testimonial
ocmudo students
Before discovering the hidden gem that is OC Mudo, I spent nearly a year checking out different schools all over Orange County. If you are looking for school to train at, you have probably noticed that the area is actually a hotbed. SoCal has more to offer than perhaps anywhere. For me, grew up around martial arts, so there were important considerations I believe should be important to you as well. First and foremost is the system. “Mudo” is Korean martial arts. Steven, the instructor is a Korean national who had the great privilege of Studying Jujitsu when he lived in Japan, Kenpo under the legendary Ed Parker, and Hapkido under Grandmaster Bong Soo Han. Therefore, his system is a complete and dynamic mix of striking, joint locks and grappling derived from the fighting acts of Asia (themselves evolving from thousands of years of war and combat) and passed down to him by masters who were the best of the best. Secondly but equally important is who you will be learning from and who you will be learning with. Aside from his expertise, Steven is a natural teacher who is personable and articulate. Anytime you are learning something new, how it is taught is just as crucial as what it is. Then, there’s the comraderies you are likely to share with your classmates. These are guys you will pair up with, train with, and through the years develop and grow with. The guys at OC Mudo are all stand-up guys, both friendly and welcoming. I hope this helps in your search and I hope that you make OC Mudo among the places you check out.
- Ken L.
The fluid character of OC Mudo’s fighting style has been one of its most appealing and unique aspects. Though the main “art” of OC Mudo is Hapkido, each class is just as likely to trickle off into Kenpo or stream into some technique from Judo. Far from being an undisciplined dojo this is one of the many ways in which OC Mudo tries to mimic the water like nature of the martial arts. The classes honor its tradition while merging with moves from other disciplines where it seems appropriate. Given the free flowing manner of OC Mudo, Sensei Kim seeks to create a unique style of martial artist. Classes here will appeal most to students looking for a hybrid of traditional training, and unique techniques with references to various self-defense techniques. Sensei Kim looks to help students looking to transform into practical yet aesthetically smooth Martial Artists. Despite teaching some techniques that wouldn’t seem out of place in either the Octagon this isn’t primarily a gym for aspiring mixed martial artists.
- Eric T.
OC Mudo provides comprehensive training in the styles 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 is always something new to learn with practicality and purpose. Sensei Steven believes in and practices the philosophy of hands-on training. You always get to see Sensei in action with students. You can try the first class for free.
- Andrew D.
I had been looking for a hybrid training program like OC Mudo's for several years. When I found OC Mudo on Yelp 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.
- Anthony C.
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 Jujitsu 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 with lots of other equipment that we are capable of utilizing for fine-tuning techniques and furthering our abilities.
- Sean K.
Certified Black Belt Members
BB NO 1. Oscar Sifuentez [2016]
BB NO 2. Ken Lai [2016]
BB NO 3. Cameron Gillespie [2016]
BB NO 4. Brett Hille [2017]
BB NO 5. Andrew Doung [2018]
BB NO 6. Stanley Morris [2022]
BB NO 7. Jin Yeop Kim [2022]
BB NO 8. Ronald Hansen [2022]
[The year Black Belt was certified]
Certified Instructors
No 1. Oscar Sifuentez [2017]
No 2. Andrew Doung [2022]
[The year certified]
OC Mudo is a comprehensive training program that integrates the core techniques of Jujitsu and Hapkido. We are proud to be an affiliate school of the Sugi Hapkido Federation (www.sugihapkido.com).
Our curriculum combines the throws, grappling, and ground techniques of Jujitsu with the joint locks, strikes, and kicks of Hapkido. OC Mudo is not a new martial art system or a form of mixed martial arts—instead, it is a traditional martial arts program focused on practical, efficient techniques for effective self-defense.
Classes are led in small group settings by Steven S. Kim, a highly experienced instructor with extensive training in multiple martial arts disciplines. Steven has studied Hapkido, Jujitsu, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, Kenpo, and Kenjutsu under legendary masters, including Grand Master Bong Soo Han, Grand Master Kwang Shik Myung, Master Sung Ha Myung, Professor William Bodiford, and Professor Edward Bederov. He holds master-level black belt ranks in many disciplines including Jujitsu and Hapkido and has years of experience teaching students of all levels, from beginners to advanced practitioners.
Steven S. Kim
Master Instructor
Vice President Sugi Hapkido Federation