Hap Ki Do

President of the
World Hapkido Association
N.G. Guak, 9th Dan

Hap Ki Do is a discipline of coordination, a way of strengthening the mind and body, of fusing the individual’s physical and mental powers so that he or she will emerge as a more fully integrated human being.

The word in fact means; Method or Way (DO) for the coordination Harmony (HAP) of mental Energy or spirit (Ki). One should always try to avoid violence, but if someone grabs you, attempts to strike you, or physically assaults you in any way, it has escalated beyond words, and you are left with the only option which is to defend.

The Korean Art of Self Defense

The Korean Art of Self Defense, Hap Ki Do is considered a “soft” style of Martial Art, as opposed to “hard” styles that practice the use of force against force, making the outcome a simple matter of size and strength. The Hap Ki Do practitioner diverts or suppresses an attacker’s flow of energy peacefully, this diversion allows him to use the attacker’s power against himself leading to the attacker’s defeat. Through the use of pressure on certain skeletal joints and pressure points, very little strength is needed to overcome an opponent.

Hap Ki Do redirects the attack. It also turns it back against the attacker and follows through with offensive techniques. This may control his violence or render him incapable of further antagonistic actions. The Hapkido practitioner is in complete control of the confrontation. He or she defuses the aggression without the need for uncontrolled damage as seen in many “hard” styles.

Hap Ki Do provides complete physical conditioning. This improves balance, posture, flexibility, timing, quickness, muscle tone, joint strength and most importantly, confidence through physical and mental discipline.

The immediate aim of Hapkido is, of course, the welfare of the one practicing it. Not only will skills in self-defense be attained, but more importantly will be the focus on an individuals character development. Only if the spirit is right can a well-rounded personality be realized. Courtesy, Respect, Modesty, Loyalty, Generosity, and Dedication are not only the source, but also the rewards of Hapkido.