The combination of Aikido, Judo and Karate is what is now called the Hapkido, a Korean martial art that is said to be both eclectic and dynamic.  Characteristic to this form of self defense are the joint and wrist locks, the kicks, strikes, pressure points and the throws that are spectacular looking.  Hapkido also make use of some traditional weapons, e.g., cane, rope, short stick, sword and nunchucks that may differ in emphasis.  Hapkido practitioners are trained in such a way that they could counter any offensive attacks as well as those techniques from other martial arts. 

 

            The art of Hapkido was developed in the 40s and 50s.  It was founded by Grandmaster Choi Yong Sul.  His early learnings of the martial arts are actually derived from Japan.  When he returned to Korea, he added some techniques to what he learned from Japan, like the Jujutsu, and also borrowed from other martial art techniques.  His student, Ji Han Jae continued what he began and even improved on it.  Ji is responsible for bringing Hapkido to the West.  The FBI and other US agencies have their people learn the art of Hapkido.  Jeet Kune Do, the martial art form which was made famous by Bruce Lee in his movies was greatly influenced by Hapkido since he and Ji Han Jae met and Ji even trained Bruce Lee with the Hapkido.

 

            Hapkido came from the Korean words “Hap” which means harmony or coordinated, “ki” which is a description of spirit, internal energy and power and “do” which means art or way.  The word therefore means the way of harmony or the art of coordinating energy.

 

            Hapkido involves close range as well as long range fighting styles and techniques.  It makes use of percussive hand strikes and dynamic kicking at long ranges.  It also employs jointlocks, throws and pressure point attacks at a closer range of fighting.  Moves like circular motion, control of opponent and other non-resisting movements are characteristic of Hapkido.  In Hapkido, employing leverage over the adversary is through good body positioning as well as proper footwork.  Using strength against strength is not recommended in this art.

 

            The major Korean players involved in the art of Hapkido that has brought this martial art from generation to generation are Choi Yong Sul , who is said to be responsible of bringing this art to Korea, his students Suh Bok Sub, Ji Han Jae, Kim Moo Hong and Myung Jae Nam to name a few.  Suh Bok Sub is Choi's first student.  Ji Jan Jae, es earlier mentioned is said to be the foremost promoter of the art of Hapkido.    Kim Moo Hong is a big innovator of Hapkido.  Lastly, Myung Jae Nam founded Hankido, which is the combination of Aikido and Hapkido.

 

            Currently, there are many schools that teaches the art of Hapkido.  One will go through the different stages, from first degree to 5th degree black belt and before he could truly be called a Hapkido expert.  To take the first step in enabling one's self to learn self defense techniques, check the nearest Hapkido school in your area and being learning the art.

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