How to Learn Hapkido Self Defense

The Korean martial art form, Hapkido, is not only for self-defense, but also a means of self improvement that stresses harmony and non-violence. Unlike some fighting styles, the techniques needed to practice Hapkido don't depend on physical strength, but instead movements emphasize flexibility, balance and circular motions. Although a certain amount of physical fitness is required, to become proficient in Hapkido you must only dedicate yourself to sustained training.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Enrollment in Hapkido self-defense class
• Books on Hapkido self defense techniques
• Videos on Hapkido self defense

1. Learn the history of Hapkido to better understand the philosophies and traditions behind the martial art form you will be learning.

2. Buy books about Hapkido to learn more about the techniques involved. There are many books available that cover basic techniques from white belt up to black belt levels and books on individual moves, complete with photos. Many of these books are available from Amazon.com and the Hapkido-Info Network has a listing of books available, including where they can be purchased. While books aren't as a good as a class, you can study these until you find a good school.

3. Watch online videos featuring real life Hapkido classes to learn more about this style of martial arts. This is a good way to decide if this is something you want to pursue and if you think you are physically capable of training in Hapkido. The International Hapkido Federation has several of their classes available for viewing online and the World Hapkido Association also has sample clips you can view with Window's Media Player. If you don't have this player, you can download it for free from the Microsoft website.

4. Rent or purchase videos about Hapkido, especially those on self-defense. You can find several videos on Amazon's website and you can also check your local video store to see what they might have or can order.

5. Find a Hapkido self-defense class. You can visit local martial arts schools and see if they or someone they know offers any classes. You can also search online to find schools. Some schools only offer adult classes, but others also offer classes for kids ages seven or older. It's never too early to learn to defend yourself.

6. Join a local, state, national or international Hapkido club or organization. These are great places to meet people interested in martial arts and can help guide you to a good school or class that teaches Hapkido self-defense.

Tips & Warnings

• To properly learn Hapkido self defense techniques, you should enroll in a class. Be sure the class covers self defense and not the fighting style of Hapkido. Some classes differ in that they teach you how to be the aggressor instead of learning how to defend yourself.
• It's never too soon or too late to learn to defend yourself and you can never tell when knowing a few key techniques will help save you in a potentially dangerous situation.
• Two good videos to start with are Hapkido Self-Defense Volumes 1 and 2, which are available at Amazon.com by searching Hapkido Self-Defense in the DVD section.
• Don't try any Hapkido moves or techniques you learn from just watching a video without proper training. You could seriously injure yourself or someone else.
• Organizations that have listings of schools online usually will let anyone list their school on the site and are not meant to be personal recommendations. Be sure to check out each individual school thoroughly and don't trust one just because it was listed on someone's website.

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Resources

• About Hapkido self defense
• Watch online Hapkido classes
• Watch sample videos of Hapkido techniques
• Find Hapkido Books
• Find classes online
• Download Windows Media Player