The Universal Martial Arts Institute (UMI) was founded in 1989 by Grandmaster Ik Hwan Kim. It is made up of two divisions: Universal Taekwondo Federation (UTF) and Universal Hapkido Federation (UHF).

Hapkido is a powerful and innovative Korean martial art. Literally translated, the word Hap means coordination of harmony, Ki denotes the essence of power, and Do means the art, or the way. Hapkido employs powerful kicking techniques like Korean Tae Kyon, throwing techniques like Japanese Aikido and Jujitsu, and hand techniques like Chinese Kenpo. It is concise and practical, the result of a 1300 year pursuit of the ultimate lifestyle.

Universal Hapkido Federation:

Grandmaster Ik-Hwan Kim has over 40 years of teaching experience in Hapkido and is an authentic 9th Dan. In 1975 he was the first master to teach both Taekwondo and Hapkido at the same school in Korea. He believes that one does not have to be young, limber, athletic or physically strong to learn and practice Hapkido. With this philosophy in mind, he has created a program suitable for any adult, no matter what their age or physical limitations.