WHAT IS HAPKIDO?
Overview
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.
For effective self defence, a good Hapkidoist has the ability to adapt his or her fighting style according to their opponent’s strength or weaknesses. Every person’s body is shaped differently, flexibility varies and minds think differently. Hapkido encompasses a broad range of Martial Art facets, giving every individual the opportunity to improve to their maximum ability and achieve a high level of fitness and good health.
Today, it is practised by students of all backgrounds, ages, genders and physiques. Hapkido can be applied from any position: standing, sitting or lying, and from any direction.
Techniques
Hapkido has a powerful arsenal of low line and mid sections kicks designed to disrupt, unbalance and destroy the opponents base-stance, as well as an effective array of high and spinning kicks, thrusts and sweeps combined with hard and soft fist attacks and defences.
As well as the use of kicks and punches, Hapkido is well known for its extensive range of wrist and joint locks, restraints, throwing techniques, and take downs.
With an extensive range of techniques a Hapkidoist is able to escalate their response if required from a simple escape to locking or restraining an opponent or disabling them so they cannot continue their assault.
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.
Hapkido can translate as ‘the way of co-ordinated power’. Hap means ‘to co-ordinate or combine’. Ki means ‘inner strength, power or life force’. Do means ‘the way’.
Benefits
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 muscle tone, core strength, a sense of self-confidence, self-control of both mind and body are just some of the benefits of studying Hapkido.
Hapkido also incorporates meditation at the start or end of class to help focus the mind, develope mindfulness and awareness from a martial arts / self defence perspective and to contribute to the individual’s general wellbeing.
Philosophy and Principles
Hapkido employs a philosophy of using minimal and proportionate force to overcome a stronger opponent. Therefore, great strength is not relied upon to assist in controlling an opponent and apply the techniques effectively by using pressure points, pre-emptive strikes, tension and unbalancing techniques.
Hapkido techniques are underpinned by three fundamental principles:
• HARMONY
• WATER
• CIRCULAR MOVEMENT
By following these principles Hapkidoists are able to adapt their technique to respond to any new unfamiliar self defence situations.