Message from Instructor

First, I would like to thank you for visiting my web site. I am Joseph Dunston, instructor at Dunston Hapkido. I first learned of Hapkido through a friend in college. Hapkido caught my interest, but I thought that there was no way a large, overweight country boy could ever do any martial art. I never gave Hapkido another thought until moving to Marietta, GA in 1996. Shortly after the move, I received a brochure for summer classes offered at Marietta Middle School. While flipping through the brochure, BAM, there was Hapkido. A 6-week summer course was being offered. Not knowing a single person in Georgia , I certainly had the time, so I registered. As the saying goes, "The rest is history." I met my instructor, Mr. Bill Dittman and have been taking classes from him since. I earned my 2nd degree black belt in December of 2004. During 2001 & 2002 I began assisting Mr. Dittman with class. After Mr. Dittman retired from teaching, September of 2002, I took over teaching class. I have quickly learned; there is a big difference between knowing a move and teaching someone else how to do a move. Teaching is both challenging and fun.

Why do I like Hapkido? I get asked this question in one form or another all of the time. My answer, "It suits my personality. If you don't mess with me, I won’t mess with you." Here is an explanation, Hapkido is "reactionary". You have tried to hurt me, now I am going to make sure you don’t hurt me.

I would venture to say that every person who practices a martial art develops favorite moves and disliked moves. My favorites/dislikes have not shifted much during the time I have been involved in Hapkido. My favorite move is Over Arm Lock and Strike. It gives me complete control over an opponent and can be performed from many situations. My dislikes would be throws. I do not like throwing or being thrown. I cannot explain it; I just do not like throws.

I want to touch on one topic. No matter who you are, what size/shape, male/female, strong/weak, if you are at all interested in martial arts, give Hapkido a try. I am 6' 4" and weighed over 400 pounds when I earned my black belt. My kicks are not high and pretty; I am not the fastest or most limber person you will meet. But I stuck with it and earned my 2nd degree black belt. DO NOT let stereotypes of what you think you have to be, to learn a martial art stop you from trying. I didn't and look where I am now . . . .