How to Learn the Rules of Hapkido

Breaking into a new martial art can seem overwhelming, but a with a few quick tips learning the rules of Hapkido can be easy and very rewarding. Hapkido is a Korean martial art that teaches practitioners to divert an attacker's energy and use that attacker's power against them. Hapkido focuses on merging physical and mental powers to learn self-defense skills and develop character.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Read up on Hapkido rules. Grab a good book on the topic like "Hapkido: Korean Art of Self-Defense" by Scott Shaw, which offers descriptions of rules, concepts and techniques. Find more information about Hapkido on the internet, by visiting Hapkido organization websites.

2. Learn the terminology of Hapkido. Knowing a handful of the Korean terms and how to count in Korean will help you know what is going on in Hapkido classes or at Hapkido events.

3. Ask an instructor at a local Hapkido do-jang, or training hall, about Hapkido rules. They will have knowledge of the general rules, and may observe additional rules at their do-jang.

4. Learn how and when to bow. One of the key tenants of Hapkido is respect for the discipline and your superiors. Bowing is an important sign of respect, and is often required when entering and leaving the training area.

Resources

• The World Hapkido Association website is full of information that promotes Hapkido, and assists practitioners and enthusiasts.
• The International Hapkido Federation website has information on etiquette and theories of defense.

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