Description
Hapkido is a comprehensive martial art consisting of thousands of offensive and defensive techniques, covering empty-hand combat, weapons defence, joint manipulation, throwing, striking, and traditional weapons training.
Body
Hapkido is a complete self-defence system that addresses offensive and defensive situations against both single and multiple attackers. Techniques are performed from standing, ground, and airborne positions, with stances transitioning naturally between relaxed, defensive, and attacking postures depending on the situation.
The original Hapkido curriculum contains approximately 4,000 techniques, which can be intuitively combined to create thousands of practical variations. This extensive technical syllabus provides students with a deep understanding of body mechanics, leverage, timing, balance, and control. Even experienced martial artists from other styles will encounter techniques and concepts unique to Hapkido.
Hapkido techniques are broadly divided into three primary categories:
- Empty Hands against Empty Hands
- Empty Hands against Weapons
- Weapons against Weapons
Within these categories, Hapkido techniques can be further classified into five core areas:
Strikes
Hapkido employs a wide variety of striking techniques using both the upper and lower body. These include:
- Hand Strikes
- Elbow Strikes
- Standing Kicks
- Knee Strikes
- Ground Kicks
- Jumping Kicks
Blocks
Following Hapkido's philosophy of redirecting an opponent's force rather than meeting it with force, defensive techniques include both blocking and evasive movement:
- Avoiding & Parrying
- Hand & Arm Blocks
- Shielding Blocks
- Kick Blocks
- Kicks Used as Blocks
- Blocking Against Weapons
Grappling & Joint Locks
Joint locking forms a significant part of Hapkido's technical system. Using the body's natural anatomical weaknesses, practitioners are taught to control, immobilise, or restrain an opponent with minimal force. Techniques include:
- Wrist Locks
- Elbow Locks
- Shoulder Locks
- Finger Locks
- Leg Locks
- Chokes
- Pressure Point Techniques
Throws
Hapkido incorporates a diverse range of throwing and takedown techniques designed to off-balance and control an opponent. These include:
- Hand Throws
- Hip Throws
- Leg Throws
- Shoulder Throws
- Sacrifice Throws
- Kick Counter Throws
- Leg Sweeps
Weapons
Traditional Hapkido includes both defensive applications against weapons and training in the use of traditional weapons. In addition to practical self-defence applications, students practise patterns and drills to develop correct handling, coordination, and body mechanics. Weapons studied at Hapkido College of Australia include:
- Knife
- Short Stick
- Towel, Rope & Belt
- Long Staff
- Cane
- Nunchaku
- Sword