MEANING

HAP - Harmony of mind, body and spirit
KI - Energy of body and life
DO - The way of learning, doing and living

A SHORT HISTORY

There are various accounts of the origins of Hapkido, some contradictory, some without collaboration or just based on oral commentary. While it is nearly impossible to validate or discount any of these accounts they all share a common thread.

Hapkido was founded by Grandmaster Choi, Yong Sul (1904-1986), who was taken as a small boy from Korea to Japan.  He grew up in Japan learning a form of Daito-Ryu Aikijujutsu under Sokaku Takeda (1859-1943).

It is uncertain as to the actual relationship Grandmaster Choi shared with the head of Daito-Ryu Aikijujutsu, as to whether he was a man servant or adopted son. After the death of Sokaku Takeda, Grandmaster Choi returned to Korea. But on returning to Korea, Grandmaster Choi's luggage was lost, containing all certificates and verification of his training with Daito-Ryu Aikijujutsu.

In 1948, Grandmaster Choi started his first classes with pupil Suh, Bok Sup, the manager of a brewery where Grandmaster Choi was employed. By chance, Suh, Bok Sup witnessed an altercation between Grandmaster Choi and some others outside the brewery, realising that Grandmaster Choi was a master of form unknown to him, he requested Grandmaster Choi to teach him, thus the humble beginnings of the first hapkido school.

HAPKIDO UNIQUELY KOREAN

While Hapkido acknowledges its Japanese origins, Hapkido itself has evolved to become a uniquely Korean martial art. There is a lot of controversy as to the origins of Hapkido and even to the claims of Grandmaster Choi's training, but these arguments cannot detract from the ideals, techniques and spirit of Hapkido.

There are obvious comparisons to Jujitsu and other martial arts like Aikido (founded by Morihei Ueshiba (1883-1969) another famous student of Sokaku Takeda) Hapkido differentiates itself by the use of weapons, kicks and strikes employed so effectively in the art, different from its Japanese counterparts.

HAPKIDO AND TAEKWONDO

It is often considered that to learn Hapkido, that Taekwondo should be learnt as well, and conversely. Hapkido and Taekwondo are complementary martial arts, each enhancing the other, and too learn either or both martial arts is a challenging and fulfilling proposition. To learn both martial arts is not necessary as both Hapkido and Taekwondo are full martial arts teaching both practical skills and mental disciplines.

PRINCIPLES

• CIRCLE PRINCIPLE
  By use of circular movement a Hapkido practitioner can redirect
  and reuse energy supplied with minimal effort and maximum efficiency.
• WATER PRINCIPLE
  The properties of water are analogous to most martial arts
  and are often quoted to the point of cliche. Water adapts to any surface or container,
  can be hard when directed with energy like a river, or soft like trying cup water in a hand.
• MIND PRINCIPLE (or Influence)
  The mind is the greatest asset of a Hapkido practitioner.
  By utilising the focus of the conscious mind and the reflex action of the sub-conscious
  mind a Hapkido practitioner can overcome larger more powerful opponents by application
  of appropriate technique and mental influence.

PRACTITIONERS

Anyone of any age can learn Hapkido

Hapkido is a soft martial art not requiring great physical strength or fitness to start learning.
Due to the nature of wrist locking impacting on growing joints, children's participation
is limited in these areas, but this is more than compensated for in the dynamic
and fun activities that are used in Hapkido.