|
|
 |
|
What is
Hapkido?
 Hapkido literally
translated: Hap means "coordination of harmony," Ki
means "the essence of power," and Do means "the art" -
in short, "the Way of Coordination and Internal Power."
Hapkido uses diversion or suppression and
combines skeletal joint locks, pressure points, throws,
kicks, and strikes for self-defense. The Hapkido
practitioner uses their attacker's power against him.
Hapkido emphasizes circular motion, non-resistive
movements, and control of the opponent. Although Hapkido
contains both outfighting and infighting techniques, the
goal in most situations is to get inside for a close-in
strike, lock, or throw.
 The essence of
Hapkido is to gain advantage through technique, avoiding
the use of strength against strength. For example, if
the attack is strong, one must receive it gently. If the
attack is gentle, one must counter it powerfully. This
makes this style more suitable for women, as they are
not required to meet an attacker head on.
Some of the
striking and kicking practice is form-like with no
partner; however, most is done with a partner who is
holding heavy pads that the student strikes and kicks
full power. There is some weapons training for advanced
students - primarily belt, kubatan, cane, and short
staff. Forms and sparring are offered by some schools.
There are no Hapkido competitions.
Many Hapkido
techniques are unsuitable for use in sparring, as their
use would result in injury, even when protective gear is
used. There is generally an emphasis on physical
conditioning and excercise, including "ki" exercises.
 |
| Yong Sul Choi / Han Jae
Ji |
.gif) | The History of Hapkido
The
history of Hapkido is the subject of some controversy.
Some say that Hapkido was founded by Yong Sul Choi who
from 1919 to the beginning of World War II, had studied
Daito Ryu AikiJu-Jitsu in Japan. However, some claim
that Choi's Daito Ryu training was limited to simply
attending seminars.. Until the 1960's, Hapkido was known
by various names: Yu Kwon Sool, Yu-Sool, Ho Shin Sool,
and Bi Sool.
Ji, Han Jae is considered by some
to be the father and founder of modern Hapkido. Ji
started his physical training under Master Choi, Yong
Sool (Sul) as a teenager in 1953. Choi taught Bok Suh Yu
Sool, the Korean version of Daito Ryu AikiJu-Jitsu. At
this time, certain Korean kicks and punches were
combined and the name expanded to indicate the broadened
art form called Korean Hap Ki Yu Kwon Sool.
Ji,
Han Jae opened his first Yu Kwon Sool Hap Ki school one
year after he began training under Choi with an agreed
affiliation with him. Ji left Choi in 1956 to form his
own organization, shortening the long name to Hapkido.
Ji immigrated to the United States in the 60's and
continues to teach Hapkido today.
Hapkido and Aikido
Hapkido
closely parallels (and is sometimes confused with)
Aikido and is a complete system of self-defense using
striking, kicking and grappling techniques. Hapkido and
Aikido both have significant similarities to Daito Ryu
AikiJu-Jitsu.
All Hapkido techniques are used
for their practical self-defense purposes.  Since the style is
predominately defensive, a practitioner generally allows
an attacker to make the first move, thereby committing
him or herself. Originally a grappling and throwing art,
it now includes a variety of strikes and kicks. Hapkido
was introduced in the United States in the 1960s. The
style became popular after the motion picture Billy
Jack featured Hapkido in its fight scenes,
realistically choreographed by Bong Soo Han, and it has
grown in popularity since. In the 1970's and 80's
Hapkido was taught as the style of choice to elite South
Korean armed forces units.
Hapkido Video
|
| |
Hey Webmasters! New Photo Album Service Launched - Check it out!
bravenet.com
