Hapkido is extremely effective means of self defense. This art goes far beyond as a simple fighting system.
The practice of Hapkido incorporates spiritual development and the focus of learning is aimed at putting the mind and body in balance with the spirit, developing oneself as a person, and contributing to the society. Many of the Hapkido principles are rooted in Buddhist teachings and the Zen way.
This style of martial art is considered to be the most comprehensive of the martial arts.
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Hapkido is not considered as a sport, as one doesn't need great strength or flexibility to practice the techniques. It incorporates different techniques such as powerful and precise kicking, highly effective throwing techniques, decisive and strong hand techniques, practical pressure point attacks and joint locks. It also teaches classical and improvised weapons techniques.
History of Korean Hapkido
Martial Arts have been developed through a long history of Asian countries by selected Buddhist monks. Due to many years of foreign army occupation it was practiced in secrecy in order to survive.
The start of Korea 's cultural and martial arts development can be traced back to the Three Kingdoms period from 57 BC to 668 AD when also Buddhism expended.
During the Silla Dynasty, 668 AD to 935 AD, the ruler Chin Hung formed a warrior class called the Hwa Rang. This organization was known as the Hwa-Rang-Do, literally translated as "The Way of the Flower Youth." These warriors were highly disciplined and followed a strict code of ethics. Only the members of nobility, royal bodyguards and military troops were allowed to learn its deadly techniques. Practice of martial arts was considered very honorable.
During the Koryo Dynasty, 935 AD - 1392 AD which replaced the Silla Kingdom Hapkido became a royal martial art. During the Yi Dynasty, 1392 AD - 1910 AD martial arts were completely banned in some areas. Hapkido was still practiced by royalty, bodyguards and Buddhist Monks in seclusion. Scholarly practices were encouraged such as painting, calligraphy and sculpting.
The Yi Dynasty was brought down in 1910 by the Japanese who eventually occupied Korea until 1945. Japan planned to turn Korea into one of their colonies where only Japanese culture, language and history were taught. All Korean martial art practice was banned; however it was practiced in secret and was passed from father to son.
However, during this time in history that element of Japanese style was introduced into the traditional Korean Martial arts. After the Japanese defeat in the World War II in 1945, Korea was divided into North and South by the United States and Soviet Union and once again martial arts regained its popularity.
Around this time a martial artist named Choi, Yong Sul and with help of Ji, Han Jae and many others the Korean martial arts reemerged and strengthened it. The martial arts become known under many different names although somewhat different from each other, depending on how much Japanese or Chinese influence the various masters had absorbed earlier.
The style Choi, Yong Sul was teaching became known as Hapkido and he is also known as the modern Founder of Hapkido. The Korea Hapkido Federation (formerly the Korea Hapkido Association) is the only organization recognized by the Korean govern
Hapkido is becoming popular worldwide, as the techniques are combative, and not competitive. It is taught to military personnel, police forces, Special Forces, security units and bodyguards. Hapkido has many styles and schools affiliated with it and have well over one million students around the world.
THE FAMILY TREE OF HAPKIDO
THE PHILOSOPHY OF TRADITIONAL HAPKIDO
The Hapkido student will learn to apply the basic three principles of this Martial Art.
Circle Theory, Won:
Every person has their own circle, which is their private territory. When an opponent penetrates this circle, it should be received in a circular, fluid movement by leading the force in circular movement, it will minimize its impact. Using the circular movement it will not only disrupt and upset the attacker's harmony but also setting up the attacker for a counterattack.
Water theory, Yoo:
One should not try stopping an attack by opposing to force by force, but to redirect it to the sides or to follow through with the opponent's movement and defeat him by his own force. By diverting the flow of force, the attack can be minimized with less energy consumed by the defender.
Theory of Harmony, Hwa:
Harmony is one of the most important elements that need to achieve in Hapkido. It is a combination of mind, body, techniques and environment. First one has to have harmony within one's self to harmonize with others and be able to read the attacker's mind easily. The next step is to find a harmony in the environment and finally combining it all together to master Hapkido.
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