It is a form of self-defence that employs joint locking techniques,it also includes kicks, punches, and other striking attacks and defences. There are also traditional weapons used, such as sword, knife, rope, cane, short stick (Dan-bong), and staff (gun, bō) as well as modern day items improvised weaponry keys, mobile phones pens or pencils etc. Hapkido contains both long and close range fighting
techniques, utilizing kicks and percussive hand strikes at longer ranges and accu- 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 incorporate the use of leverage, reducing the need for the use of strength against strength. It is not a sport it is a most effective and powerful Martial art and self defence. The Main difference between Hapkido and other styles is its’ close proximity techniques, grappling, strikes, and kicks. The practitioner works with almost constant bodily contact which is the exact opposite of our common instinct to move away. This disorientates the attacker and places the practitioner in a safe area where they can avoid counter attack and apply their techniques. There are also no forms or patterns (Kata) in this art. Learning specific techniques for particular attacks or holds, the practitioner improvises learned techniques or strikes as the situation demands. However there are forms for weapons training, such as the short stick (Dan Bong) or cane (walking stick). Other differences include the use of a pointed index finger to direct their energy, and the live hand which assists in focusing there energy when grabbed and releases their opponents grip. Basic Hapkido Principles
1) Water principle
The water principle is the eastern concept of sticking to your opponent in a pliant manner surrounding and penetrating their defences
2) Circular motion
Is common to all martial arts! Some motions are large and accentuated as in Aikido and others small and destructive as in Hapkido and small circle JuJitsu
3) Non resistance
Is also common to many styles using your opponent’s energy against them and re-directing their efforts in a completely different and debilitating way! In any attack the aggressor always makes the first move and we then have three options open to us:
1) Evade : avoid the opponents advance by stepping out of the way or blocking the strike or grab
2) Control : If evade fails and you are grabbed take control of the opponent by joint locking or use an arresting hold.
3) Disable (Destroy): If the opponents attack is prolonged or life threatening disable them by using nerve or pressure point strikes or breaking moves to the joints (only in extreme circumstances). Before we can do anything we must learn to place our feet correctly. This footwork is probably the most important and most difficult thing to master in this art and is the foundation of balance and control in all techniques.
