Hapkido
🇰🇷 (합기도)

Hapkido is a dynamic Korean martial art based on a system of self defence, through the use of joint locks, grappling and throws combined with more attacking moves (kicks, punches and other strikes).

Hapkido is practised throughout the world and is closely related to the Japanese art of Aikido.

‘Hap’ literally means harmony, unity and coordination. ‘Ki’ is energy or power and ‘Do’ means art or way, so Hapkido translates to ‘The way of coordinated power.

There are 3 theories in Hapkido:

1. Yu – flowing water. Students use the power of flowing water. They don’t waste energy trying to remove obstacles (e.g. a rock on a mountain) but flow round it. Flowing water adapts to its environment and builds momentum.
2. Won – circle. The use of natural flowing circular movements for swift inter-changing between techniques and blocking or stopping an opponent’s attack.
3. Wha – harmony. Considered the most important element of Hapkido training. Continually practicing the techniques so they become second nature – a reflex action where instinct automatically ‘kicks in’. Harmony with your opponent is as important as finding harmony with yourself. Using an opponent’s force to block or redirect the energy in order to defend yourself effectively. It is also vital that students learn to find harmony in their environment and then blend all of these together.

As is often the case with martial arts which have a long history associated to them, there have been a number of sub-styles of Hapkido that have developed over the years including Combat; Jin Jung Kwan; Shinshei; and Sin Moo. Whilst different, these styles all retain common elements of the Hapkido that Choi introduced.