Hapkido is a martial art of Korean origin. It is most closely related to tae kwon do. Many of the kicks seen in hapkido are taken directly from tae kwon do. However, hapkido also utilizes throws similar to judo, strikes similar to karate and joint locks similar to jiu-jitsu and aikido. It is a truly composite martial art that takes elements from a combination of other martial arts.
Hapkido Falls
The most basic thing a hapkido student must learn is how to fall. Hapkido students spend a lot of time flying through the air and hitting the ground. If they do not know how to fall correctly, they will injure themselves. Hapkido students are taught to fall forward, backward and to the sides. They learn to spread out the impact of the fall by slapping the ground at the moment of impact with as much body surface area as possible. Hapkido students are also taught to roll forward and backward so they can avoid injury and spring right back up.
Hapkido Throws
Hapkido students are taught how to throw an opponent. This is done dropping their center of gravity below their opponent, and moving to toss them off balance. Technique is far more important than strength. Many hapkido throws are performed instinctively in response to specific attacks. For example, there are several hapkido throws that are used against a bear hug or throat grab.
Hapkido Joint Locks
What distinguishes hapkido from most other martial arts is its extensive use of joint locks. This is the manipulation of joints and pressure points to cause pain to an opponent and encourage compliance. Wrist, elbow and shoulder joint locks are especially prevalent in hapkido.
Hapkido Kicks
Hapkido kicks closely resemble kicks in tae kwon do. The kicks are emphasized more than the hands. Hapkido students are taught to lead with the hips for power and follow through for effect. Simple front, round, side and back kicks are preferred to flashier spinning kicks. However, advanced hapkido students study a wide range of kicking techniques.
Hapkido Strikes
Hapkido makes more liberal use of hand-striking techniques than tae kwon do. In this regard, the martial art more closely resembles karate. While the primary goal in tae kwon do is to remain in kicking distance of your opponent, hapkido sparring tends to be closer. This makes hand strikes more important and requires knowledge of throwing and joint lock techniques. Hapkido hand strikes are performed with both fists and open hands. They are focused on vulnerable areas in the head, neck and torso.
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