kim is super knowledgeable, patient, and you can tell he is really passionate about what he does. Every time I have a chance to go, he makes me feel so welcome and takes the training at my pace and keeps me motivated. I only wish I had more time in my schedule to join more classes.
I would definitely come back again and recommend trying this place out at least once! You learn a lot and if anything, you will work up a great sweat from the workout!