Hapkido means "the way of coordinated power." Hapkido is a Korean martial art like tae kwon do, and features strong kicking techniques. Hapkido also features advanced striking techniques, joint locks and throws. Like many martial arts, Hapkido has pulled elements from many other styles in an attempt to become a well-rounded martial art. Consult your physician before beginning any diet or exercise program.
Hand Strikes
Hapkido features a variety of hand striking techniques using both the closed and open hand. Punches range from the quick jab to the powerful reverse punch. Open hand techniques include striking with the heel of the palm, the edges of the hand or the fingers. As Hapkido does not specialize in one type of strike or method of attack, students are required to learn a wide variety of striking techniques. Practitioners may use specialized conditioning methods to make the techniques more effective.
Basic Punches
The bahro chirugi, or straight punch, is a jab but can be thrown with either hand. Much of the power from the jab comes exclusively from your upper body. While the bahro chirugi is not the most powerful punch, it is quick and often used to set up a more powerful attack. The bandae chirugi, or reverse punch, is a more powerful punch that involves pulling your forward hand back while driving your opposite hand forward. This punch uses a driving motion with your legs and a twisting motion of the waist to generate more power.
Specialized Punches
The gullgi chirugi, or hook punch, is a circular punch designed to get around an opponent's guard and strike from the side. This punch takes advantage of the twisting motion of your waist and uses power from the legs. While this punch is not quite as powerful as the reverse punch, it is more powerful than the jab. The chi chirugi, or uppercut punch, targets the chin of your opponent from below. By slightly dropping one hand then twisting and driving your fist up, you attempt to come up in between your opponent's guard. This punch also utilizes lower body power but relies heavily on speed.
Open Hand Attacks
The sahnkal, or knife hand, involves striking with the outer edge of your hand. Your hand must be rigid for this strike to be effective, and the power comes from the twisting of your body. The pyun joomuk, or flat fist, utilizes the heel of your palm to deliver a powerful strike. The target is normally the chin of your opponent, and while this strike may be delivered at a slight angle up, it more closely resembles a reverse punch and not an uppercut. Striking with the sahnkeut, or spear fingers, is normally aimed at soft targets such as the eyes.
References
- "Hapkido: Traditions, Philosophy, Technique"; Marc Tedeschi; 2000
- "Hapkido: Korean Art of Self-Defense"; Bong Soo Han; 1974
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