Hapkido is a Korean martial art. It means the way of the coordinating energy. It is an effective self defense discipline. Grandmaster Yong Sol Choi and Grandmaster Jae Han Ji are the two exponents who developed the art of Hapkido. The techniques developed by these two great martial artists resemble the Aikido techniques from Japan. But the circles of movement are much smaller when it comes to Hapkido.

Hapkido is generally used for close range fighting. It has a wide range of locks, throws, and strikes. Hapkido emphasized the use of body movements and footwork to avoid the use of strength against an opponent. Hapkido has techniques to even the blows from unskilled attackers. Hapkido developed from various Japanese martial arts.

Hapkido has techniques which resemble the Japanese martial art called Aikido. It also has strikes similar to Tae Kwon do, a popular Korean martial art. Hapkido basically emphasizes on the use of circular motion to good effect. Non resistance is one more technique frequently used in the art of Hapkido. It is the technique in which the defendant remains relaxed and does not oppose an attackers’ strength. The use of circular movement is preferred to using linear movements in Hapkido. Basically, attacks are parried using the strength of the attackers. Hapkido exponents use the rules of gravity to the maximum and use the momentum quite effectively. The opponent’s linear force is redirected to foil an attack. After foiling an attack, the Hapkido practitioner has a wide array of techniques to subjugate his or her opponent effectively. The control techniques and throws are derived from Jujitsu and Aikido.

Hapkido is basically a fighting technique which is ideal for close range fighting. It is not a competitive sport. This discipline has close range techniques such as kicks, joint locks, punches, throws, grappling etc which are more suited to close range fighting. Hapkido is ideal for individuals who are looking for self protection. The effective techniques of the discipline allow the practitioners to defend themselves in real life situations. Hapkido techniques are simple and uncomplicated. They are easy to learn. But it takes many years to perfect the techniques. You do not need to be a big or strong person to become an effective Hapkido exponent. Mental calmness and proper use of technique can enable Hapkido practitioner to defeat bigger and stronger opponents with little difficulty.

Hapkido does not have any style as it is just a self defense technique. The techniques are chosen in such as way that they will be useful in actual street fighting. Its techniques are found to be amazingly practical in nature. It is also useful in defending against bigger, stronger, and unskilled attackers.