What is Taekwondo?
Taekwondo is a Korean Martial Art that translated means the art or way of hand and foot. Basic techniques include kicks, blocks and techniques of the hand. It is also a very traditional art that focuses on discipline and respect as well as technique.
What is Hapkido?
Hapkido is a Korean martial art that is a cousin of Japanese Jujitsu, which was practiced by the Samurai. Hap means Coordinated (combined). Ki means power (internal energy) and Do means the Way.
Hapkido is a martial art that uses circular motions to redirect an opponents attack. This art allows a smaller person to easily overcome a larger or stronger attacker. Women can benefit greatly from Hapkido training because of the harmonious circular techniques, making it effortless to defend oneself.
The techniques of Hapkido are basic striking, joint locking, throwing, takedowns, choke holds, and the defense against these type of attacks. Hapkido is widely taught to military and law enforcement because of its effectiveness against armed and unarmed attacks.
In our Hapkido program we focus on the traditional art including the philosophy and effective technique. There are no forms in Hapkido. We do not memorize Korean names of the techniques. We use nicknames for the techniques to make it easier to remember. For example, we refer to one technique as a z lock because of the z shape we put our opponents arm in.
There are three principles of Hapkido that are the basis of all techniques. These principles are known as circular, harmony (non-resistance) and water.
Most joints in the body move in some type of circular motion. The Hapkido student uses circular movement to gain momentum in executing techniques. This also allows the defender to avoid direct opposition of an attackers force and move inside the attackers defense for a counter attack.
Harmony (non-resistance) is characteristic of Hapkido and is why the art is different from more traditional striking arts. This allows the Hapkido student to flow from one movement to the next without interruption and provide an unbroken line of continuous motion, power and energy.
The water principle is best described by the quiet, direct strength of free flowing water. As water flows in a stream it surrounds and eventually wears down any obstruction in its path. Like the stream, the Hapkido student flows around their opponent, looking for the weakest point and then attacking it.
Water is the most flexible substance on earth yet it is the most powerful. You can fit it into any container but it can penetrate rock. Water represents the hard and soft balance of the world. You fight fire with water. You should be humble yet have internal strength.
