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.
Our Classes
Little Dragons
Little Dragons
Little Dragons
Saturdays . 10:00 - 10:30am
A fun and engaging class for 4-5 year olds; Little Dragons teaches a series of introductory skills and techniques used in the practice of Han Mu Do. With the help of intentionally designed and age-appropriate activities, young children are given the opportunity to build discipline, perseverance, and confidence that will support them throughout the rest of their lives.
Kids' Classes
Little Dragons
Little Dragons
Monday & Wednesday
Beginners
4:30 pm- 5:15 pm
Intermediate
5:15 pm - 6:00 pm
This class is specifically designed for children ages 6-12 who are interested in learning the art of Han Mu Do. Through a series of kicks, punches, sweeps, holds, pressure points, and joint locking techniques; kids begin to harness the skills and building blocks tha
Monday & Wednesday
Beginners
4:30 pm- 5:15 pm
Intermediate
5:15 pm - 6:00 pm
This class is specifically designed for children ages 6-12 who are interested in learning the art of Han Mu Do. Through a series of kicks, punches, sweeps, holds, pressure points, and joint locking techniques; kids begin to harness the skills and building blocks that define this specific discipline. In all areas of life, success depends upon the ability to set a goal, believe in yourself, and then work hard under difficult circumstances. It is precisely these capacities that are the focus of our training programs.
Advanced Class
Monday & Wednesday
6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Building on the skills taught in the Beginner Kids' class, children aged 6-12 are given the opportunity to expand their knowledge and application of these concepts. Through a continued practice of heightened awareness and conscious response, students advance their learning with throwing techniques, choke holds, and core sets of combined movement and sound. Aimed at increasing confidence, resiliency, and respect for self and others; this class strengthens your child's ability to center their own body, mind, and spirit; while increasing their agility, stamina, & overall core strength.
Teens & Adults
Little Dragons
Teens & Adults
Monday & Wednesday
Teens
6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Adults
7:00 pm - 8:15 pm
You are never too old to learn something new! Teens and adults of all skill levels are encouraged to attend this class. Han Mu Do is a comprehensive martial arts system comprised of empty hand techniques, weapons, internal energy & martial arts philosophy. Training increases p
Monday & Wednesday
Teens
6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Adults
7:00 pm - 8:15 pm
You are never too old to learn something new! Teens and adults of all skill levels are encouraged to attend this class. Han Mu Do is a comprehensive martial arts system comprised of empty hand techniques, weapons, internal energy & martial arts philosophy. Training increases power, speed, agility, flexibility, core strength, weight loss & cardiovascular health; expands self-awareness, confidence, persistence & resiliency. Taught through a series of punches, kicks, sweeps, grabs, throws, and blocks; students become empowered to create the life they desire within a caring & supportive community.
Our Lead Instructors
Eric VanderWaal
Eric VanderWaal
Eric VanderWaal
I began my martial arts training when my son was five. I really wanted him to learn martial arts, and it was something I had always been interested in. 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 4th Dan in
I began my martial arts training when my son was five. I really wanted him to learn martial arts, and it was something I had always been interested in. 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 4th Dan in Han Mu Do from the Handowon in 2019. Along with my mentor, Rocky Johnson, we opened Washington Han Mu Do in June 2010. When I am not in the dojang training with my family and friends; I enjoy spending time with my wife and children, being outdoors, walking our dogs, and gardening.
Stefan Yotz
Eric VanderWaal
Eric VanderWaal
I began my martial arts journey in 1988 studying several styles and have been both a student and guest in many martial arts schools. 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 in addition to being a 3rd Dan Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do alo
I began my martial arts journey in 1988 studying several styles and have been both a student and guest in many martial arts schools. 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 in addition to being a 3rd Dan Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do along with several other areas of martial arts study. I began teaching at Washington Han Mu Do shortly after beginning my training and still enjoy teaching and training. In addition to my martial arts training I enjoy spending time with my wife and two children in addition to working on my car.
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 his 2nd Dan Black Belt in 2017 and has 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 his 2nd Dan Black Belt in 2017 and has 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. My son is currently a junior studying chemical engineering at Washington State University and my daughter is a high school junior attending the Running Start Program at Green River College. 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.
Ericka Meckle
Hanna VanderWaal
Hanna VanderWaal
I've been doing Han Mu Do since I was 10 years old. I earned my junior black belt in 2015 and then my 1st Dan Black Belt in 2018. In addition to being an assistant instructor, I also love going hiking, painting, and my job at Jersey Mike's. Now I am currently working towards my 2nd Dan Black Belt and continuing teaching and training in Han Mu Do.
Hanna VanderWaal
Hanna VanderWaal
Hanna VanderWaal
I have been training in Martial Arts and Han Mu Do for almost 10 years, beginning when I was 5. I enjoy both practicing Han Mu Do and teaching it as well. Teaching brings me some of my greatest joys in life. I love getting to share what I’ve learned with other students. In 2015, when I was in 5th grade, I earned my Junior Black Belt. How
I have been training in Martial Arts and Han Mu Do for almost 10 years, beginning when I was 5. I enjoy both practicing Han Mu Do and teaching it as well. Teaching brings me some of my greatest joys in life. I love getting to share what I’ve learned with other students. In 2015, when I was in 5th grade, I earned my Junior Black Belt. However, my martial arts journey did not end there. In fall of 2019, I traveled to the home school in Baton Rouge, Louisiana to earn my 1st degree Adult Black Belt. I also run our Little Dragon’s program for 3 to 5 year old kids. Han Mu Do has significantly changed my life for the better, and I cannot picture myself without it.
TJ Hohn
Hanna VanderWaal
TJ Hohn
I’m a 2nd Dan Black Belt at Washington Han Mu Do. In January of 2014, at the age of 37, I started my martial arts journey. It was something I had always wanted to try, and I was given a gift certificate for a month’s worth of Han Mu Do training as a Christmas gift. I was hooked on the school and instructors and have been at Washington Ha
I’m a 2nd Dan Black Belt at Washington Han Mu Do. In January of 2014, at the age of 37, I started my martial arts journey. It was something I had always wanted to try, and I was given a gift certificate for a month’s worth of Han Mu Do training as a Christmas gift. I was hooked on the school and instructors and have been at Washington Han Mu Do ever since, with the intention of continuing to practice martial arts until I am physically unable. I currently practice Han Mu Do with 2 of my 5 children and am a firm believer that the many benefits of martial arts training translate to work, school and every other aspect of life. We spend countless hours learning and training in how to defend ourselves and through that process we learn about self-confidence, self-respect and respect for others, goal setting and the value of persistence. In my off time, I enjoy riding my mountain bike as well as backpacking and camping with my family and dog.
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.
