G3 Instructors
Master Darlas and Mr. Gapezzani and the Art of Hapkido
Hapkido, meaning "the art of harmonizing energy," is the most effective and practical martial art in existence, employing a comprehensive set of self-defense techniques, including joint locks, grappling and throwing techniques, as well as kicks, punches, and other striking attacks.
For over 20 years, Master Darlas and Mr. Gapezzani studied under Grandmaster Chong S. Kim, one of the world's foremost practitioners and instructors of Hapkido. Master Darlas and Mr. Gapezzani opened G3 Academy in 2012 in order to help build a stronger, healthier community, where students learn life skills and become strong mentally, physically and emotionally. Each class at G3 AMA is dedicated to the promotion of physical and mental fitness, discipline, focus, respect, and self-confidence.
Master Darlas is a 6th degree black belt, and was Master Kim's chief instructor prior to opening G3 Academy. His teaching of Hapkido focuses on providing students with a deep understanding of each technique: how to apply the technique, why it works, and when to use it. As a leading practitioner of Hapkido, Master Darlas feels that Hapkido has given him so much that its time to give his knowledge back to the 3rd generation of students. He lives in Sierra Madre with his wife and two children, all of whom are students at G3 Academy.
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Mr. Gapezzani is a highly accomplished individual with a rich and diverse background. He holds a 5th-degree black belt in martial arts, and his dedication to the discipline spans over three decades. In the academic realm, he possesses a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in Communications and two Master's Degrees in Education, reflecting his strong foundation in both communication and teaching. With over 17 years of experience as a school teacher, Mr. Gapezzani has honed his pedagogical skills and created effective learning environments for students. His passion for martial arts and education led him to establish G3 Academy, where he combines his expertise in both fields to provide students with a safe and enriching learning experience. Beyond his professional achievements, Mr. Gapezzani is deeply committed to his community, where he resides with his two children. Notably, both of his children are students at G3 Academy, underscoring his dedication to the quality of education and martial arts training he offers to his community and family. His multifaceted skill set and unwavering passion for teaching make him a valuable asset to his students and the community he serves.