Hapkido

WHAT IS HAPKIDO?
Korea’s Original Mixed Martial Art

The Korean martial art of Hapkido is world-renowned for it’s practical and effective system of self-defense.  Developed in the 1950’s and 1960’s it was quickly adapted by elite military units, police agencies and bodyguards around the world and is still in use by them today.  It’s practice has spread so much in a such a short time that it is considered by many to be one of the few “international style” martial arts.  

While also one of the more physically demanding martial arts, Hapkido in its truest and traditional form also teaches students to draw on their inner power and strength through unique training methods and breathing.  In this way students learn the essence of the balance of power and harmony integral to the art of Hapkido.

Hapkido is further unique among modern day martial arts in that it attempts to integrate seven well-known areas of martial arts, whereas most martial arts practiced today will integrate two or three.  The areas that Hapkido integrates are:  striking, avoiding and blocking, holding, throwing, weapons, internal techniques (meditation, breathing, internal energy development), and healing.  The first six areas are emphasized equally during formal training.  The seventh area, healing techniques, is usually part of master-level training and focuses on the study of specific healing arts such as acupuncture, massage, and medicine.

Hapkido’s eclectic range of techniques were largely developed for self-defense, and to provide a framework for the perfection of character by integrating mental, physical and spiritual values.  Physical techniques are characterized by a constant flow of striking, blocking, holding, and throwing techniques.  Constant motion and fluid circular movements are designed to blend with an opponent’s force.  Tactics often alternate between highly aggressive and defensive modes, with power being generated through use of one’s entire body.  Techniques can involve either large of small circular motions, depending on tactics.

Hapkido utilizes over 1000 core techniques, which are intuitively modified or combined to create thousands of variations.  Hapkido is often identified by its many unusual and spectacular kicks, it’s aggressive falling, and it’s joint-locks.  The art’s extremely practical and versatile nature has led to its wide use by law enforcement and military professionals, as well as by the general public.

Internal-energy development is fundamental to all training, leading to increased health and greater efficiency in self-defense techniques.  Indeed, the literal translation of the three Chinese characters comprising the word “Hap-Ki-Do” form a basic understanding of internal energy in Hapkido and how it is used to enhance technique execution:

HAP – To combine, unite, coordinate or harmonize
KI – Internal power, dynamic energy, life force
DO – The way, the system, the method

Finally, Hapkido philosophy, like the philosophies of many martial arts, emphasizes the integration of mind, body, and spirit; the perfection of human character; social responsibility; and appropriate use of force.  An example of this is the calligraphy done by Grandmaser Sik-myung Kwang in the 1970’s which focuses on three philosophical areas of the Hapkido character:  righteousness, courtesy, and patience.

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