Hapkido Techniques

"Many people would categorize Hapkido as a scientific martial art. Its every aspect is geared towards the single purpose of incapacitating an attacker in the most efficient and thorough manner possible. The techniques use physics, geometry, psychology, and physiology. The results of the techniques are evasion, immobilization [pins], and projection [throws]". - Master Jeff Allen

Hapkido is a Korean martial art developed in the twentieth century. The meaning of the word 'Hapkido' is 'The Way to Harmony through Coordination Of Mind and Body'. It is one of the premier Korean martial art styles which is mostly a self defense technique. This article will give you an overview of basic Hapkido techniques, which constitute a unique branch of martial arts.

Hapkido: An Eclectic Martial Art
Hapkido as a martial art is primarily intended for self defense in the modern world, although it was used in warfare in the past. This martial art form primarily evolved from 'Daitō-ryū Aiki-jūjutsu ' and is very closely connected to 'Jujitsu' as well as 'Aikido'. Hapkido techniques are an assimilation of many ancient and modern types of martial arts, molded in its unique style. Hapkido techniques are of unarmed and armed form, involving a range of offensive and defensive Hapkido moves. It involves short, as well as long range techniques of fighting using kicking, hand strikes, throws, joint locks and pressure point strikes. It also involves use of weapons like staff, sword, rope, short stick, staff and nunchaku. A unique feature of Hapkido techniques are non-resisting moves, which are aimed at diverting the force of the opponent against himself!

Principles of Hapkido Techniques
Hapkido is a martial art and like every art, it is never static. It is a constantly evolving art, with new techniques developing every day. It is based on certain solid principles, which make it a beautiful form of self defense. The three main principles on which Hapkido techniques are based, are the following:

• Yoo - The Water Principle: Yoo is the 'Water Principle' which says that a Hapkido student must learn from the properties of water, which are flow adaptability, softness and a tendency to flow through or over any obstacle, through adaptability. The Yoo principle stands for adaptability, patience and conformity on which Hapkido techniques are based. A Hapkido practitioner must adapt according to an opponent's moves! It also stands for the principle of concentrating ones 'Ki' (Energy), which gives the practitioner, tremendous power, like water directed out of a narrow nozzle of a hose!
• Won - The Circle Principle: Every one of the Hapkido techniques and every move involved in them, is in a circle. Defense against an opponent's attack is achieved through deflecting techniques. Every move by the defender takes a path which is the most economical way of defense. This principle makes injuries less likely for the defender, while ensuring a devastating effect on the opponent.
• Hwa - The Non-Resistance or Harmony Principle: This is the most important of all principles, on which, Hapkido techniques are based. It is the principle of harmony and non-resistance which emphasizes the unification of mind and body, in execution of every one of the Hapkido techniques. First step is harmonizing the mind of the practitioner with his own body movements to such a level that every one of the combat Hapkido techniques becomes second nature. The second step is harmonizing and adapting the defensive movements according to opponent's offensive moves. Mastering Hapkido is all about practicing the Hapkido techniques to such a level that they become instincts. The response to every offense is then 'natural'.

Basic Hapkido Techniques
The whole range of Hapkido techniques constitute a complete arsenal for self defense. As you must have realized by now, Hapkido symbolizes adaptability and smooth flowing of moves. Footwork and positioning are very important in execution of Hapkido techniques. They can be broadly divided in to the following types:

• Hand Strikes: Hand strikes are an integral part Hapkido techniques which are used to soften up the opponent before going for more advanced maneuvers. It involves surgical hand strikes in specific spots that can create maximum force. Hand strikes are used for blocking and counterattacking opponents.
• Kicks: The second important class of Hapkido techniques are kicks. It includes a plethora of kicking moves aimed at the upper and lower body, which include blade kicks. A specialty is the 'low spinning heal kick'.
• Joint Manipulation Techniques: These are a set of ingenious Hapkido techniques which are aimed at making the opponent submit unconditionally. These techniques include wrist locks, elbow locks and other maneuvers that target most of the small and large joints in the human body.
• Throwing: The throwing techniques utilize the opponent's force against him by making him go off balance.
• Use of Weapons: Sword, rope, short stick, staff and nunchaku are some of the weapons used in armed combat. They are advanced Hapkido techniques.

Hope this rapid overview of Hapkido techniques has enthused you to know more about this scientific martial art technique, that is based on principles of physics, physiology, psychology and geometry. It is a subtle kind of martial art which has the potential to be the deadliest style of martial arts if wielded effectively.