GM Holcombe Thomas

Grand Master Holcombe Thomas began his martial arts journey in October of 1972 at The Citadel in Charleston, SC.  Since then, he has lived and trained in various arts (albeit related) in a number of countries.  He holds earned black belt rank in four arts, including 8th dan in his primary art, Hapkido. 
Holcombe’s Hapkido instructor, since 1981 is KIM Nam Jai of the International Kyungmu Hapkido Federation.  Holcombe is the North American Director of the federation.  

Master Larry Nisenoff

Master Larry Nisenoff has been training in martial arts for over 40 years.  His journey started with Kempo in the early 1980’s.  After relocating for a work opportunity, he opted for Korean martial arts, starting with Tang Soo Do where he earned a second degree black belt.   “Open tournaments were a common thing in the Atlanta area in 1980s – we traveled near and far to complete and meet other martial artists and learn about their styles.  I was very interested in the philosophical and tactical differences with Hapkido – I took a few classes and took on a new challenge.   It was great to put on a white belt and line up in the back of class.”  Master Nisenoff founded NVHA in 2002.

Master Eddy Azcarate

Master Eddy Azcarate began his martial arts journey in 1990 while serving in the United States Marine Corps, earning a Black Belt in Shorin Ryu Karate. After returning to Northern Virginia, he worked as a police officer and trained in Taekwondo starting in 2003. In 2007, he found Northern Virginia Hapkido, where he discovered a more balanced approach to martial arts. While his early training focused on combat, Hapkido taught him to control opponents without causing harm, complementing his hard-style foundation. Today, he continues to enjoy teaching and learning through his martial arts practice.

Master Todd Williams

Master Williams began his Hapkido journey in 2001 at West’s Hapkido Academy. He trained under the instruction of Grand Master West for over 18 years, until he relocated and became the private student of Grand Master Kim Jung Soo in Daegu, South Korea. For over two years, Grand Master Kim graciously mentored Master Williams and profoundly contributed to his Hapkido development and understanding of Korean culture.

In the dojang, Master Williams enjoys practicing the fundamentals, flowing, and mentoring others. His passion is teaching and assisting students in finding their own unique ways to success in the dojang.