HAPKIDO?

 

Literally translated, Hapkido means "Way towards energy union"

 

	HAP: Union, Harmony, Coordination
	KI: Energy
	DO: Way, Art

Hapkido is a Korean martial art, dedicated only to self defense.

 

It's not a sport, it's a martial art where all kind of techniques are used to end up graceful in front of a dangerous situation.

 

In Hapkido´s training all distances from a real fight are worked:

 

Large distance: where all kind of kicks are used;

 

Medium distance: hand strokes are used, as well as dislocations;

 

Short distance: various kinds of techniques, including ground work with all kind of immobilizations.

 

The Hapkido´s techniques, either in defense and attack, are divided in five large groups:

 

CHIGUI SUL: Strokes (open hand, fists, elbows…)

 

KOKKI SUL: Dislocations.

 

DONCHIGUI SUL: Projections.

 

JOK SUL: Leg techniques.

 

MOO GUI SUL: Weapon techniques.

 

 

 

There are four basic ways in Hapkido´s training:

 

- Empty hands against empty hands;

 

- Empty hands against weapons;

 

- Weapons against empty hands;

 

- Weapons against weapons.

 

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Basic principles

 

 

YU: Water principle. Non-resistance. Smooth fluid movements. Total penetration into opponent's defense.

 

WON: Circle principle. Circulating movements are used to manipulate, use the opponent's weight, strength and movement with minimal effort.

 

HWA: Non-resistance and opponent's strength advantage principle.

 

 

HAPKIDO Symbol

 

 

The symbol of the Eagle to catch an arrow with claws is the graphical representation of Hapkido.

 

For many countries, the Eagle is a symbol of strength, power and domain. The talons of the Eagle, catching an arrow, demonstrate the importance of grip techniques.

 

Catch an arrow in flight should not be easy; it should be quick to do such a thing.

 

The Eagle thus demonstrates the qualities of the practitioner of Hapkido: speed, strength, dexterity, agility and power.

 

In summary: total domination.