Hapkido Basic Grabbing Technique

Series Summary

Hapkido is an eclectic Korean martial art that is literally translated as “the way of coordinating energy” or “the way of coordinated power.” Hapkido is ultimately used as self-defense and combines other skilled martial arts with common attacks. There is a historical link to Daito-ryu aikijujutsu, but the overall history of Hapkido is shrouded in confusion due to animosity between Korean and Japanese cultures. The main focus of Hapkido is footwork and body positioning used to employ leverage. Strikes, locks, and throws are used as well as pressure points in this form of martial arts.

In this video series, our Hapkido expert starts with basic grabbing techniques and leads you into more complicated chest grabs and cross hand grabs. Learn how to employ Hapkido defense moves and block yourself from a hook punch or overhand punch. Learn how to defend against a side strike and a straight punch from watching these videos. Once you have defended yourself from opposing strikes and punches, learn how to do a double shoulder grab or double wrist-grab to control your opponent. Get great tips for self defense and Hapkido strategies from this martial arts expert!

Video Transcript

"Hello, my name is Jessica Sherlock and this is Master Rafael Negron of RN TaeKwon Do and Hapkido on 909 Alton Road in Miami Beach, Florida. On behalf of Expertvillage.com, we’ll be sharing with you some basic Hapkido techniques today. We’ll start with basic grabbing. First step live hand, this makes the wrist as big as possible and it allows you to compromise your opponent’s grip, turn the palm up, grab the other hand, twist your opponent’s arm placing both thumbs on the back of the hand and step back while you twist. When the appropriate pressure has been applied, your opponent will tap, signally that they are in pain and it’s the appropriate time to let go. Another variation of this technique, again, live hand, rotate the palm upward, place the thumb and twist, but this time step forward as you twist. Live time. And the variation. "