Welcome to Moonlit Path Martial Arts, a traditional martial arts school where we focus on enriching a student’s mind, body, and spirit. We teach Korean Tang Soo Do and Chon-Tu Kwon (Combat) Hapkido in Branford, Connecticut.
TANG SOO DO / CLASSICAL KARATE-DO
Tang Soo Do, translated as “the way of the empty hand,” is a martial art comprised of a combination of Chinese and Korean fighting arts with a heavy Japanese / Okinawan influence from the nearly 50 years of Japanese occupation of Korea in the 20th century. Tang Soo Do uses linear and circular striking and joint manipulation techniques with a constant flow between them using universal energy or “Ki.”
We focus on creating extreme power through the constant and generous use of the hips. We practice the art of self-defense by preventing conflict with the perfection of mind, body and spirit. Our feeling is that the martial arts are a wonderful bridge into “Everyday Zen,” which keeps us peaceful, healthy and productive.
CHON-TU KWAN / COMBAT HAPKIDO
Combat Hapkido is an extremely effective modern system of self-defense derived from traditional Hapkido and close-quarter military and law enforcement combatives with unarmed and weapons applications. It is a realistic and versatile discipline of self-protection that includes an extensive variety of strikes, kicks, joint locks, pressure points, ground survival and disarming techniques.
EXPERIENCE
Sa Bom Nim Sid Werthan has over 30 years of experience in the martial arts, including instruction, competition and in the real-world through personal and private protection. He holds a Master instructor rank in Tang Soo Do (5th dan) as well as additional dan ranks in Modern Arnis (graciously granted the title of Guru by the late Professor Remy Presas through Professor Michael T. Bates) and Okinawan Uechi-Ryu (Shodan, I.U.K.F., from Kyoshi Rik Lostritto and GM George Mattson). Sa Bom Nim Werthan is also a Senior Master instructor in Chon–Tu Kwan Hapkido (6th dan under his teacher and mentor Grand Master John Pellegrini) and has expertise in joint locks, throwing, grappling, pressure point techniques and weapon arts, blade work and Okinawan Kobudo). Recently, Sid was honored with the title of Professor/8th Dan of Military Combative Arts and Karate-Do by G.M./Dr. Leonard Holifield and the International Institute of Martial Science and Philosophy. He is a certified I.P.D.T.I (International Police Defensive Tactics Instructor) and C.P.S./E.P. Agent through ESI. Sid is a Senior advisor to M.A.A.T.( Martial Artists Against Trafficking), and a member of the A.T.B. (the Anti Trafficking Bureau).
Sa Bom Nim Werthan also has years of experience and training in Shito-Ryu (Japanese), Ryu-Te Okinawan Kempo, and Goju-Ryu. Having had the honor of training with Sensei Morio Higianna for a week at his Hombu dojo in Okinawa in 2018. He continues his search for knowledge with an open mind. He regularly attends seminars and clinics to further his enrichment and understanding of the arts both physically and spiritually. He is assisted by certified and respected black belt instructors with professional and academic backgrounds.
Sa Bom Nim Werthan has traveled to Korea, Japan, Okinawa, and China, as well as the Caribbean and across North and South America, Iceland, and Europe to practice the arts. He plans to continue traveling and seeking out new Martial journeys and friends in Mudo (the Martial way). The journey for knowledge is never ending.
He also holds a bachelors’ degree in Communications and Art, ancillary Art degrees and a Master’s degree in academics and art/education and has a desire to gain experience and knowledge in all forms.
Master Werthan has had the honor, privilege, and pleasure of training extensively with some of the most amazing, influential, and world renowned teachers in Martial Arts history, such as Shihan Fumio Demura, Grand Master John Pellegrini, Dr. Maung Gyi, Willem de Thouars (Uncle Bill), Sensei Charles Hobbib, Sensei David Palumbo, Shihan Al Sousa, Kwang Jang Nim Carlos Alayon, Sa Bom Nim Peter Krause, Kwang Jang Nim Charles Ferraro, Kwan Jang Nim Andy Ahpo, Sa Bom Nim Seth McCalaster, Sa Bom Nim Arthur Blair, Master Thomas Pai, Sensei Tadao Imotto, Chun Jae Nim C.S. Kim, Seiyu Taika Oyata, Sensei Shinyu Gushi, Sensei George Mattson, Sensei Buzz and Judy Durkin, Sensei Darin Yee, Sensei Rik Lostritto, Sensei John Spencer, Sensei John Griffin, Sensei Ernie Harriman, Sensei Ed Huff, Sensei Lee Adams, Dr. /G.M. Leonard Holifield, Anshou Stephen Hayes, G.M. Neil Farber, G.M. Guy Raphaeli, G.M. Hoti Mortenstein, G.M. Brian Zawalinksi, the late Professor Remy Presas, Professor Michael T. Bates, Kyoshi Robb Buckland, Sifu Stephe Watson, Master Jack Guo, Sensei Morio Higaonna, Sensei Masakazu Kuramoto, Sensei Zenpo Shimabukuro, Sensei Moises Delacruz and Kuya Doug Marcaida
CLASSES FOR ALL AGES
At Moonlit Path Martial Arts we teach group classes for men, women, and children on a weekly basis, and we are also available for private instruction and self-defense seminars by request. Master Werthan also instructs classes and seminars for Veterans, Law Enforcement and Private Security Personnel.