Incorporating Judo

[Kombat]

I'm studying Hapkido and loving it. I'm committed to continuing on the Hapkido path to my black belt and beyond (for a lifetime) but I was thinking of possibly taking some Judo twice a week (we have two very good schools here). I would think Judo would be a good compliment to Hapkido as there seems to be components of HKD and Judo that are similiar.

My purpose for taking Judo is that I have thought about competing (in tournament style competitions not MMA) so this may afford me the opportunity to do so without giving up my first love of HKD and without drifting into a style that is less complimentary to HKD. But the question is; would I be spreading myself too thin or be diluting my training in HKD by cross training in the two arts (giving up HKD is not an option)? I would also guess that Judo would have the added benefit in strengthing any grappling skills that I learn in HKD...would this not be true??

I see many instances where true blue Hapkidoists also have high rankings in other belts in addition to their HKD black belt and I'd welcome input on their experiences (as well as anyone with an opinion who may be able to lend some guidance).

Thanks all...

Kombat

[Coges]

Kombat, I have often thought of doing the same thing that you are considering. I have an excellent MMA/BJJ school near me and often think that this may compliment my HKD skills quite well.

The reason I haven't as yet is that I feel that the HKD techniques are not so well ingrained to me at this point in time so I feel that by doing another art I would be hurting my potential for HKD. However this is just me and you may be in a different situation. I fyou are confident in your HKD techniques I wouldn't see a problem with cross training in Judo.

The only other point the may impact your decision is the amount of hip throws in Judo compared HKD which may become confusing in your HKD training in the future.

Whatever you choose, I hope it goes well for you.

[AZeitung]

Well, since HKD is a lot like Kuk Sool Won, I would say, yes, the throws in Judo would be good to learn. They emphasize Randori, so you'll learn some good, useable throws that will be very easy to apply. On the other hand, if you have any experience in Hapkido, you'll probably find Judo very restrictive and a bit emphasized on sport. The throws are good throws, the idea of pins however. . . likely you'll be able to pin people in ways that don't count for anything in Judo, and you'll find Judo people, especially beginners, doing things that would get them killed if you weren't limmited in your techniques (like exposing their neck/back/locked elbow joints - of course, I'm sure at higher levels this isn't so much a problem).

[Thomas]

Personally I think Judo (or "Yoodo") can be a nice fit with Hapkido. I trained in Traditional Hapkido (GM Myung Jae Nam lineage) and we had "yoodo" as one of aspects of study. It fit with our core concepts and added another level of technique for us.

[mike-IHF]

I see many instances where true blue Hapkidoists also have high rankings in other belts in addition to their HKD black belt and I'd welcome input on their experiences

I would have to disagree with this statement. On the contrary most of the (true blue Hapkidoist) study Hapkido, and only Hapkido. I could make a list af all the true GM's Masters of Hapkido, that do not cross train, but that would take all day.

But to answer your question. That is up to you. I have said in the past that I am a traditionalist, and I don't believe in cross training. However I have seen some organizations of Hapkido that do have alot more Judo aspects in their techniques. Alot of the older GM's like (Suh Bok Sup) had previous training in Yudo, and possibly incorporated more of it into their Hapkido. I'm not saying that it is not a good choice, that is up to you. However I would be careful since the Philosophy of Hapkido, and Yudo are completely different. So in some cases it might infact confuse your mind, or training by doing both. When talking about cross training, alot of people only think about how the (techniques) from another art might fit into what they are doing. But you also have to think about other aspects as well, Philosophy, Psychology etc. Alot of times just because techniques from another art might not be a bad mix, but if these other things are quite different it could possibly distort things in the long run. Just an opinion.

[Hapkidoin P]

Kombat:

Do it up,man!

I also train in Judo "on the side" and find it compliments my HKD beautifully!

I train with some Chicago PD guys who have Dan rank in both arts,so it's not impossible. I'm not saying it will fill in the perceived "gaps",but it's a lot of fun and the principles meld wonderfully. Happy training!

[American HKD]

Greetings

Again I'll take my ussual so called conservative position, for self-defense Judo adds nothings to HKD, however thier ground grappling work is worth learning about.

Most HKD throws incorporate some type of locks, strike, kicks, as entrys to throws.

Judo being more a sport now a days is more a manuvering game like wrestling, Sport BJJ etc. with little SD training.

IMO unless you training for grappling with them there's no reason to learn HKD & Judo.

[Kombat]

Very nice discussion guys. Many thanks to all of you for your valuable input. A good wide range of opinions that will definitely provide me food for thought in the coming weeks.

Since I am relatively new to HKD training, and I'm definitely committed to a life long pursuit of HKD and martial arts, perhaps I'll take some time to chew on this and focus solely on my HKD training for the time being. I could be getting a little ahead of myself. After all, I'm in no rush and I can always revisit it again in the future.

I do share Romulus' concern that I haven't fully allowed the HKD techniques to be ingrained or as I noted in my original post that I might be "diluting my training in HKD". I'd rather be great and proficient at one MA than average or adequate at many. Once I'm proficient at HKD then I can look at Judo as a compliment, especially in the area of grappling as Stuart mentioned.

Hmmm, sounds like I may have come to a decision.

...Kombat

[hollywood1340]

It seems to me many of the judo style throws can be found in HKD. At least in my experiance.