Brief introduction to Hapkido
Introduction Hapkido is a complete art of self-defence. A Hapkidoist is able to handle virtually any situation and is able to apply the self discipline and confidence derived from the study of Hapkido to enhance the quality of their life and protect the lives of those they love.
Hapkido employs the philosophy of using minimal force to overcome a stronger opponent. Therefore, great strength is not needed to apply the techniques effectively. In addition, Hapkido uses pressure points to assist in controlling the opponent.
Hapkido has a powerful arsenal of spinning kicks, thrusts and sweeps combined with hard and soft fist attacks and defenses. As well as the use of kicks and punches, Hapkido uses nerve and pressure point attacks, wrist and joint locks, and many twisting and throwing techniques.
The popularity of Hapkido is due to the fact that anyone, young or old, male or female can practice this complete art of self-defense regardless of physical weight or strength. Health is improved through systematic training and exercise. Development of muscles and muscle tone, correct posture, control of weight, a sense of self-confidence, self-control of both mind and body, and spiritual fulfillment are just some of the benefits of studying Hapkido.
In Hapkido, linear techniques form a solid base upon which the skill of circular techniques can be developed. Everything is taught in correct order to produce a balanced martial artist able to handle any situation.
In Korean Hap means to co-ordinate or combine. Ki means technique and can be interpreted as inner strength or power. Do means the way. Therefore Hapkido can be loosely translated as the way (art) of co-ordinated power.
Characteristics of Hapkido Hapkido employs the philosophy of using minimal force to overcome a stronger opponent.Therefore, great strength is not needed to apply the techniques effectively.In addition, Hapkido uses pressure points to assist in controlling the opponent.
Hapkido has a powerful arsenal of spinning kicks,thrusts and sweeps combined with hard and soft fist attacks and defences.As well as the use of kicks and punches, Hapkido uses nerve and pressure point attacks, wriSt and joint locks, and many twisting and throwing techniques. Approximatly 270 ctegories of special movements incorporating 3400 techniques are included in the study of Hapkido.
The popularity of Hapkido is due to the fact that anyone, young or old, male or female can practice this complete art of self-defence regardless of physical weight or strength.health is improved through systematic training and exercise.Development of muscles and muscle tone, correct posture, control of weight, a sense of self-confidence, self-control of both mind and body, and spiritual fulfillment are just some of the benefits of studying Hapkido.
In Hapkido, linear techniques form a solid base upon which th skill of circular techniques can be developed.Everything is taught in correct order to produce a balanced martial artist able to handle any situation.
Today, it is practised by students of all backgrounds, ages and physiques. Hapkido can be applied from any position: standing, sitting or lying, and from any direction.
Comparison to Other Martial Arts
Aikido. As in Aikido, the attacker is encouraged to over-commit their attack.The attack is received with minimal resistance,it is guided past the target and then the defenders own force is added to it. The result is to unballance and throw the opponent.However,opponents do not always attack with large movements.Often short jabs and kicks are delivered with such rapidity that it is very difficult to lead the opponents force.In these situations, the close quater blocking and striking techniques of Hapkido give the Hapkidoist knowledge of how to counter and overcome such attacks.
Jujitsu. Many of the joint locks and throws of Hapkido are very similiar to those of Jujitsu.Painful twisting of the joints and tendons along with the application of painful pressure to vital points, combined with a thorough knowledge of human anatomy help to control any opponent regardless of size or strength.These techniques are fine for close quarter attacks, however because Jujitsu practicio ners do not practice their techniques against proficient kickers or punchers,they are vulnerable to such long range attacks.Hapkidoists practice kicks and punches to a high degree of proficiency, thus the familiarity gained through practicing the techniques helps in defending against them.
Tae Kwon Do. Virtually all of the kicking techniques of Tae Kwon Do are identical to those of Hapkido.Spinning kicks,thrusts,circular kicks and sweeps are all used in sparring.Due to the fact that Hapkido is not a tourn ament oientated style,other techniques like low spinning kicks, low-section kicks and knee strikes are also used.The basic hand techniques of Hapkido are similiar to those of Tae Kwon Do,that is, mainly linear attacks with fist or knifehand.However in a confined space such as a crowded public bar or a narrow hallway, kicks are limited in their practcality.Self-defense tools such as elbows, knees,head butts and joint attacks are essential for survival in such situations.All these techniques are practiced in Hapkido to produce a thorough knowledge of all ranges of arrack and defence.
Kung Fu. In Hapkido, as the student advances past the basic hand techniques ,more emphasis is placed on small circular techniques and fast close quarter parrying which resemble the techniques of Kung Fu.Advanced weaponry techniques using the long pole Bo and the fan are similiar to those of Kung Fu.
Judo. Throwing plays an important role in Hapkido.The basic principles of judo are used in Hapkido, that is, moving your opponents centre of balance to a vulnerable position and using your leg or body to topple the opponent.As well, Hapkido uses strikes or pressure points to maneuvre the opponent with less use of strength.
Kendo. At advanced stages, students are taught Komdo.Basic strikes and blocks are similiar to Kendo, however circular and low section attacks typical of traditional korean swordsmanship are taught once the basics have been learnt.
Hapkido — Philosophy and Principles In Korean Hapkido may be translated as "Way of Coordinated Power". There are literally thousands of techniques within Hapkido, all based on 3 fundamental principles
- Principle of non-resistance or harmony
- Circular principle
- Water principle
By following these principles Hapkidoists are able to instantly adapt their technique to respond to any new unfamiliar self-defence situations. Hapkido students also develop a practical knowledge of anatomy so they can understand the bodies vulnerable points. Students also gain a basic understanding of Korean history and philosophy so a Hapkidoist can understand the context of their art.
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