What it all about?? [Archive] - Martial Arts Planet

Thomas

22-Oct-2007, 02:41 PM

Hey peeps,
ive been trying to find out for a while now, but could anybody actually give me a run down of Hapiko? the syllabus and what not? i here it is an all round martial arts, with throws, locks, strikes etc..
could anybody who does Hapkido tell me what its like please, thanks alot.

A good place to start here at MAP is the article by Rob Diericks (http://www.martialartsplanet.com/magazine/styles/hapkido1.htm)

A general summary I use is as follows (some may disagree)

Philosophical Foundation
- History – Basic overview/knowledge of the history of Hapkido, e.g.
Hapkido (way of coordinated energy) is a Korean martial art derived from Japanese Daito-ryu aikijujutsu. Hapkido typically includes strikes, kicks, jointlocks, throws, falling, and weapons work, and is aimed at developing realistic fighting skills. The martial arts of hwarangdo and kuksul are at least partially derived from hapkido, and share many of the same characteristics. Choi Yong-Sool (1904-1986) claimed to have trained for many years in Daito-ryu aikijutsu under Sokaku Minamoto Takeda (1860-1943). He is considered the founder of Hapkido and notable students of his include Suh Bok-Sup, Seo In-sun and Ji Han-jae. As Hapkido grew, various kwan (schools) formed, each of which taught the art a bit differently. (credit Burdick)

- Korean Cultural Focus – basic knowledge of Korean cultural norms such as bowing, wearing of the uniform, etiquette, etc.

- Lineage – a clear path to the founder (Choi Yong Sool) through himself or his students, keeping in mind that differences in lineage will affect the outward expression of the art.

- Level of Force knowledge and application

- Morals, ethics and expected conduct

- Fundamental Philosophy
1. 류 Ryu - Flow
Do not meet the force straight on. Disperse it and let it flow by.

Fluid movement maximizes the transition between offense to defense and defense to offense. Manipulate the opponent's openings.

Fluidity allows for the synthesis of external and internal energy. Learn to coordinate both forces.

2. 원 Won- Circle
Centripetal, centrifugal, spinning forces are utilized for efficient self-defense techniques.

Circular movements make it possible to use the opponent's strength against him. It also allows for offensive and defensive techniques to be executed simultaneously. The stronger the attacking force of the opponent, stronger the force of retaliation.

The circle symbolizes the source of the universe and its limitlessness. In Hapkido the circle represents the comprehensiveness of the art, which includes linear, arcing, circular offensive and defensive techniques. It also reminds us that there can be no bounds in our martial arts training. Only through continual training and patience one can progress forward.

3. 화 Wha - Harmony
Harmony of the law of mind, ki, body that implies the foundation of martial arts.
Harmonize with opponent's force and make that force your own.
Harmonize the principles of martial arts to understand its true meaning. Never discontinue training in order to find the righteous path of man.
(definitions from GM In Sun Seo http://www.kidohae.com/prin-fund.html)

Concrete Foundation (application of Philosophical Foundation)
- Danjeon Breathing (KI development)
- Use of proper stances, lowering center, live hand, push/pull
- Footwork (circular and linear, use of footwork to apply leverage or escape)

Basic Techniques
- Strikes (variety of open and closed hand)
- Kicks (low targets)
- Breakfalls
- Basic Joint Locks
- Basic Throws and Sweeps

Application
- Wrist grabs (same side, cross side, 2 hands on 1, 2 hands on 2, front and rear attacks)
- Garment grabs (various parts of the body, front and rear)
- Other situational defenses (Sitting, lying prone, hair grabs, headlocks, handshake defenses, chokes, rear attacks, etc.)
- Some multiple attacker defenses

Defenses
- Defenses against Strikes (variety of open and closed hand)
- Defenses against Kicks
- Defenses/escapes against Basic Joint Locks
- Defenses/escapes against Basic Throws and Sweeps

Weapons Use
- Basic elements of attack and defenses with knife, stick, cane, staff or improvised weapon

Weapons Defense (empty hand versus or weapon versus)
- Basic elements of defenses against knife, stick, cane, staff, or improvised weapon using empty hand or weapon

Other
- Kook Sool – there may be elements of other Korean arts imbedded within the lineage practiced at this school, making outward appearances differing to other schools.