Hap  :   means "together" and means the harmony of body and spirit.

Ki  :   defines the life and body energy.

Do  :   means "way of life, way of learning".

Hapkido: The way to coordinate internal energy

Hapkido is a traditional Korean self-defense martial art. It consists of kicking, striking, twisting and throwing techniques as well as joint lock and pressure point techniques. Weapons such as the long staff, Short staff, cane, sword and rope are used in the advanced levels of Hapkido.

Furthermore, many people think that the Korean Hapkido and Japanese Aikido is same type of martial arts, but they are not. The main difference is that the Korean Hapkido includes both hand and kicking techniques, while the Japanese Aikido only has hand techniques.

Hapkido Philosophy

The philosophy of Hapkido is centered around four principles: Honesty and Moral Character Loyalty to Parents and Country Bravery in Battles Protect your Family and Community From these principles, Hapkido practicitioners are capable of sacrificing their own I interests to those of family, friends, and country.

Three Principles of Hapkido

To understand the movements and techniques of Hapkido, three theories must be studied :

Yu- Water

Water symbolizes many things in Korea. It is adaptable. Water never fights against the objects in it's path. There is no conflict, rather water moves around the objects in it's path. It never loses it's form. We should learn to adapt in the same way as water to survive the obstacles we all face in our life.

Won-Circle

In Hapkido, the circle represents natural and continuos movement. It also symbolizes the evolution of a martial artist's training. For as a martial artist gets closer to the black belt objective, he becomes aware that he is returning to the place that he started, thus completing the circle of his training. As he progresses, he starts a new circle with the advantage of the knowledge he has acquired. The new circles will be much smaller like spirals which will lead the martial artist not forward but upward.

Wha-Harmony

While training Hapkido, the simultaneous combination of body, mind and technique must always be present. The Harmony of body, mind and technique is essential to the Hapkido practitioner. As the practitioner learns to attain harmony within himself, it becomes possible for him then to achieve harmony with the adversary. From there, one learns to achieve harmony within a situation. And finally, one learns to achieve harmony between oneself, the adversary and situation.

Benefits of Hapki-do

Provides complete physical and mental conditioning, improving mental stability and concentration. Improves focus, balance, posture and flexibility, timing, quickness, muscle tone, joint strength and body coordination. Improves and maintains cardio vascular endurance and heart rate control increasing blood circulation, fat burn and lowering cholesterol and blood pressure DANJUN Breathing technique helps build inner strength [KI power], increases concentration and enhances meditation. Provides extreme self defense and close quarter combat techniques to tackle dangerous situations or violent encounters. Rolling and falling techniques help prevent injuries to situations in day to day life. Boosts confidence, develops character and a well rounded personality.