Hapkido is a Korean martial art that combines kicks similar to tae kwon do with hand strikes similar to karate. The throws in hapkido are like those in judo, and it features joint locks similar to those of aikido and jiujitsu. There are many techniques to learn in hapkido. As a result, this form of self-defense can take longer to achieve proficiency in than other martial arts. A hapkido master has studied the martial art for almost 25 years.
Hapkido Basics
It takes several weeks for beginning hapkido students to learn the basics for a white belt. The most important lesson they need to learn is how to fall and roll. This will prevent them from getting hurt while practicing more advanced hapkido techniques. Beginning students also are instructed in basic kicks, punches and stretches. After several months of training, hapkido students are promoted to a colored belt.
Colored Belts
Each hapkido school has its own belt ranking system. The belt color tends to get darker as students are promoted. Lower-ranking belts can include yellow, orange and green. During this time in hapkido training, students are taught an array of kicking and striking techniques, basic throws, and a series of joint-lock techniques in response to specific attacks. This training lasts between one to two years.
Middle-Ranking Belts
Middle-ranking hapkido belts are usually blue or purple. During this time in hapkido training, students are expected to hone their techniques, and be able to respond to attacks without hesitation. They also are expected to be able to fall safely from several feet off the ground and perform spinning kicks. This training can take another year of study.
High-Ranking Belts
High-ranking hapkido belts can be brown or red. Students advancing to this level are preparing to qualify for black belt. They are expected to take on a leadership role at the school, and to set a good example for lower-ranking students. They are often asked to guide lower-ranking students in preparation of becoming teachers. Students at this level are expected to perfect all hapkido techniques, except those reserved for advanced black belts. This training usually takes another one to two years of study.
Black Belts
Hapkido students usually train about five years before being promoted to first-degree black belt. An additional two years of training is expected before promotion to second-degree black belt. This time increases to three additional years for third-degree black belt and four more years for fourth-degree black belt. A fifth-degree black belt is considered a master. Most masters have at least 20 years of hapkido training.
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