Hapkido is a Korean martial art. This form of self-defense employs pressure points, throws, kicks, joint locks, etc. Hapkido training enables the practitioners to counter the attacks of those trained in other martial arts, as well as untrained attacks. While traditional weapons include canes, ropes, short sticks, swords, staffs and nunchucks, emphasis on these vary.

Hapkido strengthens body and mind, fusing physical and mental powers so that the individual becomes fully integrated with himself/herself.

The word is a combination of ‘hap’ (harmony), ‘spirit’ (ki), and ‘do’ (method); thus, the method for the harmony of spirit: hapkido.

There are three basic principles in hapkido.

The principle of the circle: The Hapkido fighter uses movements that are round, as though he/she is inside a ball at whose surface influencing forces are neutralized.

The principle of the river: Like the river that can flexibly adapt to everything and in moving, can build up enormous strength, the Hapkidoka sensitively reacts to his/her opponent, letting his ‘ki’ flow by the technique into his opponent at the crucial moment.

The principle of influence: The Hapkidoka’s lightning-fast movements influence the opponent’s counter-strikes, which are used in later movements.

Hapkido, often called a ‘soft’ style of self-defense, differs from ‘hard’ styles, which focus on using force against force, and make the outcome a simple matter of strength and size. Hapkidokas peacefully divert or suppress the aggressor’s flow of energy, thus allowing him/her to use the attacker’s power against the attacker himself/herself, which leads to the attacker’s defeat. The Hapkidoka needs very little brute strength to overcome his/her opponent, because he/she applies pressure on particular skeletal and/or pressure joints.

Hapkido, also spelled Hap Ki Do, not only redirects the attack, but also turns it against the attacker and then follows through with offensive techniques that control his/her (the attacker’s) violence. These offenses further make the opponent incapable of initiating further attacks against the hapkidoka. The Hapkidoka does not need to cause the uncontrolled damage often seen in ‘hard’ styles, as he/she is in control of the situation and can defuse aggression.

Hapkido improves posture, flexibility, quickness, joint strength, timing, muscle tone, balance, and confidence, through physical and mental discipline, and thorough physical conditioning.

Hapkido’s immediate aim is the attainment of the well-being of the practitioner. Skills in self-defense will certainly be attained, but the development of an individual’s character is actually given more importance. After all, a well-rounded personality can only emerge only from a balanced spirit. The simple virtues of Courtesy, Respect, Modesty, Generosity, Loyalty, and Dedication are both the sources and rewards of Hapkido.

A dojang is the place where Hapkido training is given. Training sessions include technique practice, sparring, break falling, meditation, exercising to develop internal energy, etc. Though hapkido is a ‘soft’ style of martial arts, training is very rigorous. However, though the practitioner can definitely benefit from being lean and muscular, strength is not required from a beginner. The training process develops in the hapkidoka the strength and fitness the martial art requires from him/her.