HAPKIDO

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.