HAPKIDO - THE WAY OF HARMONY
Hapkido is both an art of self-defense and way of life, a
discipline of coordination. This is a unique martial art because it enables one
to bring an attacker under complete control. This can be accomplished by the
directional force of their own movement.
Hapkido is a martial art involving: yusul (throwing techniques),
kwanjyelsul ( locking and pinning techniques), joksul (kicking techniques) and
kwonsul (striking techniques). The hand techniques are based on hard and soft
forms. The foot techniques are based on linear and circular forms. It is in the
sphere of the internal dynamics that the principle of KI (vital energy) and
indivisibility of um-yang (yin-yang in Chinese) express themselves as the basic
of power.
Hapkido training also involves the practice of training with
traditional muki (weapons). Training with weapons provides certain qualities
that are difficult to discover with hand to hand techniques, and weapons
increase the intensity of practice.
Dynamics
The word Hapkido broadly translated means: the way of harmony. The
practice of Hapkido trains the students to relax and align their bodies so that
the weight of the various parts are directed to a common center. Practicing
Hapkido teaches one to coordinate and unify the mind and body so that one can
function unaffected by an outside influence. The movements are designed to keep
a physical attack from interfering with this unified state.
Hapkido training functions on many levels. The new student soon
discovers that it can take five to eight years just to understand the realm of
Hapkido and that it can take a lifetime to truly master the techniques. New
students should not be discouraged by Hapkido’s complexity. The path of Hapkido
is an exciting and enjoyable one rich in culture and tradition.
The numerous techniques in Hapkido are based on a few natural
laws, timing, correct movements and sensitivity to directional force.
Martial Arts History
It is generally accepted that the nucleus of
the martial arts was formed when Bodhidharma (480-528, the 1st patriarch of Zen
and 28 patriarch of Buddhism) made an epic trek across the Himalayas and arrived
at the Song Shaolin Temple. He introduced Zen to the temple in the year 520.
Korea And Hwarang
At the time when the great religions of China began to penetrate
southward, the Korean peninsula was divided into three kingdoms. Silla, being
smallest, was under constant attack from its two neighbors: Paekche to the west
and Koguryo to the north. Buddhism was already several hundred years old in the
northern kingdoms before it was introduced to the southern tip of Korean
peninsula in the small kingdom of Silla. Buddhism was introduced to Silla by two
monks from Koguryo in the latter half of the fifth century, but it was another
hundred years before Buddhism took root and won general acceptance. Under the
reign of King Pophung, Buddhism become the sanctioned state religion of Silla.
With the advent of religion came the written language, culture, and the art. It
was the beginning of a great period in Korean history. In the year 540 a new
monarch by the name of king Chinhung came to power in Silla. One of the most
significant act by the King was the creation of the hwarang warrior. To
accomplish this, he called upon a famous Buddhist Priest, Won Kwang Bopsa, who
develop a system of martial arts that was in harmony with his concept of laws of
nature.
Based on the concept of unity
(um-yang), the empty hand fighting techniques were known for their blending of
the soft and hard hand techniques and for their linear and circular foot
techniques. Some years later, China and Silla were in alliance in a war against
Paekche. The Silla armies had engaged Paekche in a battle and defeated them. It
was through the efforts of the hwarang that the kingdom were united.
Hwarang chivalry endured
throughout the Silla and Koryo dynasties and was the driving force that
formed the basis for the modern state of Korea. In 1392, General Sung Key Yi
overthrew the Koryo Dynasty and establish Yi Dynasty. During the Yi Dynasty
(1392 - 1910), the martial arts fell into decline. During the Japanese
occupation of 1905 until the end of World War II, the martial arts in Korea were
suppressed even further.
The Founder
And His Studies
Hapkido was developed by Yong
Sul Choi (1904-1986). Master Choi moved to Japan in 1911 (due to the Japanese
occupation Korea) where he was adopted into the family of Sokaku Takeda. Sokaku
Takeda (1860 - 1943) was head of the ancient Japanese martial arts of DAITO RYU
AIKIJUJUTSU.
Aikijujutsu was founded by
Prince Teijun, the sixth son of the Emperor Seiwa (850 - 880) who was the 56th
ruler of Japan. Tsunamoto, Prince Teijun’s eldest son, was given the name
Minamoto and the art was passed on to succeeding generations of the Minamoto
family. By the time the art has reached Yoshimitsu Minamoto (1056 - 1127), the
foundation has already been laid. Y. Minamoto is regarded as the actual founder
of the daito ryu ( the “great eastern style” of aikijujutsu).
Yosimitsu Minamoto’s grandson,
Yoshikyio Minamoto founded the Takeda branch of the Minamoto family in the
province of Kai. In 1574, Kunitsugu Takeda established Takeda family in the
province Aizu. Thereafter the art remained an exclusively samurai practice and
was handed down within the family until Japan emerged from isolation into the
Meiji period of 1868.
During the Meiji period, Sokaku
Takeda become the head of daito ryu aikijujutsu as well as the link between
ancient and modern martial arts. Yong Sul Choi trained and lived with Sokaku
Takeda for many decades. Following World War II, Choi returned to Korea with the
blessing of Sokaku Takedato spread his discipline.
Rank And
Belt System
WHITE BELT
ORANGE BELT
ORANGE BELT BLACK STRIPE
YELLOW BELT
YELLOW BELT BLACK STRIPE
GREEN BELT
GREEN BELT BLACK STRIPE
BLUE BELT
BLUE BELT BLACK STRIPE
PURPLE BELT
PURPLE BELT BLACK STRIPE
3rd RED BELT
2nd RED BELT
1st RED BELT
BLACK BELT
Instructor Title
Assistant instructor Kyosanim
Senior instructo Kyobumnim
Head instructor Kyobumnim
Assistant master instructor Sabumnim
Master instructor Sabumnim
The black belt is reserved for the advanced students. This student has generally
practiced the art for three to five years with good consistency. Once you have
the basic skills and understanding , you can start to train at a higher level.
The belt that is colored black does not necessarily mean you know everything,
but rather that you have become enough in the art to start to train seriously
and understand the essence of hapkido.
There are nine grades of yudanja. These go from chodan (1st dan) to kudan (9th
day). A student having attained the rank of chodan can apply for the title
of Kyosa. An instructor having attained the rank of yidan (2nd dan) can apply
for the title of Kyobum. Once an instructor attains the rank of samdan
(3rd dan) to ohdan (5th dan), the instructor may be honored with the title of
Sabum.
In hapkido, the ranking system is a means of monitoring our progress as
individuals and not as a means of judging ourselves against our peers. It
is utmost importance to maintain a humble attitude towards your rank and never
let it be an excuse for poor manners or discourteous behavior towards younger
and less experienced students.
All students are promoted by taking a formal test. The examination is a
means for you, as an individual, to become aware of those skills in which you
need to work harder. Also, it serves as an indication of the effort that
you have been putting into your body.
Body Techniques
Hapkido body techniques are harmonious in nature. The techniques can be
performed slowly, but when practiced at full speed they can be most devastating.
An interesting note is that most of these techniques can be used on any form of
attack. Hapkido is a dynamic art; although, in the early stages of
training you may practice by setting up the kan (proper distance) and moving
from static sogi (stances), but the idea is to take active command of any
attack.
Hapkido body techniques consist of throwing techniques and locking and pinning
techniques. Among the throwing techniques of hapkido, the four most basic
are:
- Four direction throw (forward & around)
- Entering throw
- Rotary throw (inside & outside)
- Wrist out turn
All hapkido body techniques can be used while standing, although they may be
applied while seated. In addition, the techniques are effective in empty
hand against weapons application and in weapon against weapon situations.
The Meaning of Body Techniques
In hapkido body techniques, hapki is first applied to harmonize the three
functions of the body, mind and ki. After that, we use hapki to blend our
movements with that of our partner’s when we perform the techiniques. The
techniques are not hapki; hapki operates through the techniques.
Hapkido techniques are not strictly physical in nature. Hapkido begins and
ends with the “breath” or “being in tune with one’s surroundings”. The
breath also signifies the key point of a technique. To breathe is to live
and to live is to breathe. The “breath” is not a mere mechanical function
with the lunds; It is the fundamental rhythm of life that energizes and
fills the universe. To develop good “breath”, we need profound insight
into the nature of existence and correct application of certain principles.
In hapkido this is known as breath meditation.
In hapkido, breath meditation is the initial step in the training of mental
discipline. In the training of mental discipline it is important to
cultivate sun (serenity in a clear and peaceful state of mind). Sun can be
obtained from chung (tranquility of mind). In hapkido, through physical
movement, one can obtain a tranquil state of mind; thus one can obtain sun
through physical training. In other words, a student of hapkido can
maintain a calm and concentrated mental state during the vigorous physical
movements of training.
The Center
The hapkido body technique can be divided into three parts: attach/blend entering
or turning), transition (the technique) and completion (throwing or locking and
pinning). Blending is harmony, and harmony is a state in which people are
working in alignment. By blending, we dissipate the force of the attack
and harness our power and that of the attacker. The seat of energy during
a technique comes fro the center; in practice one should move from the center at
all times. The center is known as the danjun (ocean field of ki), and the
power from the danjun is known as ki, which is developed through breath
meditation.
In hapkido training, we learn techniques through intent observation and by
concentrated practice. When watchin a technique, a student should not
simply watch the mechanics of the technique. Instead, a student should pay
the most meticulous attention to the placement and movement of the center,
balance, timin and all the other complex actors involved in each technique.
Breakfalls
The relationship between uke (person taking fall) and tori (person throwing) is
one of partnership. There is no competition in hapkido and we change roles
easily because we need to be fluent in both halves of each body technique.
The trained uke is a person who has added an entire dimension of movement to
their repertoire; movement through the horizontal plane. The serious uke
becomes a very difficult person to attach successfully. This is a direct
result of their increased ability to move in all directions and of their
developing a calm awareness. The practice of nakbob (breakfalls) also
brings with it other important benefits: it improves physical conditioning
of the body, teaches the fundamentals of rational movement, builds
self-confidence and is essential to all future learning in hapkido. For
gup ranks, one’s ability as an uke is probably the single most important
criteria for judging the seriousness of students.
Without good ukes, true hapkido practice cannot take place. Training is a
cooperative process. The ability of the tori to execute techniques
properly, with speed and power, is heavily reliant on the uke’s ability to take
the fall successfully and get back up, ready to attack again. Remember
that uke and tori are a team, each doing their part, each helping the other
along the path of learning. Proficiency in the defensive art nakbob is the
most basic and, in many ways, one of the most important elements of hapkido.
Serious students should take advantage of the time before class by engaging in
light stretching followed by personal nakbop practice. This warm-up should
be done carefully with an orientation towards perfection and refinement of
technique. Keep in mind that the essence of nakbop is controlled movement.
The entension of your sogi (stance) is directed through your body to the sogi of
your tori. You must give an intelligent attack where your kan (proper
distance), sogi, and safety are clearly understood. In time, the fine line
between continuous attack and artful surrender becomes apparent, yet not all the
time. It is the ultimate sensitivity to practice good nakbop. Watch
carefully the demonstration of both uke and tori. Hapkido requires both to
work successfully in order to teach us the harmony of energy.
Remember, learning how to fall properly is as important as learning
how to throw properly. In addition, learning how to fall properly is the
key to learning how to throw properly.
Terminology
Basic Terminology
Anja = Formal kneeling position—the only proper way to sit in class.
Baro = Return to the original position.
Bong = The wood training staff used in practice. It is usually 60” long and
1” thick.
Charyot = To stand at attention
Daeryon = Freestyle or free sparring.
Dan = Rank holder, black belt rank.
Dangum = Wooden practice knife.
Dobok = Traditional white training uniform. A uniform of in which The Way
is practiced.
Dojang = The place where the way is revealed. A place for strengthening and
refinement of body, mind and ki.
Gukgi = Flag.
Gum = Wooden sword used in practice.
Gup = Grade holder.
Hohopbop = Breathing method
Hoshinsul = Self-defense techniques.
Jeja = Student.
Joksul = Kicking techniques
Junbi = Ready stance.
Junbi Undong = Warm-up exercises.
Kihap = The release of spiritual and physical power in the form of a piercing
shout originating in the danjun; literally, a meeting of the spirits.
Kyonge = To bow, salutation.
Kyukpasul = Breaking techniques.
Kwonsul = Striking techniques.
Mukisul = Weapon techiniques
Muknyom = To meditate; purification of mind, body and ki.
Nakbop = Method of falling; the are of protecting oneself from injury.
Poomse = Forms.
Shijak = To begin
Samguksidae = The era of the three kingdoms, an important part of Korean history.
Shuih = To end or relax.
Son = Serenity in a clear and peaceful state of mind.
Yudanja = A dan holder.
Yudo Dobok = A type of dobok. Commonly known as a judo uniform.
Common DOJANG Phrases
Amnida = I understand.
Aniyo = No.
Annyong Hashimnika = How are you?
Annyong Hakasaeyo = Good bye (if someone else is leaving).
Annyong Hikaesaeyo = Good bye (if you are leaving).
Asigeshimnika = Do you understand?
Chunmaneyo = You’re welcome.
Dobok Danjang = Adjust your dobok.
Dwirodora = Turn around.
Gukgi Yedaehayo = Turn and face the flags.
Haesan = Class dismissed.
Kamsahamnida = Thank you.
Nay = Yes.
Takachi = All together.
Words Of Attack
Ap Chagi = Front kick
Ap Jirugi = Front punch
Ap Sogi = Front stance.
Arae Makgi = Low block
Bandae = Reverse
Bandae Jirugi = Reverse punch
Bandal Chagi = Crescent kick
Dollyo Chagi = Turning kick
Dwit Chagi = Back kick
Dwit Sogi = Back stance
Golcho Chagi = Hook kick
Jungi = Ready stance
Kima Sogi = Horse stance
Ma Sogi = L or fighting stance
Montong Makgi = High block
Sudo = Knife hand
Twiyo = Jump
Yop Chagi = Side kick
Counting
Hanna = One
Dul = Two
Set = Three
Net = Four
Dasut = Five
Yosut = Six
Ilgop = Seven
Yodul = Eight
Ahop = Nine
Yul = Ten
Yulhanna = Eleven
Sumul = Twenty
Sorhun = Thirty
Words that have Greater meaning
Danjun = Ocean field of ki. Your danjun is specifically the are of the
lower abdomen. It is referred to as the motivation for all movement.
Without danjun movement, you will be off balance and without power. It is
at the center of the body. It is often thought of in the Korean culture as
the meeting place for the powers of the earth and of the heavens. We learn
about extension by beginning with the danjun; it is only the beginning of
understanding power, balnce and extension of ki.
Do = “The Way”; to be one with the will of the universe and to embody it’s
function. Tao is Chinese.
Dojang = “The place of enlightenment”, a place where a “way” is practiced.
It is derived from the Sanskrit Bodhimanda, the place where the ego self
undergoes transformation into the egoless self.
Hap = “Harmony”; unity to join or become one with. The word carries the
feeling of strength and power of natural forces.
Hapki = Blending of ki. All elements of the universe arise through the
blending of positive and negative ki; practitioners of hapkido attempt to
harmonize their ki with that of their partners and that of the larger
environment.
Ki = Vital energy; spirit of life force; the essence of universal energy.
Ki is the life force that is in us and all around us. It is the
consciousness of nature. It is in all aspects of our lives and it is
central to the understanding of hapkido.
Mudo = Martial arts. Literally, the way of th warrior; but the deeper
meaning is the way of the protection of society, of strength and honor in peace.
The Concepts Of Hapkido
Um and Yang
The Five Elements of Manifestation—Earth, Water, Fire, Wind and Void
The Five Elements of Transformation– Earth, Water fire, Wind and Metal
The Four Souls—Heaven, Water, Fire and Earth
The Six Pillars of Umsul—Entering and Turning, Forward and Around, Throwing and
Pinning.
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