What is Hapkido?

Hapkido is a form of Self-defence that encompasses A Wide array of skills, which anyone of any age shape or weight can utilize. The philosophy of Hapkido is based on the oriental philosophy UM YANG, which is deeply rooted in Korean history. Um yang means positive and negative or action and reaction. In this philosophy Both positive and negative Energy is needed to live a full and healthy life and same goes with the self defence aspect of the art. In order to overcome adversity or violence you cannot crush it with violence instead you must redirect it until your opponent is under your control. Hapkido is one of the worlds most versatile martialarts, with about 5000 Techniques known. Techniques consist of the following

• Joint locks – Are used to Manipulate certain joints in the human body in order to Submit your opponent or subsequently break the bone or tear the tissue until your opponent cannot continue their violence against you.

• Pressure points- Consist of putting pressure on certain meridians of the body. Pressure points can immobilize your opponent render them unconscious or simply put them in a state of pain
• Throws- Are used to knock your opponent off balance or toss your opponent on their back using their leverage against them

• Strikes– A hapkido practitioner can use their whole body as a weapon and a wide variety of body parts to strike with. These include the hand, Foot, shin, elbow, head, etc. In hapkido we choose different points or targets on the human body to strike depending on what we want to accomplish with the strike.

 
• Weapons- Hapkido practitioners train with a wide variety of weapons these include the sword, different sizes of staffs, short stick, cane, and everyday items can be utilized as a weapon by a practitioner, such as the pen or even a magazine.

• Blocks – There are both hard and soft blocks in hapkido blocks are usually redirected into an attack.

• Falls and Rolls – These are important to save your body from damage. Hapkido students learn falls and shoulder rolls from all angles and Heights. If pressure is put against you we don’t fight it we flow with it.

• Mental concepts-This is one of the most important parts of Hapkido. Students learn how to control Situations using the power of the mind.

Upon Mastering the art of hapkido a student will achieve the skills necessary to defend themselves from all angles and positions of attack and resolve potentially violent situations with minimal or no force.