Hapkido is a Korean form of self-defence used at close, medium and long range distances. Pressure point strikes, locks, throws and kicks can all be used.
Hapkido also uses traditional weapons such as knife, sword, rope, gun, nunchaku (ssang juhl bong), cane (ji pang ee), short stick (dan bong), and middle-length staff (joong bong) – similar to the Japanese jō, and bō.
This system is ideal for people of all abilities and size as it utilises the strength of your attacker!
HAPKIDO means ” the way of co-ordinated energy”
- hap (합) means “co-ordinate”
- ki (기) means ” energy”
- do( 도) means “way”
HO SIN SUL 호신술
What is Gongbang Hoshinsul?
This is a self-defence system that protects the practitioner from violent attacks and also a sport that is practiced scientifically. In other words Gongbangsul adapts your attackers strength using joint manipulation and techniques that defend and attack simultaneously. Using your attackers strength means that there is no restriction to a Gongbang Hoshinsul practitioner in terms of age or gender, making it easy to control your opponent even if they are physically stronger than you.
Through regular training Hoshinsul you can increase your health. It accelerates and improves your blood circulation which enables your body to recover from health problems faster. Also, an effective method of stress relief, it helps keep a balance between the mind and body keeping you feeling young, confident and living a healthy lifestyle.
- Ho 호 means ” protect”
- Sin 신 means ” myself”
- Sul 술 means ” skill”
Origins of Hapkido
Hapkido can also however be written “合氣道” in traditional Chinese characters which would have been used to refer to the Japanese martial art of Aikido pre-1946.
What Is The Difference between Aikido And Hapkido?
Aikido and Hapkido share common technical origins but have become separate and distinct from one another over time. They differ significantly in philosophy, range and way of executing techniques.
They share the same Japanese technical ancestry, as their respective founders practiced of Daitō-ryū Aiki-jūjutsu. They share the same Chinese characters, despite 合 being pronounced “ai” in Japanese and “hap” in Korean.
Hapkido was later combined with kicking and striking techniques of arts such as Taekkyon and Tang Soo Do; as well as various throwing techniques and ground fighting from Japanese Judo.
Looking at the Hapkido I started to learn and Aikido, there are two ways I look at the arts:
- Aikido release their opponent and Hapkido keep a hold of their opponent.
- Hapkido employs many kicks