The martial arts have a large family tree with many styles branching off into other styles throughout the fighting arts' history. One of the original and most well-known martial arts is the Japanese art of karate. Many people incorrectly refer to all martial arts as karate. Various martial arts systems have developed since karate's inception. One of those martial arts is the Korean art of hapkido, which is different that karate. When comparing two martial arts, the question of which one is the best inevitably arises. History and techniques should be considered when comparing hapkido vs. karate.
Karate History
Legends and facts often intertwine when tracing karate's history. It is believed that karate began in Okinawa in the late 1300s when Chinese families moved to the island. The families brought with them the knowledge of China's kung fu techniques, which influenced the birth of karate. A ban on weapons contributed to the development of martial arts in Okinawa between the 15th and 17th centuries. The term "karate" was not used to describe Okinawa's martial arts until 1935. The word combines the terms "kara" and "te." "Kara" means empty, and "te" means hand.
Hapkido History
Hapkido's roots began with Grandmaster Choi, Yong-Sul. Choi was born in Korea in 1904 but moved to Japan as a boy. While in Japan, Choi studied the martial art of aikijujutsu. He moved back to Korea at the end of World War II, where he turned his knowledge of the martial arts into the style known as hapkido. The influences of aikijujutsu are apparent in hapkido's techniques. Hapkido did not officially get its name until 1958. "Hap" means together, "ki" refers to the body energy and "do" means the way of life and learning.
Karate Techniques
Karate is considered a "hard" style of martial arts because it meets force with force. Karate uses linear kicks and punches to stop attackers. The blocks in karate are also hard techniques that are meant to hurt an opponent's arm or leg as he attacks. Karate experts often demonstrate the power of their techniques by breaking impressive numbers of boards or bricks. Karate practitioners also spend a lot of time practicing kata. Katas are choreographed patterns that help these martial artists improve their techniques.
Hapkido Techniques
Hapkido teaches many "soft" style, circular techniques that use an attacker's force against him. Hapkido's techniques are similar to those of aikido, which was also heavily influenced by aikijujutsu. Hapkido students learn several types of throws and joint manipulations to thwart attacks. It is typical to see students being tossed and landing on mats during hapkido demonstrations. Hapkido also uses kicks that are similar to those taught in the most popular Korean art, taekwondo. Grandmaster Ji, Han Jae, one of Choi's students, is credited with bringing kicks and weapon techniques to hapkido.
Considerations
Both hapkido and karate teach numerous techniques that will stop attackers. One style is not necessarily better than the other. A potential martial arts student should think about which style is the best fit for him when considering the two systems. Stronger individuals might lean toward karate because it emphasizes powerful kicking and striking techniques. However, smaller individuals might prefer hapkido because of its emphasis on teaching its students how to redirect a larger opponent's force. A third option is to train in both styles and become a well-rounded fighter.
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