G3 Instructors
Master Darlas and Mr. Gapezzani and the Art of Hapkido
Hapkido, meaning “the art of harmonizing energy,” is a practical Korean martial art that combines joint locks, pressure points, throws, grappling, kicks, punches, and takedowns.
After training for more than 30 years under respected Hapkido instructor Chong S. Kim, Master Darlas and Gary Gapezzani founded G3 Academy in 2012. Their goal is to help students develop effective self-defense skills while building fitness, discipline, focus, confidence, respect, and resilience.
Through positive and supportive instruction, G3 Academy helps students of all ages grow stronger mentally, physically, and emotionally.
Master Darlas is a 6th-degree Hapkido black belt and one of G3 Academy’s most experienced instructors. Formerly Master Kim’s chief instructor, he is known for teaching students not only how techniques work, but when and why to use them.
Through patient, detailed instruction, Master Darlas helps students develop skill, confidence, discipline, and perseverance. He lives in Sierra Madre with his wife and two children, all of whom train at G3 Academy.
Hapkido Through the Generations
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Gary Gapezzani is the founder and head instructor of G3 Academy. A 5th-degree black belt with more than 30 years of martial arts experience, he combines practical self-defense training with a strong background in education.
Gary holds a degree in Communications and two master’s degrees in Education. After more than 17 years as a classroom teacher, he created G3 Academy to help students build confidence, discipline, respect, leadership, and martial arts skills in a positive and supportive environment.