What Is Hapkido?
Hapkido also spelled hap ki do or hapki-do is a Korean martial art. It employs joint locks, grappling, and throwing techniques similar to those of other martial arts, as well as kicks, punches, and other striking attacks along with the following weapons:
- Knife
- Sword
- Rope
- ssang juhl bong (nunchaku)
- cane (ji pang ee)
- short stick (dan bong)
- and middle-length staff (joong bong)
- gun (analogous to the Japanese jō)
- bō (Japanese)
Hapkido also includes long-range and close-range fighting techniques, with jumping kicks, percussive hand strikes and pressure point strikes. Then there is joint locks, and throws. It really is a fantastic fighting style that emphasizes circular motion, redirection of force, and control of the opponent. Footwork and body positioning are key to implement leverage, to gain advantage instead of brute strength. The style came from Daitō-ryū Aiki-jūjutsu and was taught by Choi Yong-Sool in Korea after World War II. The system combined with kicking and striking techniques and contemporary arts like Taekkyon, and Tang Soo Do; along with throwing techniques and ground fighting from Judo.