Hapkido is a Korean martial art traditionally used for self-defense. It was created by Grandmaster Choi, Yong Sul and Grandmaster Ji, Han Jae during the early 20th century. It includes a range of leg and arm joint locks, throws, hits, kicks, weapons techniques and nerve-pressure techniques.
Hapkido
The term hapkido means method for the harmony of the spirit. It is a martial art intended for self-defense and is a discipline involving coordinated movement, strengthening the body and mind and focusing the mental ability to integrate with the body’s movement. Hapkido is considered one of the softer martial arts because rather than using force against force, people who practice this style use their attacker’s energy against him. Hapkido helps improve balance, joint strength and flexibility, muscle tone, speed and timing.
Dan Jun Breathing
Like many martial arts, hapkido utilizes dan jun breathing. This means focusing on the energy of the dan jun, or central area of the body. This is a point about 3 inches below the navel. This is where the inner energy or ki is stored. Dan jun breathing is a method of deep breathing that allows the lungs to fill with air and the abdomen to extend fully. Such breathing is said to revitalize ki so it is flowing throughout the body.
Kicking
Kicking is one of the basic techniques learned in hapkido. The kicks are similar to those used in tae kwon do. Hapkido places more emphasis on kicking than punching or gripping. Hapkido includes spinning and jumping kicks as well as sweeping and low kicks. Kicks include roundhouse, crescent, hook and slap.
Falling
Hapkido also places emphasis on learning to fall without injury, also known as breakfalling. Learning how to fall properly means not landing on your face, hands, knees or elbows. The hapkido falling techniques enable students to practice and fight without breaking any bones.
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