Kids, Teens & Adults • View Schedule • See Pricing • Book Your Free Trial
In 2001, I converted my garage into a small dojo.
I started with 10 adult students, teaching practical self-defense and Hapkido training in the evenings after work. We trained hard — sometimes late into the night — building what would eventually become one of the most respected martial arts communities in Howell, New Jersey.
With the support of a close friend, I officially opened my academy in Howell, NJ in the summer of 2005.
At the time, I was known locally — and even on the early internet — as a hard-core martial arts instructor focused on real-world self-defense. My adult Hapkido classes emphasized practical striking, joint locks, throws, and control techniques designed for real-life situations.
We also offered a kids martial arts program in Howell, teaching traditional forms and fundamentals similar to karate and taekwondo schools.
But over time, something changed.
Some of my original Garage Students that help get things started!
The CORE 24 Hapkido System- Inspired by my Daughter Erin after being bullied in Middle school.
My Daughter Erin who is engaged to be married in 2027 and Son Sean who is studying for his Masters degree at Monmouth University inspired the anti-Bullying, Confidence Building changes at Inner-Power Martial Arts!
Years later, my daughter experienced bullying in middle school. That moment forced me to rethink how children are taught martial arts and self-defense.
I realized that while traditional forms and tournament-style training have value, kids need practical self-defense skills they can confidently use if necessary.
So I shifted our focus. Instead of emphasizing only kicking and forms, I began teaching children real Hapkido techniques — leverage-based self-defense, redirection, control, and confidence-building strategies specifically designed to help kids handle bullying safely and effectively.
The results were undeniable.
Over the years, we’ve helped hundreds of children in Howell and surrounding communities grow more confident, more focused, and more resilient. Many have earned black belts. Many trained for a season of life.
Every one of them gained something powerful:
Confidence.
Leadership.
Inner strength.
For years, the school carried different names — names that reflected martial arts, but not our true mission. During the COVID shutdown, when everything slowed down, I had time to reflect on what we really offer families in Howell, NJ……It became clear:
We don’t just teach Hapkido. We use Hapkido as the tool to develop something greater — the inner power already inside every child, teen, and adult who walks through our doors.That realization led to the name Inner-Power Martial Arts. Because that’s what we build every day — through structured kids martial arts classes, teen training, and adult self-defense programs right here in Howell.
I began training in martial arts in 1990.
Today, I am an official Jung Ki Kwan registered Master with direct lineage to the founder of Hapkido through Grandmaster Lim, Young Su. I’ve been inducted into multiple Martial Arts Halls of Fame and have extensive experience teaching defensive tactics to law enforcement professionals.
But what matters most isn’t titles.
It’s impact.
Our team is homegrown — many of our instructors began as students in our Howell martial arts programs and chose to stay, grow, and help others.
We’ve built more than a martial arts school in Howell, NJ.
We’ve built a community.
If you’re searching for Hapkido classes, kids martial arts, or practical self-defense training in Howell, we welcome you to visit Inner-Power Martial Arts and experience the difference for yourself.
Here I am receiving My Jungki Kwan Hapkido Master Certification from Grandmaster Lim, Hyun Soo the most senior living 9th Dan student of Hapkido’s founder, Choi Young Su
Master McCann’s Self Defense Academy- Our original location on Rour 9 in Howell in the summer of 2005
Started my Hapkido Journey in 1990
Official Jungki Kwan Hapkido Master (direct lineage to Grandmaster Lim Hyun Soo)
Inducted into multiple Martial Arts Halls of Fame
Developed the Core 24 Hapkido System for Kids
Guest instructor at local schools across Howell & Freehold Regional and Jackson School Districts
Experience teaching law enforcement defensive tactics to Monmouth and Ocean county departments.
“I help Kids and Adults of all ages build Confidence-FAST..using a unique Martial Art called Hapkido”
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So happy we chose Inner-Power Martial Arts. My son has been going for about a year, moving up in rank, gaining self-esteem and confidence along the way. Brian and his staff are fun, motivating, and inspirational to my son. I highly recommend this dojo at anyone. Comfortable atmosphere, flexible schedules, and friendly staff makes this a great place to bring your family!
Jennifer, Howell Mom
Via Facebook
Great Place! I have learned so much over the years I’ve been here and would highly recommend it to anyone wanting to learn practical self-defense and get in shape. Only wish that I started earlier. Awesome and friendly staff!
Vito, Jackson NJ
Via Google
The Instructors are patient , encouraging, and always positive. Our kids see them as role models. It’s not just martial arts-it’s character development!
Lauren, Farmingdale Mom
Via Facebook
As an adult student I didn’t want a ‘kids karate program’. Hapkido here is the real deal- practical,effective, and the instructors explain everything so clearly. I feel stronger and more prepared every week.
Joseph, Freehold NJ
Via Google
Since starting at Inner-Power, my son’s focus in school has improved so much. He’s more confident,more disciplined, and he LOVES coming to class. We Couldn’t be happier!
Denise, Jackson Mom
Via Facebook
Joining Inner-Power has been life-changing. I’ve lost weight, gained confidence and learned real skills to protect myself,
Rich, Jackson New Jersey
Via Google
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Reply STOP to unsubscribe, or HELP for assistance.
We respect your privacy — your information will never be sold or shared for third-party marketing. View our full Privacy Policy.