Hapkido mainly uses joint locks, pressure points, throws, kicks, and strikes .
Hapkido is an authentic Asian martial art of total self-defense; it deals with
countering the techniques of other martial arts as well as common "unskilled" attacks. Although hapkido contains both long range fighting and infighting techniques, the end
of most situations is to get near for a close strike, lock, or throw.
Hapkido is a "soft" style of Martial Art, which avoids the use of force against force,
making the result not a matter of size and strength. The Hapkido practitioner diverts
or suppresses an attacker's flow of energy peacefully
Due to the use of pressure points, very little strength is needed to overcome a stronger
opponent.
Hapkido not just diffuse the attack, but direct it back against the attacker
The Hapkido practitioner is in total domination of the fight neutralizing the attack with
no need to damage the aggressor as seen in many "hard" styles.
Kuk Sul Hapkido Martial Arts
Training video
HAPKIDO
HAP = harmony or synchronized
KI = inner energy, spirit, might, or power;
DO = the way. Path or the concept of balance through "full circle wholeness"
Hapkido put emphasis
on circular motion, non-resisting engagements, and control of the opponent by using the
opponents power against them. Hapkido employs footwork and body positioning and utilizes
leverage to avoiding the use of strength against strength.
Hap Ki Do offers total physical conditioning which improves balance, stance, flexibility,
timing, strength and mainly self-confidence due to physical and mental discipline.
The purpose of Hapkido is the health and well-being of its students as well as concentration
on the individuals character building. such as politeness, humility, dependability, kindness,
and loyalty are not only the source, but also the rewards of Hapkido.
It is the responsibility of each student to cooperate in creating a positive atmosphere
of harmony and respect.
Cleaning is an act of thanksgiving. It is each student's responsibility to assist
in cleaning the dojang and to cleanse his or her own mind and heart.
The dojang is not to be used for any purpose other than regularly scheduled classes
without the direct permission of the head instructor.
Respect the Founder and his teachings as succeeded and handed down by instructors.
Respect the dojang, respect your training tools and respect each other.
The opening and closing ceremony of each hapkido practice is a formal bow directed to
the instructor and other students. The bows directed to the instructor symbolize respect
for the principles of hapkido, and gratitude to the Founder for developing this system
of study.
Upon entering and leaving the practice area of the dojang make a standing bow.
Always bow when stepping on or off the mat in the direction of the mat.
Respect your training tools. Your do-bok should be clean and mended. Weapons should be in
good condition and in their proper place when not in use.
A few minutes before class time you should be warmed up and formally seated in quiet
meditation practicing breathing to rid your mind of the day's problems and prepare for study.
It is important to be on time for practice and participate in the opening ceremony.
If you are unavoidably late you should wait, formally seated beside the mat until the
instructor signals his or her permission for you to join the class. Quietly perform a
simple seated bow as you get on the mat.
Do not leave the mat without permission during class except in the case of injury or illness.
When the end of a class is signaled, stop immediately, bow to your partner and quickly
line up with the other students.
If it is necessary to ask a question of the instructor you should go to him or her and
bow respectfully (standing bow). Never call the instructor over to you.
Respect those more experienced. Never argue about technique.
Respect those less experienced. Do not pressure your ideas on others.
If you understand the movement and are working with someone who does not, you may lead
that person through it. Do not attempt to correct or instruct your training partner unless
you are authorized to do so.
Keep talking on the mat to an absolute minimum.
Fingernails and toenails must be short. Feet must be clean. Shoes or sandals
are never allowed on the mat.
No eating, drinking, smoking or gum chewing in the dojang.
No jewelry should be worn during practice, including rings and pierced earrings.
Never drink alcoholic beverages while still wearing practice do-bok.
You are welcomed to sit and watch a class at any time, but the following rules
of etiquette must be followed.
Sit respectfully, never with legs propped up on the furniture or in a reclining position.
Do not talk to anyone while they are on the mat and class is in progress.
Do not talk or walk around while the instructor is demonstrating or during the
opening and closing ceremony.
Although there seem to be many forms of etiquette to remember, they will come naturally
as you continue to learn. Please do not resent it if you are corrected on a point
of etiquette for each one is important to your safety and to the learning experience.
It is necessary to respect the way in which the instructor of the class directs
the training.
Receive instruction and carry out suggestions for training sincerely and to the best
of your ability. There is no room for argument on the mat.
It is the moral responsibility of each student never to use hapkido technique to harm
another person or as a way to display his or her ego. It is a tool to develop a better
society through the character development of the individual.
There will be no conflicts of ego on the mat. hapkido is not street fighting. You are on
the mat to train and purify your aggressive reactions and embody the spirit of the samurai
by discovering your social responsibility.
There will be no competition on the mat. The purpose of hapkido is not to fight and
defeat an enemy, but to fight and defeat your own aggressive instincts.
The strength of hapkido is not in muscular force, but in flexibility, timing, control
and modesty. Be aware of your limitations.
Everyone has different physical abilities and reasons for study. These must be
respected. True hapkido is the proper and flexible application of technique appropriate
to any changing situation. It is your responsibility to cause no injury to your
training partner or yourself.
There will be no power struggles within the dojang. The dojang membership is one
family and the secret of hapkido is harmony.
Proper Dojang Etiquette