what is hapkido

What is Hapkido? This Korean martial art has been around since the 50s, yet it is not well-known compared to other martial arts outside of Korea. Many that come across it often wonder or ask what is hapkido?

You may also be surprised that even seasoned martial artist who have had some exposure to Hapkido sometimes do not have an accurate grasp of what exactly hapkido is. There are lots of misconceptions and misrepresentations with regards to this eclectic martial art.

Hapkido makes up our core curriculum at Evoke Martial Arts in Toronto. We would like to share our take on what is Hapkido as taught by our headmaster – Grandmaster Kim, Nam Jai of Kyung Mu Kwan Hapkido.

Meaning of Hapkido

Hapkido in all simplicity is a Korean martial art that is centered on the use of principles of leverage and centrifugal movement, controlling critical distance and timing in the execution of self-defense techniques.

Hap – 합 means to Harmonize (or fuse together, coordinate); Ki – 기 refers to kinetic energy (or force, power); and Do – 도 means way (or art form). It can loosely be translated as “the way or harmonized power” or “the art of coordinately force”.

3 Common Misconceptions about what is Hapkido

There are a quite a few misconceptions about hapkido within the martial arts community.

The first misconception is that hapkido is a combination of different martial arts styles. Some describe it as a combination of Judo, Taekwondo, and Aikido. But this is a misguided view in that while hapkido share aesthetic similarities with some techniques of those martial arts, the fundamental principles and execution are quite different.

The second misconception on what is hapkido, comes from practitioners who primarily focus on joint-locks and wrist grab self defense. This has created a false narrative that reduces the richness of hapkido as a comprehensive self-defense art form into one of impractical wrist attacks and acrobatic showmanship skills 🙂

A third misconception about Hapkido is that this martial art is a 5000+ year ancient art-form passed down through secret lineage. While the teachings and philosophy of Hapkido are rooted in Korean tradition and culture, this is a comparatively new martial art discipline.

Perhaps the most controversial opinion is that Hapkido is an off-shoot of Daito-Ryu Aiki-jiujitsu, a popular Japanese martial art and the parent art of modern Aikido.

Too much has been said about these, and the focus of this article is not to debunk or affirm those arguments. Instead, our focus is helping to better understand what is Hapkido.

Hapkido | A Korean Martial Art of Self Defense

Although joint manipulation skills are one of the signature techniques of Hapkido, it also incorporates striking and kicking, throws and take-downs, ground escapes and submissions, as well as improvised traditional weapons.

The arsenal of techniques in this martial art are the tools used in controlling an opponent at their moment of weakness by off-setting balance as they shift their weight; controlling critical distance, and applying leverage at the opponents position of vulnerability.

This is what makes it possible to execute throws, manipulate joints and ligaments, apply pinning techniques, or controlling an opponent on your own terms.

In essence, the goal is to gain advantage through technique, by avoiding the use of strength against strength.

Hapkido As A Classical Martial Art

What makes up the art of hapkido in not a set curriculum nor a collage of techniques. The cornerstones for the martial art of Hapkido are the 3 principles of Hapki – “Hwa – 화” (harmony), “Won – 원” (circle), and “Ryu – 류” (flow).

It is when these fundamental principles are applied harmoniously together that we see a properly executed and effective Hapkido technique.

While self-defense is the language of expression and a means to exploring Hapkido principles and techniques, it is not always all what hapkido is all about.

There are also subliminal lessons founded on Zen concepts, lessons on opposing and complementing forces (yin/yang), and other teachings that are influenced by Asian philosophical and culture.

When considering what is Hapkido, one should keep in mind that like many martial art disciplines, the objective is to use the training as a means of achieving personal development. Just like physical fitness, self defense prowess becomes merely a byproduct of hapkido training.

How is Hapkido Different from other Martial Arts

It is challenging not to compare and contrast with other martial arts. Hapkido offers holistic, artistic, and self protection benefits depending on how you are training and who is teaching.

Traditionally, Hapkido training is primarily partner based and does not have forms or patterns like in Karate Kata or Taekwondo poomse. Although some organization have adopted these for themselves, it is not widely practiced as a part of what Hapkido is.

Sul-ki – which refers to the physical techniques of Hapkido are also grouped into open-hand and weapons training.

Situation training drills are practiced from all everyday self-protection scenarios; including tackle attacks, cloth grabs, attacks when sitting or laying down, etc.

Hapkido training is really broad. This is a continuing series on what is hapkido that will include other articles on like hapkido rank progression, as well as Korean terms for Hapkido techniques, kicks, throws, etc.

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Achieve a leaner, stronger, and more alive body while developing amazing self protection skills.

Achieve a leaner, stronger, and more alive body while developing amazing self defense skills.

Training at Evoke has been a truly wonderful experience. As an adult engaging in martial arts for the first time, the environment has been ideal. All of the instructors have been motivating, knowledgeable, and supportive. The classes offer a great workout and a chance to feel a little bit badass. I look forward to continuing the journey!

Caitlin H.| Hapkido member