About Hapkido
Understanding Martial Arts
In today's society, there are several styles of martial arts, many of which have evolved from various systems that are centuries old.
There isn't a "best style" of martial art, rather the best style that suits you? "The person makes the art", it all depends on what you are looking for, how effective the teacher is at training you and how hard you work to perfect your skills.
Some martial arts focus on street self defence, some focus on competition and sport, some focus on internal energy and wellbeing whilst others focus on perfection of technique, self discipline and personal development.
Martial Arts at HCA attempt to incorporate all of the above except sport, with the main focus on street self defence, personal development and overall wellbeing.
Whilst sports focused martial arts will teach certain aspects of self defence, there are rules imposed which often limit your striking areas. Recognise that one good poke to the eyes can completely turn the tables. In sporting competitions this response is not permitted, therefore not a concern. When learning self defence you will discover that there is a larger range of technical areas as you must be prepared for anything such as an attacker with a knife or even a gang of thugs.
When coming to comprehend Hapkido or any martial art, one must begin to understand the whole picture. First we must look at the larger structure by which all martial arts are defined.
All martial arts are created of a philosophy linked to particular techniques. These are 5 categories that will help you define philosophy in martial arts:
- The Arts Purpose
- Belief System
- Moral Values
- Philosophical Principals
- Technical Principals
The above philosophical categories are crucial to defining an art's range of physical techniques. All martial art techniques are organised into seven basic areas:
- Striking
- Blocking
- Grappling (Standing and Ground)
- Throwing
- Weapons
- Internal Techniques (Breathing, Meditation, Energy/Ki Development)
- Healing Techniques
The differences between various martial arts are the philosophies which will define the ways in which they can use or combine the above technical areas. All technical areas in martial arts are very similar if not the same.
Appreciating Hapkido
Whilst most martial arts look at incorporating two or three technique areas, Hapkido is unique as it integrates all seven technique areas (Striking, Blocking, Grappling, Throwing, Weapons, Internal and Healing).
The first six areas are highlighted equally during formal training. The seventh area, healing techniques is part of Instructor and Master level training where you will learn to manage injury with revival, chiropractic, pressure point and massage techniques.
When technically comparing to other martial arts, one can recognise Hapkido as the complete martial art system as it incorporates:
Joint
locks and submissions found in Jujitsu and Aikido.
Kicking
techniques and footwork like Taekwondo and Kickboxing.
Punches
and hand strikes as in Karate and Boxing.
Chokes,
throws and sweeps found in Judo.
Breathing
and meditation similar to Tai Chi and Yoga.
Integrated
"hard" and "soft" methods found in many Kung Fu systems.
Weapon defence systems
like Ninjutsu ranging from Knife, Short Stick, Towel, Cane, Sword, Long Staff and
Hand Gun.
When you view a good Hapkido demonstration, certain elements may look like Taekwondo, may look like Aikido, may look like Jujitsu, may look like Kung Fu, may look like Tai Chi, may look like Judo, ultimately may look like many various styles of martial arts. This is simply because it is a well structured complete system created by a dedicated founder, innovative pioneers and a foundation of philosophy that dates back 2000 years.
Hapkido's diverse range of techniques are developed for self defence and provide a framework for the excellence in character by integrating mental, physical and spiritual values. Physical techniques are distinguished by a constant flow of blocking, striking, joint locking and throwing techniques. Constant movement and fluid circular motion are designed to redirect an opponent's force. Tactics are often more soft than hard and more internal than external with power generating through the entire body.
Hapkido provides complete physical conditioning which improves balance, posture, flexibility, timing, agility, muscle tone, joint strength and most importantly, confidence through physical and mental discipline.
Hapkido curriculum employs about 4000 original core techniques, which intuitively combined can create thousands of variations. The art's extremely practical and effective nature has led to its wide use by law enforcement and military professionals, as well as by the general public.
Hapkido philosophy integrates the mind, body and spirit; the excellence in human character, social responsibility and appropriate use of force. Internal energy (Ki) development is primary to all training, leading to increased health and greater efficiency in techniques.
To read more about our Hapkido classes click here
