| Hapkido is a discipline of coordination, a way of | | | | The Korean Art of Self Defense, Hapkido is |
| strengthening the mind and body, of fusing the | | | | considered a "soft" style of Martial Art, as opposed to |
| individuals physical and mental powers so that he or | | | | "hard" styles that practice the use of force against |
| she will emerge as a more fully integrated human | | | | force, making the outcome a simple matter of size and |
| being. | | | | strength. The Hapkido practitioner diverts or |
| The Meaning of Hapkido | | | | suppresses an attacker's flow of energy peacefully, |
| The word in fact means; Method or Way (DO) for the | | | | this diversion allows him to use the attackers power |
| coordination Harmony (HAP) of mental Energy or spirit | | | | against himself leading to the attackers defeat. |
| (KI). One should always try to avoid violence, but if | | | | Through the use of pressure on certain skeletal joints |
| someone grabs you, attempts to strike you, or | | | | and pressure points, very little strength is needed to |
| physically assaults you in any way, it has escalated | | | | overcome an opponent. |
| beyond words, and you are left with the only option | | | | Hap Ki Do not only redirects the attack, but turns it |
| which is to defend. | | | | back against the attacker and follows through with |
| Hapkido is based on three important basic principles | | | | offensive techniques which may control his violence or |
| 1. The principle of the circle. | | | | render him incapable of further antagonistic actions. |
| All movements are round. The Hapkido fighter moves | | | | The Hapkido practitioner is in complete control of the |
| as inside a ball. Influencing forces are rerouted from | | | | confrontation defusing the aggression without the need |
| the outside and neutralized at the surface of the "ball". | | | | for uncontrolled damage as seen in many "hard" styles. |
| 2. The principle of the river. | | | | Hap Ki Do provides complete physical conditioning |
| As the river, which adapts extremely flexibly to the | | | | which improves balance, posture, flexibility, timing, |
| landscape and nevertheless in the moment the buildup | | | | quickness, muscle tone, joint strength and most |
| develops an enormous strength, the Hapkidoka also | | | | importantly, confidence through physical and mental |
| sensitively reacts to his opponent, in order to let his | | | | discipline. |
| pent-up "Ki" flow by the technique into the opponent in | | | | The immediate aim of Hapkido is of course the |
| the crucial moment. | | | | welfare of the one practicing it. Not only will skills in |
| 3 The principle of influence. | | | | self-defense be attained, but more importantly will be |
| By lightning movements, which hardly can be noticed | | | | the focus on an individuals character development. A |
| the aggressor is arranged to reflex | | | | well rounded personality can be realized only if the |
| countermovements, which then are used in a | | | | spirit is right. Courtesy, Respect, Modesty, Loyalty, |
| subsequent technique. | | | | Generosity, and Dedication are not only the source, but |
| A "soft" style of Martial Art | | | | also the rewards of Hapkido. |