Traditional Hapkido
The History of Hapkido
The exact origin of Hapkido is quite controversial. Commonly, Choi Yong Sul 최용술 (1899 – 1986) is believed to be the founder of Hapkido. As a young boy, during the Japanese occupation of Korea, he lived in Japan and learned the Japanese martial art of Daitō-ryū Aiki-jūjutsu from Sokaku Takeda. In 1945 Choi Young Sul returned to the liberated Korea. Together with his first student Seo Bok Seob 서복섭 he developed his own martial arts system during the 1950s. They combined Seob’s knowledge in Judo with Choi’s expertise in Daitō-ryū Aiki-jūjutsu, adding in throwing and grappling techniques. In 1959 they decided to officially call the newly developed art Hapkido. Another student of Choi Yong Sul, Ji Han Jae 지한재 made Hapkido popular, when he served as a Hapkido instructor for the presidential body guards of President Park Jung Hee. Jae further added more kicks and punches to the system of Hapkido. In 1965 he established the Korea Hapkido Association.
The Korean Hapkido and the Japanese Aikido have many similarities, as they both stem from Daitō-ryū Aiki-jūjutsu, but then developed into two independent systems in the two different countries.
Hapkido is also very similar to the old Hwa Rang Do, the martial arts system of the Silla dynasty (57 BC – 935 AD). Therefore, there is another theory, that Daitō-ryū Aiki-jūjutsu actually originally stems from this ancient Hwa Rang Do, which was brought to Japan by Hwarang fighters at that time.
Principles and Techniques of Hapkido
Hapkido is built on three main principles:
Hwa 화 , the principle of non-resistance or harmony.
While practicing Hapkido, one should remain relaxed and not directly oppose the opponent’s strength. Using force against force should be avoided.
Won 원 , the principle of circle.
Circular movements are used to gain momentum and execute the techniques in a natural, free-flowing way. Therefore, one can control and redirect the energy/force of the opponent.
Yu 유 , the principle of flow and flexibility.
The techniques should resemble the adaptable strength of water, defecting an attack like free-flowing water.
Hapkido uses long- and close-range fighting techniques.
A big emphasis lays on joint locks, applying elbow locks, wrist locks, finger locks and so forth. These techniques stem primarily from the origin in Daitō-ryū Aiki-jūjutsu.
Throwing and grappling techniques, derived mainly from Judo, represent another essential part of Hapkido.
A variety of kicks are also part of Hapkido, like in any Korean martial art. However, Hapkido kicks are rather low, below the waist, with an emphasis on sweeping and hooking kicks.
Hand techniques, such as punches, hand strikes and elbow strikes, are also applied in Hapkido.
Weapon techniques build another section of Hapkido, incorporating weapons like knives, swords, sticks, staff, cane or rope.
Hapkido also has its own unique forms, called Hyeong 형. They consist off a series of movements for offense or defence in a fixed pattern, like Poomse in Taekwondo or Katas in Karate.
Choi Yong Sul
최용술
