About the Arts
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The American Judo-Hapkido Institute has been in operation since 1974. During the early years, its founder, John Beluschak was teaching at various locations in the Western Pennsylvania area including local YMCAs, colleges and community centers. His reputation for quality martial arts instruction spread, and many students enrolled in his schools and programs. Originally located in the Woodland Terrace section of Clairton, PA, the school provided a location for children and adults to study competitive Judo and Hapkido self-defense. This first, small school grew in popularity and produced many area Judo champions and Hapkido practitioners.
In 1982, the American Judo-Hapkido Institute relocated to a storefront on Route 51 in Pleasant Hills, PA. Here the school saw continued growth as both the enrollment and martial arts programs expanded. Several future national and international Judo champions began their training at the Pleasant Hills dojang (school).
Now located in the Wilson District of Clairton, PA, The American Judo-Hapkido Institute encompasses a much larger facility. With state of the art Swain® mats, the large, main practice area provides an exceptional environment for training in both Judo and Hapkido. The school also houses four other mat areas often used for warm-ups, private instruction, belt exams and smaller class sizes. Advanced Hapkido students gain the added benefit of periodic access to an outdoor training area. Classes are taught six days a week offering a variety of scheduling options for men, women and children. The American Judo-Hapkido Institute also sponsors regular inter-club Judo tournaments and self-defense exhibitions as a means of furthering their students’ skills in the arts.
