What’s Hapkido?
The term itself, lends itself to tapping into concept of universal energies through the following of the right path.
History- Hapkido is a modern synthess of thousands of years of martial history from what is now known as China, Japan and South Korea.
Those three countries developed strong martial traditions. In addition to superior fighting techniques, they promoted enlightened cultures and humanity in general.
Korea’s methods of dealing with medical conditions such as osteoarthritis(osteoporosis)was first developed in Japan as a massage technique. From that many experts developed joint manipulation with Japan. These were brought into use in japanese martial arts as well. One of those arts, Daito-Ryu Jiu-Jitsu, was later brought to Korea by Choi Yong-Sul. The art was modified and the term Hapkido was coined by Ji Han-Jae. It was developed by other pioneers, namely Kim Moo-Hong, Seo In-Hyeok and Myeong Jae-Nam.
Theory- Rather than the execution of foree vs foree, Hapkido has the individual moves from the center of his body, using rotational techniques to upset his opponenet’s force effortlessly.
Principles-Hapkido allows one to employ and take advantage of the kinetic energy of an attacker and use it to subdue him. Through practicing circluar and flowing techniques as a response to threats, the practioner slowly begins to open his psirit and mind to universal energies.(enlightenment).
Philosophy.- It is the philosophy of Hapkido to embody the forces of gravity in a way as you spin, twist, andempower these energies through your manuevers and applications. The practitioner can even choose to stop an assailant with minimal damage to him. Through my special type of partner training, I try to find a way to deal with others around me in a more spiritual way.
In what I teach it is important to first feel with the body (and with another), then to observe with the mind and later to intuitively recognize another’s energy as you approach peace (Nirvana).
Syllabus: stances, throwing, self-defense, sparring, hyung (forms), upper and lower body strikes, weapons (all types of sticks/ staves, swords, canes)
