Hapkido is one of the most fascinating, effective martial arts of our time. Although credited as a Korean art, it draws heavily on techniques and principles from the Japanese arts.

International Hapkido is the UK’s first established organisation teaching Authentic Hapkido. With over forty years of experience as the leading Hapkido organisation, we have taught thousands of students, from all walks of life.    

In 1971 Fred Adams founded the Great Britain Hapkido Association, the first of its kind in the British Isles to promote the art of Hapkido. The Association was responsible for establishing the art and the first to bring several senior instructors from the Korean Hapkido Association Headquarters in Seoul. This first school opened in Norwich and within a short time attracted large numbers of students with several classes every week. Previously unknown to the British public, Hapkido had arrived on the scene when martial arts were just taking off, superstars like Bruce Lee had captured the imagination of many and an explosion of interest in the oriental arts occurred.

Gradually the popularity of Hapkido spread across the country and by the efforts of Fred Adams reached Scotland and Wales. By 1981 several enquiries came for training and classes overseas and so International Hapkido was born. Fred Adams was also the first person to bring Hapkido to the shores of Ireland, teaching in the North and the South where it was well received.


Grandmaster Fred Adams – 8th Dan Hapkido

Born in Lancashire in 1932 Fred Adams first learned the basics of self-defence in 1939 as a young boy living in a country at war. He then began a study of combat skills when joining the British Army. His interest and desire for learning turned to the Eastern styles in the 1953.

Grandmaster Fred held no less than seventeen black belts, he was regarded internationally as a true master of his art and pioneer for the fascinating, but lesser-know system of Hapkido.

Master Nial Adams – 8th Dan International Hapkido

Nial began training under the tutelage of his father at just seven years old (1976). As a young boy he was taught privately and at the age of eleven he joined a formal Hapkido class. With the continued guidance of his father as well as other Hapkido instructors he continued his studies, gaining grades and experience. Then at the age of just sixteen he began to teach his own class (all adults).

In 1987 Grandmaster Fred Adams awarded him his 1st Dan Black Belt. Around this time he commenced advanced training with one of the UK’s leading specialists in the field of Close Protection (Bodyguarding). This instructor, ex-SAS, trained Nial in combat elements including the use of firearms, close combat, and other advanced combat and security skills.

In 1989 Nial was asked to join his father in providing instructional services to the British Armed Forces. As one of the instructors on the course Nial became one of just three civilians to be awarded ‘A’ grade Instructor status. In this course Nial taught over eighty members of the Special Forces including Special Air Service Regiment, Royal Marine Commandoes, Parachute Regiment, Royal Air Force Regiment and Military Intelligence.

Shortly after this Nial started his own training company, Positive Response, and taught the advanced combat elements of Hapkido to members of the armed forces, security personnel and private individuals seeking practical self-protection training. Through this company he went on to run training services across the UK, in several countries in Eastern Europe, where he taught military, police and security services including the Presidential Bodyguards.

Today, with over 40 years of study, Nial holds the rank of 8th Dan (Grandmaster), the position of Grandmaster of International Hapkido. He has travelled widely teaching and demonstrating the art.