What is Hapkido?
Hapkido is a form of martial arts that has its origins in Korea. Its style is based on Karate, Aikido and Judo. The teachings of Hapkido are meant to use martial arts not as a means of purposely inflicting injury, but rather as a form of self-defense. Because Hapkido is more about self-defense, it is known as a soft form of martial arts.
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Definition
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The word Hapkido means (hap) harmony, (ki) spirit and (do) the method. By using this philosophy, a person trained in Hapkido can use an opponent's own force of energy against him.
History
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Hapkido was introduced during the Ko-Ryo Dynasty (918 A.D. to 1392 A.D.). It became a form of martial arts that was widely used until Japanese rule.
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Western Introduction
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During the 1940s, Hapkido began to regain presence in the Korean culture once Japan no longer ruled. Grandmaster Choi, Yong-Sool introduced Hapkido techniques to the United States in the 1980s, thus popularizing this form of martial arts.
Techniques
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Hapkido uses techniques to defend against attacks with the forms of pressure points, joint locks, kicks and using the opponents own force against them.
Philosophy
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Hapkido is based on three principles: water theory, circle theory and harmony theory. With water theory, you use your movement like the fluidity of water, while using circle theory means redirecting your own energy and harmony theory means balance of your mind and body.
Discipline
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The physical and spiritual being of a person is incorporated to develop the capabilities of self-defense. It also helps to harmonize your well being by keeping a state of peaceful balance.
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Resources
- Photo Credit http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Hapkido1.jpg
