The Program

Hapkido (also spelled hap ki do or hapki-do is a dynamic Korean martial art, which compliments Taekwondo. It is a form of self-defence that employs joint locks on the weaker points of the body to restrain an attacker. Kicks, punches, and other striking attacks are taught which are both similar and different from Taekwondo. Traditional weapons, including the sword, walking cane, short stick, and staff (pole) are all taught in hapkido. Students are also taught how to roll and break fall like judo. Hapkido contains both long and close range fighting techniques, utilising jumping kicks and percussive hand strikes at longer ranges and pressure point strikes, joint locks, or throws at closer fighting distances. Hapkido emphasizes circular motion, non-resisting movements, and control of the opponent. Practitioners seek to gain advantage through footwork and body positioning to employ leverage, avoiding the use of strength against strength. The art copied from a jujutsu system taught by Choi Yong-Sool who returned to Korea after World War II, having lived in Japan for 30 years. This system was later combined with kicking and striking techniques of indigenous and contemporary arts such as taekkyeon and tang soo do. Its history is obscured by the historical animosity between the Korean and Japanese people following the Second World War.