About Us
Washington Han Mu Do opened its doors in 2010 with a vision of bringing this comprehensive martial arts system to the Maple Valley area. Guided through a series of intentionally designed kicks, strikes, sweeps, throws, and other self-defense focused skills; Washington HMD strives to insight awareness, balance, persistence, and respect among all of its students. We run classes for children and adults of all ages and skill levels. Whether you have never heard of Han Mu Do, or have been practicing it for years, you are welcomed and encouraged to join our family! The curriculum is designed in such a way that each person can progress at their own pace. Life is not a competition, and neither is the practice of Han Mu Do.
Han Mu Do was developed in 1989 by Dr. He-Young Kimm. Combining over 40 years of personal knowledge and experience with other forms of Korean martial arts, Dr. Kimm sought to integrate the different techniques and philosophies he had spent his life studying. He worked to create a single martial arts system that focused on achieving a holistic balance in life, as well as within ourselves. It is a series of movements aimed at targeting physical strength, flexibility, respect, confidence, resilience, and situational awareness. Built around both empty hand and weapons techniques, students learn to harness their innate power. They discover that focusing this power on accomplishing goals, continued growth, and life-long learning, is a powerful skill that will allow them to craft a life of their choosing.
Our Philosophy
We believe that a consistent practice of the techniques and philosophies set forth by the World Han Mu Do Association, leads to a lifelong commitment toward personal growth and discovery. We work to create an environment of support that motivates all students to maintain high personal standards through strengthened persistence and resilience. Standing on a foundation of physical fitness and skilled self defense, students are empowered to have full control over self (mind, body, & spirit), enabling them to live a happy, fulfilled life. We place a strong emphasis on discipline and respect for kids, stress relief and fitness for adults, and a fun place for the entire family to train and grow together.
Modern Studio
Right in the heart of Maple Valley, we are a well equipped studio with all of the materials and state-of-the-art equipment required for the study of Han Mu Do. With a varied group of instructors, our group training approach, and a commitment to always improving our practice and business, Washington HMD provides a place filled with passion, purpose, and a genuine sense of community.
Monday & Wednesday Classes
Little Dragons 5:00 PM - 5:30 PM
A fun and engaging class for 4-5 year old's; Little Dragons teaches a series of introductory skills and techniques used in the practice of Han Mu Do. Activities are intentionally designed to support young, growing martial artists
Intermediate Kids Class 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
Building on the skills from the beginner class, the intermediate class encourages young martial artists to push themselves and build on their knowledge. Students also learn to center their minds and spirits during their time training in this class.
Adults Class 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Adults Class 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
You are never too old to learn something new! Adults of all skill levels are encouraged to attend this class. Training increases power, speed, agility, flexibility, core strength, and cardiovascular health.
Tuesday & Thursday Classes
Beginner Kids Class 5:00 PM - 5:45 PM
Teens Class 6:45 PM - 8:00 PM
Beginner Kids Class 5:00 PM - 5:45 PM
This class is designed for students age 6-8 who are just starting out in martial arts. Perfect for learning the basics and fundamental skills of our discipline of martial arts.
Advanced Kids Class 5:45 PM - 6:45 PM
Teens Class 6:45 PM - 8:00 PM
Beginner Kids Class 5:00 PM - 5:45 PM
The advanced kids class is meant to utilize skills learned from the intermediate class in a more intensive and full-bodied way. Students learn to master the teachings and ideals of Han Mu Do in preparation for reaching their black belt goals.
Teens Class 6:45 PM - 8:00 PM
Teens Class 6:45 PM - 8:00 PM
Teens Class 6:45 PM - 8:00 PM
This class is designed for students ages 12-18 to learn in a comfortable and supportive environment. Students train amongst their peers while learning the fundamentals of Han Mu Do.
Meet our Instructors!
Eric VanderWaal
Eric VanderWaal
Eric VanderWaal
Growing up, I always had an interest in martial arts and always wished I knew how to protect myself growing up. When my son was five, I wanted him to have the confidence that I lacked as a kid. So, we began our martial arts training together. I immediately fell in love with training and earned my 1st Dan Han Mu Do Black Belt in 2010. Sin
Growing up, I always had an interest in martial arts and always wished I knew how to protect myself growing up. When my son was five, I wanted him to have the confidence that I lacked as a kid. So, we began our martial arts training together. I immediately fell in love with training and earned my 1st Dan Han Mu Do Black Belt in 2010. Since then, I’ve earned a 1st Dan in Tae Kwon Do in addition to recently earning my 5th Dan and Masters Certification in Han Mu Do from the Handowon in 2023. Along with my mentor, Rocky Johnson, we opened Washington Han Mu Do in June 2010. In addition to Han Mu Do, I enjoy training with my family, Lenor, Jacob, and Hanna all of whom currently train or did train with me. I also enjoy spending time with my family, being outdoors, walking our dogs, and gardening.
Stefan Yotz
Eric VanderWaal
Eric VanderWaal
I began my martial arts journey in 1988 in Sang Mu Quan Tae Kwon Do earning my 3rd degree black belt and starting my lifelong student approach to learning over many years. It has been an honor and pleasure to be a guest, student, and instructor in several schools since then. I was able to spend time in Judo, Aikido, and many years in
I began my martial arts journey in 1988 in Sang Mu Quan Tae Kwon Do earning my 3rd degree black belt and starting my lifelong student approach to learning over many years. It has been an honor and pleasure to be a guest, student, and instructor in several schools since then. I was able to spend time in Judo, Aikido, and many years in Ishin Ryu Karate earning my 1st degree black belt there as well. I started training at Washington Han Mu Do in 2012 and found a school and system I could easily call home. I earned my 1st Dan Black Belt in 2018, 2nd degree in 2022 and am working towards testing and earning my 3rd degree soon. I began teaching at Washington Han Mu Do shortly after beginning my training and enjoy teaching and learning from fellow students every week. In addition to my martial arts training I enjoy spending time with my spectacular wife and family, including world traveling, sports, being a gym rat, and a very active car enthusiast presence both nationally and internationally.
Tyler Patterson
Eric VanderWaal
Tyler Patterson
I was born and raised in the Seattle area and has been practicing Han Mu Do for 12 years. I received my 2nd Dan Black Belt in 2017 and have been teaching at Washington Han Mu Do for over five years. After exploring various other martial arts, I was attracted to Han Mu Do for its well thought out teaching strategy, philosophy and multifac
I was born and raised in the Seattle area and has been practicing Han Mu Do for 12 years. I received my 2nd Dan Black Belt in 2017 and have been teaching at Washington Han Mu Do for over five years. After exploring various other martial arts, I was attracted to Han Mu Do for its well thought out teaching strategy, philosophy and multifaceted techniques (ex. punches, kicks, locks, and throws). I believe strongly in the ability of martial arts to improve the quality of our lives and our community. My son and daughter were active in Han Mu Do as children, gaining the confidence and discipline to be model students and citizens. I hold degrees from Western Washington University and the University of Washington and have been a natural resource professional focused on salmon habitat protection and restoration for over 25 years. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my children, skiing, mountain biking, and traveling.
Logan Edwards
Hanna VanderWaal
Hanna VanderWaal
I began my Han Mu Do training when I was eight and have been training for nearly ten years now. I achieved my 2nd Dan Black Belt in 2023 and have been an instructor at Washington Han Mu Do since 2021. I have a great passion for teaching and helping students achieve their goals. I am responsible for running the kids' classes, and I enjoy
I began my Han Mu Do training when I was eight and have been training for nearly ten years now. I achieved my 2nd Dan Black Belt in 2023 and have been an instructor at Washington Han Mu Do since 2021. I have a great passion for teaching and helping students achieve their goals. I am responsible for running the kids' classes, and I enjoy helping our adult students. I love to spend time with my Friends, Family and Loved ones outside of class. My main hobbies are film and video production.
Hanna VanderWaal
Hanna VanderWaal
Hanna VanderWaal
I began my training at WHMD when I was 5, shortly after my father and brother began their training. From a young age, I have been infatuated with Han Mu Do, and I am lucky enough to now have my Instructors certification, as well as my 3rd Degree Black Belt. Han Mu Do is my greatest passion in life, and I love connecting with students and
I began my training at WHMD when I was 5, shortly after my father and brother began their training. From a young age, I have been infatuated with Han Mu Do, and I am lucky enough to now have my Instructors certification, as well as my 3rd Degree Black Belt. Han Mu Do is my greatest passion in life, and I love connecting with students and helping them learn and grow. Along with some of our other female instructors, I began our Little Dragons program in 2018, and it has grown into an incredible class! Apart from Han Mu Do, I enjoy music and movies, and being with friends and family. In 2024, at the age of 20, I graduated from Western Washington University with my BA in Business Operations Management.
Ivan Mirro
Hanna VanderWaal
Ivan Mirro
I have been a Han Mu Do student for almost a decade and earned my 1st degree black belt in fall of 2021. Since then I have continued to train as well as teach, earning my 2nd Dan in 2023. In that time I have come to love martial arts, not only because seeing myself grow and improve over time is fulfilling but also watching students impro
I have been a Han Mu Do student for almost a decade and earned my 1st degree black belt in fall of 2021. Since then I have continued to train as well as teach, earning my 2nd Dan in 2023. In that time I have come to love martial arts, not only because seeing myself grow and improve over time is fulfilling but also watching students improve themselves is one of my greatest joys. Outside of Han Mu Do I enjoy hanging out with my family and 3 dogs, doing Film & music production and 3D art & VFX.
Founder of Han Mu Do
Dr. He-Young Kimm
He-Young Kimm was born in Su Won County near Seoul, Korea in 1940 to a family who traditionally emphasized the pen and the sword. Beginning the practice of martial arts at the age of 7, Dr. Kimm studied a long list of different styles and techniques. (Yudo, Taekwondo, Tang Soo Do, Kong Soo Do, Hapkido, Won Kwang Wha, Kim Jung Soo, and Kuk Sool to name a few.)
Honoring his upbringing, Dr. Kimm received a Bachelors of Science in Marine Science, a Masters and PhD. in History, and a teaching certificate in Hapkido. He went on to publish several books on martial arts and philosophy, and in 1987 introduced Han Mu Do. Originally titled "Yuj Kwon Sul" and "Han Mu Yuh Kwon Sul", Han Mu Do (meaning "way of the Korean martial arts") is a structured accumulation of over 40 years of knowledge and experience.
Dr. Kimm holds a 9th dan in Hapkido, and advanced ranks in several of the other disciplines that he has studied over the years. He is the President of Dae Han Kido Hwe Operations in America; Director of the International Commerce Committee; and President & Founder of the World Han Mu Do Association.
Dr. He Young Kimm, the founder of Han Mu Do