| Hap: Union, coordination Ki: Internal Energy Do: "The Way" |
Hapkido: The way to coordinate internal energy |
Hapkido is a Korean martial art, which evolved in the mid twentieth century and quickly grew to become an international style. Its founders created the art by selectively combining a wide range of existing martial skills with new ideas.
As a result Hapkido has one of the most complex and varied arsenals of self-defence
techniques to be found in any martial art. These techniques cover all major
martial categories: strikes, kicks, blocks, avoiding movements, holds, joint
locks, chokes, throws, breakfalls, ground fighting, weapons, meditation and
healing.
Hapkido philosophy, like the philosophies of many martial arts, emphasizes the
use of body, mind, and spirit; the perfection of human character; social
responsibility; and appropriate use of force. Ki development is fundamental to
all training, leading to increased health and greater efficiency in self-defence
techniques.
The arts extremely practical and versatile nature has led to its wide use by law
enforcement and military professionals, as well as by the general public.