Hapkido

Hapkido is one of the most respected Korean Martial Arts. It is considered a “soft” style of martial art, in that the practitioner diverts and suppresses the attacker’s aggression peacefully, using the attacker’s force against himself. Joint holds and pressure points are utilized, requiring very little strength.

Translated the word means: method or way (Do), coordination harmony (Hap) and mental energy or spirit (Ki). One should try to avoid violence, but if left with no other option one must defend oneself.

There are three basic principles:

1. Principle of the Circle

All movements are round. The practitioner moves inside a ball.

2. Principle of the River

The river adapts flexibility to the landscape while building up great strength.

3. Principle of Influence

With lightning movements, hardly noticeable, the aggressor is arranged to reflex counter movements, which are then used in a subsequent technique.

It is a discipline of coordination and provides complete physical conditioning, improving posture, balance, flexibility, timing, speed, strength and confidence. Character building is emphasized during training. The source and rewards are courtesy, respect, modesty, loyalty, generosity and dedication.

Grandmaster Choi, Yong Sul and Grandmaster Ji, Han Jae are two of the most influential instructors from the early-mid 1900’s. Their contributions help make this Martial Art what it is today.

Grandmaster Choi developed snapping punches and defensive techniques against sword attacks. Grandmaster Ji founded the KHA (Korea Hapkido Association- renamed Federation in 1980). He coached Bruce Lee and starred in many Korean films.

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