HAPKIDO is an Korean Martial Art of Self-Defense and it is a discipline of coordination, a way of strengthening the mind and body, of fusing the individuals physical and mental powers so that he or she will emerge as a more fully integrated human being.

The word in fact means: “HAP” Harmony or Coordination, “KI” Inner Energy or Mental strength, “DO” The Way or Method. (The Way Of Strength And Harmony Or The Way Of Coordinated Power).

One should always try to avoid violence, but if someone grabs you, attempts to strike you, or physically assaults you in any way and it has escalated beyond worlds, then you are left with the only option which is to defend your  self.

 HAPKIDO is consider a “Soft” style of Martial Art, as opposed to “Hard” styles that practice the use of force against force, making the outcome a simple matter of size and strength. HAPKIDO practitioner diverts or suppresses an attackers flow of energy peacefully, this diversion allows him to use the attackers power against himself leading to the attackers defeat. Though the use of pressure on certain skeletal joints and pressure points, very little strength is needed to overcome an opponent. HAPKIDO not only redirects the attack, but turns it back against the attacker and follows though with offensive techniques which may control his violence or render him incapable of further antagonistic actions. The HAPKIDO practitioner is in complete control of the confrontation defusing the aggression without the need for uncontrolled damage as seen in many “Hard” styles. HAPKIDO provides complete physical conditioning which improves balance, posture, flexibility, timing, quickness, muscle tone, joint strength, and most importantly, confidence through physical and mental discipline. The immediate aim of HAPKIDO is of course the welfare of the one practicing it. Not only will skills in Self-Defense be attained, but more importantly will be the focus on an individuals character development. A well rounded personality can be realized only if the spirit is right.

Courtesy, Respect, Modesty, Loyalty, Generosity and Dedication are not only the source, but also the rewards of HAPKIDO.

 

Philosophy of HAPKIDO:

A good HapKiDo practitioner has to learn and apply the three HapKiDo principles to be able to master this art:

1) Circle Theory, 2) Water Theory, 3) Theory Of Harmony

 

1)Circle Theory :

Every man has his own circle. Inside this circle is his privet territory. When an opponent’s punch does penetrate your circle, it should be received indirectly. Leading this force in a circle minimizes its effect. Utilizing a circle or winding block not only disrupts the opponent’s force, but also sets the position for a counterattack.

2)Water Theory :

In HAPKIDO, one does not stop an attacker’s force directly with force, but redirects it. If one will imagine a stream flowing rapidly down a mountain, the problems to overcome if one decides to change the direction of the water flow becomes apparent. Constructing a dam perpendicular to the flow is obviously not the solution. However, if one would simply divert its flow, success would be realized. HAPKIDO theory follows the same approach. One does not stop an attacker’s punch by applying force in direct opposition to the attack. By applying force to the side, tangentially, the attack can be diverted and less energy expended.

3)Theory of Harmony:

In HAPKIDO training, there must exist a simultaneous combination of mind, body, environment, and techniques. Harmony is the most important element one should achieve in his training. After one achieves harmony with himself, the next requirement is to harmonize with one’s opponents. Accomplishing this, one will find quite easy to read the mind of others. Following this, learning to harmonize with the environment is the next stage. The final task is blending the harmony that one has developed with himself, his opponent, and the environment with that his techniques.