Our Heritage

Legacy Link

An unbroken chain of mastery, passed from teacher to student across generations.

Legacy Link

Legacy of Master Timothy E. Engelbrecht Sr.

TBA…. Somebody call Indiana Jones

The Missing Handbook of Master Tim Engelbrecht Sr.

The Early Years…1987-93

Founder Choi Yong-Sool

Hapkido is a Korean martial art that was developed in the mid-20th century. The most commonly recognized founder of Hapkido is Choi Yong-sool (1904–1986). Choi Yong-sool is credited with creating Hapkido by integrating traditional Korean martial arts, such as Taekkyeon and Hwa Rang Do, with influences from Japanese martial arts, including Daito-ryu Aiki-jujutsu.

Choi Yong-sool was born on March 2, 1904, in the Chungcheongbuk-do province of Korea during the Japanese occupation. His early life is shrouded in some mystery, and he is believed to have trained in various martial arts during his youth. It is said that he became skilled in techniques from indigenous Korean martial arts as well as Japanese martial arts, having spent time in Japan.

After World War II, Choi returned to Korea and began teaching his martial art, which he initially called “Yu Kwon Sool.” Over time, the art evolved and was eventually named Hapkido in the 1960s. Hapkido emphasizes a dynamic range of strikes, kicks, joint locks, and throws, making use of the opponent’s force and movements.

Choi Yong-sool’s legacy is significant in the world of martial arts, particularly for the development of Hapkido. The art has since spread globally, with numerous schools and practitioners dedicated to its practice.

Founders, Instructors, Black and Brown Belts of Golden Dragon

Founder: Choi Yong Sol — HAPKIDO

Grand Master: Lee Hee Kuek — HAPKIDO, Korean Special Forces

Founder: Master Timothy E Engelbrecht Sr. R.I.P — Golden Dragon Martial Arts

CEO and VP Golden Dragon Martial Arts:
Glenn Weeks – VP
AJ Denton – CEO

Shawn Marando – Founder CEO COPKIDO
Master Tim’s 1st Traditional American Hapkido Black Belt – 7th Dan
BOSTON, PA
https://www.copkido.com

Instructor: Marshall Sanderson – Owner CEO TAIJUTSU School of Martial Science
Master Tim’s Traditional American Hapkido 4th Dan Black Belt
BOTTINEAU, ND

Instructor: Arthur Slaterbeck – Owner Screaming Eagles Hapkido
Golden Dragon Hapkido Brown Belt
LOGANTON, PA

Our Lineage

The masters who forged the path we walk today.

Grandmaster Choi, Yong Sul

Founder of Hapkido

The founder of Hapkido, whose teachings on coordinated power and circular motion form the bedrock of our lineage.

Grandmaster Choi

Hapkido Pioneer

Training in the early days of Hapkido — an unbroken chain of knowledge passed from master to student.

Master Lee

Grandmaster

A direct link in the lineage chain, Master Lee carried the authentic Korean martial arts tradition forward to the next generation.

Master Marando

Senior Master

A key figure in the lineage, Master Marando’s dedication to Copkido and the martial arts expanded the reach of authentic training.

Master Tim

Head Instructor

Decades of dedication to the martial arts. Master Tim carries the torch forward as head instructor at Golden Dragon Martial Arts.

Glenn Weeks

Senior Instructor

A lifelong practitioner whose skill and commitment to the arts exemplify the Golden Dragon spirit.

Black Belt Legacy

Those who have earned the rank through years of dedication and sacrifice.

Arthur S.

Black Belt

A dedicated practitioner who earned his rank through years of perseverance and commitment to the Golden Dragon way.

Kevin M.

Black Belt

Tested and proven, demonstrating the skill and spirit required of a Golden Dragon black belt.

Become Part of the Legacy

Join Golden Dragon Martial Arts and begin writing your own chapter in this storied tradition.

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