top of page

About Hunter Hapkido Academy

Kids training at Hunter Hapkido

About Us

At Hunter Hapkido Academy in Peculiar, Missouri, we teach authentic Hapkido as a proud member school of the American Institute of Modern Hapkido Instruction (AIMHI). Hapkido is a Korean martial art known as the “art of coordinated power,” combining leverage, timing, and technique to create effective, practical self-defense. Our training emphasizes real-world application while maintaining the structure and tradition that make martial arts a lifelong discipline.

Through Hapkido instruction, students learn a complete defensive system that includes throws, joint locks, breakfalls, punches, and kicks. Beyond physical technique, we focus on developing balance of mind, body, and spirit through servant-leadership and disciplined practice. At Hunter Hapkido Academy, martial arts training is more than learning how to defend yourself—it’s about building strength, character, and confidence in a supportive community dedicated to growth.

Our Mission

The mission of Hunter Hapkido Academy is to provide a martial arts home for all that fosters faith in life, fellowship in arms, and discipline in training, while driving everyone to be who they were designed to be.

Meet the Instructors at Hunter Hapkido Academy

Get to know the dedicated instructors behind Hunter Hapkido Academy in Peculiar, Missouri. With years of Hapkido training, certified black belt experience, and a shared commitment to faith, discipline, and servant-leadership, our team is passionate about helping every student grow stronger in skill, character, and confidence.

Jesse Hunter Hapkido instructor Peculiar

Jesse Hunter

Jesse Hunter is a Certified 3rd Degree Black Belt and co-founder of Hunter Hapkido Academy in Peculiar, Missouri. He began his Hapkido training in January 2018 alongside his brother, Levi, at Coulter Hapkido Academy and earned his Black Belt in March 2020 through the American Institute of Modern Hapkido Instruction (AIMHI).

 

Through years of disciplined training and leadership development, Jesse has remained committed to teaching authentic Hapkido rooted in coordinated power, practical self-defense, and servant-leadership.

In January 2025, Jesse and Levi stepped into ownership and established Hunter Hapkido Academy with a vision of creating a true martial arts home for their community. In addition to instructing and mentoring students, Jesse holds a BA in Urban Planning and Design from the University of Missouri–Kansas City and serves full time as a City Planner for the City of Gardner, Kansas.

 

His professional background in planning and community development reflects the same intentional leadership and long-term vision he brings to the academy—building stronger individuals, families, and community through martial arts training.

Levi Hunter

Levi Hunter is a Certified 3rd Degree Black Belt through the American Institute of Modern Hapkido Instruction (AIMHI) and co-founder of Hunter Hapkido Academy in Peculiar, Missouri.

 

He has trained alongside his brother Jesse for over eight years, developing a strong foundation in authentic Hapkido and practical self-defense. In addition to his Hapkido training, Levi studies non-traditional mixed self-defense, Judo, and Karate, bringing well-rounded experience and depth to the academy’s martial arts instruction.

A graduate of Northwest Missouri State University with a Bachelor of Applied Science in Business, Levi combines leadership, discipline, and organizational vision in his role as instructor and mentor.

 

His passion extends beyond technique—his goal is to cultivate a martial arts community built on faith, fellowship, and disciplined training. At Hunter Hapkido Academy, Levi is committed to helping students of all ages grow stronger in skill, character, and purpose.

Levi Hunter Hapkido instructor Peculiar
Ted Hall fitness and karate training
Tedd Hall

Bushidokan Karate and Fitness Classes

Ted Hall is an ISSA-certified fitness trainer and nutritionist with over 20 years of experience helping clients achieve their health and wellness goals. He is also a 2nd Dan Black Belt in Bushidokan Karate, with 40 years of martial arts training. At Hunter Hapkido Academy in Peculiar, Missouri, Ted combines his expertise in fitness, nutrition, and traditional karate to guide students toward stronger bodies, sharper skills, and healthier lifestyles.

Curtis Martinez youth self defense  instructor
Curtis Martinez

Youth Self Defense: "The Battle Ready Program"

Curtis Martinez is the lead instructor of the Battle Ready Program at Hunter Hapkido Academy in Peculiar, Missouri. With a background in grappling, judo, and ninja-style training, he emphasizes balance, body control, safe falling, functional strength, and disciplined movement. Curtis creates a structured, safe environment that challenges students to grow physically, mentally, and in character.

Start Your Martial Arts Journey Today!

At Hunter Hapkido Academy in Peculiar, Missouri, we provide a martial arts home where faith, fellowship, and discipline guide every lesson. Join a supportive community that helps students of all ages grow stronger in skill, character, and confidence—becoming who they were designed to be.

JOIN US TODAY!

Why Choose Hunter Hapkido Academy

Expert, Certified Instructors

Our team of black belts and certified trainers brings decades of martial arts, fitness, and self-defense experience. Every student benefits from skilled guidance tailored to their age, skill level, and goals.

Mission-Driven Training

At Hunter Hapkido Academy in Peculiar, Missouri, we focus on faith, discipline, and servant-leadership. Our classes help students grow physically, mentally, and morally while becoming who they were designed to be.

Safe, Supportive Community

We foster a welcoming environment where students of all ages can learn, train, and grow together. Our structured classes encourage fellowship, confidence, and lasting friendships on and off the mat.

Proud Member of AIMHI

Hunter Hapkido Academy is a member school of the American Institute of Modern Hapkido Instruction (AIMHI), a respected organization dedicated to preserving and teaching authentic Hapkido.

Youth Hapkido students training together
Kids martial arts class Peculiar MO
Youth Hapkido students training together
Youth martial arts class | Hunter Hapkido Academy
Youth martial arts class | Hunter Hapkido Academy
Kids training at Hunter Hapkido
bottom of page