Our Instructors
Meet our professional and experienced team
Master Daeman Sung
7th Dan Black Belt
Chief Instructor & Founder
Master Daeman Sung is the Chief Instructor of SKMA London Hapkido. With over 30 years of martial arts experience, Master Sung has dedicated his life to teaching authentic Korean martial arts and sharing the philosophy and techniques of Hapkido with students around the world.
Originally from South Korea, Master Sung served in the Korean Special Forces as a military intelligence officer. He moved to the UK in 1998 and established the Durham University Hapkido Club, before founding SKMA in London in 2007.
He holds internationally recognized certifications from the Korea Hapkido Federation, Korea Hapkido Total Federation, and World Kummooyeh Federation. He has conducted seminars and demonstrations across Europe including in Germany, France, Poland, Croatia, and the Czech Republic. He is also the President of the British Yongmudo Association and British Whitagu Association.
Our Instructor Team
Jiyoung Cha
4th Dan Hapkido, 1st Dan Kummooyeh
Senior Instructor
Jiyoung Cha has been a dedicated member of SKMA Hapkido since 2016, building on an early foundation in Taekwondo and athletics. She holds a 4th Dan in Hapkido and 1st Dan in Kummooyeh, and serves as a Senior Instructor at Worcester Park and New Malden. Known for her discipline, energy, and commitment to student development, she plays a key role in shaping a positive and structured training environment. Her long-term goal is to lead her own SKMA branch.
Darren Beer
3rd Dan Hapkido, 1st Dan Kummooyeh, 1st Dan ITF Taekwon-Do, 4th Dan Ninjutsu
Senior Instructor
Darren Beer brings over 15 years of martial arts experience, with a diverse background that includes a 3rd Dan in Hapkido, 1st Dan in Kummooyeh and ITF Taekwon-Do, and 4th Dan in Ninjutsu. As a Senior Instructor, he is recognised for his technical depth, precision, and disciplined approach. Darren is committed to maintaining high standards while supporting students with clear, focused, and effective instruction.
Elijah Taylor
3rd Dan Hapkido
Senior Instructor
Elijah Taylor has trained in SKMA Hapkido since 2013 under Master Sung and holds a 3rd Dan in Hapkido. As a Senior Instructor leading classes in Wandsworth, he specialises in practical self-defence and the application of strong Hapkido fundamentals. His teaching style is structured and purposeful, helping students develop confidence, control, and real-world skills.
Shayana Dyer-Harris
3rd Dan Hapkido, 1st Dan Kummooyeh
Senior Instructor
Shayana Dyer-Harris has been part of SKMA since 2013 and has over nine years of teaching experience. She holds a 3rd Dan in Hapkido and 1st Dan in Kummooyeh, supporting students across multiple locations. With a background in dance and performance, she brings a dynamic and engaging approach to training, encouraging confidence, discipline, and strong technical foundations.
Josh Henwick
2nd Dan Hapkido
Instructor
Josh Henwick has trained within SKMA Hapkido since 2017 and holds a 2nd Dan in Hapkido. He also trains across multiple disciplines including BJJ, Kickboxing, Muay Thai and Judo, developing a well-rounded skill set. Josh is passionate about evolving the training environment, with a particular focus on sparring and competition. His long-term ambition is to open his own school.
Gibson Matthews Pereira
2nd Dan Hapkido
Instructor
Gibson Matthews Pereira has been training since 2017 and holds a 2nd Dan in Hapkido. As an instructor, he supports students throughout their progression, focusing on building strong fundamentals and confidence while contributing to a consistent training environment.
Lina
2nd Dan Hapkido, 1st Dan Kummooyeh
Instructor
Lina has trained with SKMA from a young age, growing up within the dojang environment. She holds a 2nd Dan in Hapkido and 1st Dan in Kummooyeh, and is known for her strong technique and dedication to training. Lina enjoys working with students of all ages, helping them build discipline and confidence through structured and encouraging instruction.
Yena Sung
2nd Dan Hapkido, 1st Dan Kummooyeh
Instructor
Yena Sung has trained with SKMA from the age of 5, growing up within the dojang environment. She holds a 2nd Dan in Hapkido and 1st Dan in Kummooyeh, and specialises in working with younger students. Yena is passionate about developing confidence, discipline, and strong character in children through structured and positive training.
Maria Giovanna Elia
1st Dan Hapkido, 2nd Dan Kummooyeh
Instructor
Maria Giovanna Elia began training in Hapkido and Kummooyeh in 2018 and holds a 1st Dan in Hapkido and 2nd Dan in Kummooyeh. With a background in ballet and fitness, she brings discipline, focus, and resilience to her training. Now working in martial arts full-time, she is dedicated to both her own development and supporting the wider SKMA community.
Abiraami Udayakumar
1st Dan Hapkido
Instructor
Abiraami Udayakumar joined SKMA in 2018 and holds a 1st Dan in Hapkido. As an instructor, she focuses on helping students grow both physically and mentally, creating a supportive and enjoyable environment where they can build confidence and discover their potential.
Daniel Scruton
1st Dan Hapkido
Instructor
Daniel Scruton has been training in SKMA Hapkido for around 10 years, having started at the age of 8. He holds a 1st Dan in Hapkido and is currently working towards his 2nd Dan, continuing to develop his skills while contributing positively to the club.
Thakschna (Tia) Seelan
1st Dan Hapkido
Instructor
Thakschna (Tia) Seelan joined SKMA in 2022 and holds a 1st Dan in Hapkido. Training in both Hapkido and Kummooyeh, she particularly enjoys teaching children.
Anthony
1st Dan Hapkido
Instructor
Aryan
1st Dan Hapkido
Instructor
Bruno
1st Dan Hapkido
Instructor