| |
What is Hapkido?
Hapkido
The word "HAPKIDO" derives from 3 Korean words:
| HAP | | meaning to coordinate, to combine, to unite, to join together |
| KI | | referencing internal power, dynamic energy, life force |
| DO | | indicating a method, a system, and on the spiritual level, a path to understanding |
The Purpose of Hapkido
To protect and defend one's self;
To protect and defend one's family;
To protect and defend one's community;
To protect, defend and serve one's country;
and, through this practice, the ultimate goal is
To develop a well-rounded character.
The Method of Hapkido
The method of Hapkido is to take advantage of the opponent's force so the smaller, weaker person can defeat a larger, stronger attacker through the use of leverage, vital strikes, joint locks and throws.
Three Principles of Hapkido
Hapkido rests on 3 universal principles:
The principle of Water:
teaches the student to penetrate the defenses of an attacker by "flowing" in, around, over and under
The principle of Circular Motion:
teaches the student to redirect (vs. directly opposing) an attacker's energy by moving in a circular direction and controlling the attacker's balance and kinetic energy
The principle of Non-resistance (Harmony):
teaches the student to remain relaxed and flexible and not to meet force with force
A Brief History
The historical facts regarding Hapkido's development are lost. Years of military occupation by the Japanese who invaded in 1910, forced the Korean martial arts to go underground in order to survive. It was only after WWII that Hapkido became available to the man on the street. From its beginning only selected Buddhist monks and members of the royal family were allowed to learn Hapkido's deadly techniques.
Its beginnings, however, date back to the 7th century A.D. during the Silla Dynasty, when young members of the noble families formed an organization known as the Hwa-Rang-Do (literally translated as "The Way of the Flower Youth"). This movement closely paralleled European knighthood in many ways. This was the era during which martial fighting techniques were formalized. The Hwa-Rang-Do ultimately disappeared and its martial fighting techniques disappeared from mainstream noble society as well. The teachings survived, however, in isolated monasteries. It was during this time that exchanges between Korean monks and their Chinese counterparts brought the Chinese influence to the Korean martial arts. This influence is noted in Hapkido's circular blocks, its spinning kicks and the emphasis on focus and control. It was during this period also that the Korean fighting arts became known as tae kyun.
Shortly after the Japanese occupation began, Choi Yong Suhl, a master of tae kyun emigrated to Japan where he studied a Japanese system called daito ryu or dai ju-jutsu (systems which are credited with being the forerunners of Judo and Aikido. At the end of WWII, Master Choi returned to Korea and founded the first school to teach Hapkido (1951), an amalgam of tae kyun and ju-jutsu. With some devoted disciples, Master Choi refined the system technically and theoretically. Master Choi died in 1987 but his work was carried on by his top student Ji Han Jae. Ji Han Jae served as the trainer for President Park Chung Hee's Secret Service body guards. After President Park died, Master Ji emigrated to the U.S. and established a school in the San Francisco area.
Is Hapkido Korean Aikido?
No. The Korean characters for Hapkido translate in Japanese as Aikido and vice versa. However, although there is a similarity, there are many more differences both technically and philosophically. Similarities involve the use of the attacker's force against him by blending with his energy. The similarities end with what happens next. The aikidoist will continue the soft blending motions until the opponent gives up in exhaustion, confusion or frustration. The hapkidoist follows up with counter measures that result in control, incapacitation, or even death. These arts are not the same. They were founded at different times, in different countries by different masters.
Martial Art vs. Street Fight
Hapkido is the Korean martial art of self-defense. It is practiced best when practiced traditionally as an art as opposed to informal practice as street style self defense. Of course, there are those who will disagree with this position; and certainly, a good argument can be made for straight-forward defense techniques. After all, the best techniques are simple and straight-forward.
However, our position is that there is substantially more to Hapkido than merely street-level self-defense. There is, for example, the development of:
a state of physical well-being through physical exercises performed in harmony with the nature of the body's physical structure and the mechanics of movement
a disciplined economy of motion that refines itself with continuous practice over time
a critical assessment of an aggressive mind and/or body in motion toward oneself
an ability to truly listen to another without challenging/provoking and to respond appropriately to another likewise without challenging/provoking
an ability to seek and find solutions which are non-combative both verbally and physically
a judgment (discretion) which informs an appropriate response delivering not too little and not too much energy
a deep sense of self worth that won't allow one's self to be a victim, while at the same time not taking undue advantage of another
an ability to blend one's energy with an opponent's (as opposed to meeting force with force where, undoubtedly, the "stronger" will prevail)
a respect for all persons, places and things
Good self-defense
is first of all
a positive state of mind
which is backed up
by the ability to take
appropriate
and
measured
action.
Hapkido Style at Taekwondo World
There are many styles of Hapkido and many associations or governing bodies of the various styles. Some boast of thousands of techniques and more than a 100 kinds of kicks. Some styles have created forms/patterns. Some emphasize high, jumping, aerobatic kicks and, equally aerobatic breakfalls. Others, more influenced by Judo and Aikido, emphasize throwing skills. Some have developed a strong sport aspect and engage competitively.
Certification by Master George Bleil
Recognized by ICHF |
At Taekwondo World we practice what is known as Combat Hapkido. The style and curriculum was designed by Grandmaster John Pellegrini and was subsequently recognized (1999) as a legitimate style, distinct from the other styles. Combat Hapkido is recognized in Korea by the name of "Chon-Tu Kwan Hapkido" and is registered with the World Ki-Do Federation, an Hapkido organization which is recognized by the Korean Ministry of Education.
Some DIFFERENCES between TRADTIONAL HAPKIDO and COMBAT HAPKIDO
No Forms (Poomse)
Kicks are delivered to the lower part of the body
Aerobatic kicks are not taught
Aerobatic throws are not required or employed
There are no "hard" blocks or static stances
Traditional weapons are not taught
Combat Hapkido teaches the use of self defense tools:
dan bong, cane, stick, and knife
Combat Hapkido teaches practical components in
Ground Fighting; Pressure Points; Firearms Disarming
Breaking boards (or other materials) not required nor desirable
Combat Hapkido is not a sport and is not practiced competitively
Combat Hapkido is evolving
Fundamental Principles and Concepts of COMBAT HAPKIDO
Keep a low center of gravity
Side-step the line of attack
When pulled, push; when pushed, pull
Do not use hard blocks. Rather, re-direct, deflect, check, parry jam, cut
Understand the principle of the "Live Hand"
Use balance disruption techniques
Take advantage of the attacker's momentum
Use distraction techniques before and during joint manipulation
Keep index finger extended to reinforce grip
Maintain a state of physical and mental relaxation
Use the hips as the delivery system
Learn how to extend, direct, focus and channel your Ki energy
Always choose economy of motion
Anticipate autonomic responses and follow up
Understand the different ranges and directions of hostile confrontations
The Great Benefits of Combat Hapkido
Combat Hapkido is designed to be an extremely realistic, versatile and comprehensive discipline of self-protection.
Combat Hapkido's dynamic concepts are based on scientific principles of anatomy and biomechanics as well as psychology and strategy. It is well suited for men and women of all ages and sizes because physical strength and athletic abilities are not essential. The emphasis is on redirecting the assailant's aggression and power back toward them with little effort and minimum force on your part.
Combat Hapkido is ideal for those individuals who do not have the time, desire or ability to commit themselves to the demanding study of a traditional Martial Art and are not interested in the "sport" aspect required by many systems. The essence of Combat Hapkido is pure Self Defense. It is the synthesis of scientific principles, realistic applications and plain common sense.
Grandmaster John Pellegrini
Founder of Combat Hapkido
Ranking System
| Gup | Belt Color | Time in Grade (typical) |
| Beginner |
| 10th | | White | 3 months |
| 9th | | Yellow | 3 months |
| 8th | | Orange | 3 months |
| 7th | | Green | 3 months |
| Intermediate |
| 6th | | Purple | 3 months |
| 5th | | Blue | 3 months |
| 4th | | Brown | 3 months |
| 3rd | | Red | 6 months |
| Advanced |
| 2nd | | Red/Black Stripe | 6 months |
| 1st | | Black/White Stripe | 6 months |
| Black Belt |
| Dan | | Status | Time in Grade |
| 1st | | Apprentice | 1 Years |
| 2nd | | Instructor | 2 Years |
| 3rd | | Instructor | 3 Years |
| 4th | | Senior Instructor | 4 Years |
| 5th | | Master | 5 Years |
| 6th | | Master | 6 Years |
| 7th | | Senior Master | 7 Years |
| 8th | | Grandmaster | 8 Years |
Uniform
Students will wear a black wrap-around uniform with the appropriate rank belt. (Women must wear either a plain white or black t-shirt.) The International Combat Hapkido Federation (ICHF) patch will be displayed on the left chest area. A combination USA/Korea Flag patch may be worn on the left upper arm. The back of the uniform jacket will either be plain or be printed with the words
Taekwondo World
Hapkido
The Korean letters for Hapkido may be sewn proximal to the left lapel.
Class Schedule
Formal practice - exclusively Hapkido
Tuesday 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Thursday 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Other classes may be added as need demands.
Hapkido students will attend Traditional Taekwondo Classes at their personal convenience to fulfill training requirements.
Testing for Rank Promotion
When requirements have been met and the instructor approves, the Hapkido student will be eligible for Rank Promotion Testing on the same days and times as students in the Traditional program. Test requirements are specified in the curriculum. Results are certified to ICHF and rank certificates will be issued.
Tuition
Tuition for the Hapkido Program follows the same rate schedule as the Traditional Program. These Programs are considered to be 2 separate "Tracks". A student may follow a single track Program; that is, either Traditional Taekwondo or Combat Hapkido. (Training and curriculum overlap to some extent especially during the first year). The student should "declare a track of preference" at or before achieving 7th Gup - Green Belt.
A student may choose a dual track program (in which case he/she will be responsible for the requirements of each Program). A discount will be offered.
A student who is undecided about which program to choose will be directed first to the Traditional Program. The first year's experience will allow the student to make a good personal choice of direction to follow.
| |  | |
|
