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Hapkido - The Martial Art for the 21st Century
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The Korean martial art
of Hapkido is becoming increasingly popular. Hapkido is primarily defensive
in nature, however it can be very offensive when the need arises as most of
its techniques are based on an opponent’s attack and once the attack has
been nullified, a soft or hard counterattack is launched, depending on the
severity of the attack.
Hapkido combines punching, kicking, throwing, takedowns, sweeping, falling,
rolling, joint locking, pressure points, restraining, breakaway techniques
and weaponry to make it one incredibly complete martial art system.
The name Hapkido translates as ‘The Art of Co-Ordinated Power’ – Hap meaning
co-ordination, Ki meaning power and Do meaning art.
Hapkido’s modern history is relatively new, although it does have links with
Korea ’s Buldo Mu Sool (Buddhist Monks’ Martial Arts) and was modernised by
Master Yong Sool Choi who officially named it Hapkido in 1963. Before that
time only selected Buddhist monks and, before this century, only members of
Royalty were allowed to learn the secrets of Hapkido.
The main principles of Hapkido are flowing, circular motion, evasion and
redirection of force, particularly using force on an attacker against
themselves, a definite advantage for a smaller or weaker defender against a
larger, stronger opponent.
The Hapkido ‘Water Principle’ is best described if you can imagine the
quiet, direct strength in free-flowing water. As the flowing stream
penetrates and surrounds its obstructions and as the dripping water
eventually penetrates the stone, so does the Hapkido strength flow in and
through its opponents.
Using the belief ‘good technique will beat brute strength’, Hapkido also
promotes mental strength, Dan Jon (lower abdomen) breathing techniques,
calmness and self-control as important ingredients for a complete martial
art.
The grading system consists of White to Black Belt, and training at each
colour belt level offers a great variety of low, high, spinning and jump
kicks.
Instead of Kata, or patterns, the main emphasis in grading is self-defence
techniques known as Hosinsool, such as defence from in front, from behind,
the arms and lapels chokes and against punches. Ground and weapon defence,
sparring, weaponry and breaking techniques are also added at the appropriate
level.
President of the Australian Hapkido Federation, Grand Master Sung Soo Lee,
has an impressive list of qualifications which include 9th Dan Hapkido, 9th
Dan Taekwondo, 2nd Dan Judo, 1st Dan Karate and a Bachelor of Physical
Education from Seoul University, South Korea.
Mr Lee has all the great qualities and characteristics of a true Master of
Martial Arts and is a perfect gentleman – a genuine, sincere person.
Technically he is brilliant and precise in all aspects of martial arts. He
is extremely philosophical and practices what he preaches by showing the
true martial arts spirit – by being modest, polite, respectful, kind and
fair.
Hapkido philosophy emphasises that people live in peace and harmony with
each other, to have non-aggressive attitudes, self-control and respect for
yourself and others and to be positive and to strive to achieve one’s best
in life.
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