This was written by Grand Master Dong Kyun Kim, President of the Korean Hapkido Federation in KwangJu, South Korea as a guest blog post for our school but I think many of you will find it to be useful info.

What is Hapkido?
by Grand Master Dong Kyun Kim

If you visit the American Dragon Martial Arts Academies school in Clermont, Florida you will see first hand that Hapkido is a Korean martial art of self defense. Hapkido means the “Way of Coordinated Power”. Hapkido incorporates many aspects of self-defense skills such as joint locks, pressure points, throws, kicks, hand, knee, elbow and head strikes. Hapkido training includes traditonal weapons like short stick, middle stick, long pole, cane, belt, rope, knife, sword, and fan. Master level Hapkido weapons training can include, stone, coin and knife throwing. Some Hapkido systems have more exotic weapons like spear and broad sword.

The philosophy of Hapkido is to use minimal force to overcome a more powerful opponent. Great strength is not needed to apply the techniques of Hapkido effectively. Hapkido uses circular motion, non-resisting movements, and control of the opponent instead of strength against strength. Hapkido is often discribed a a blend of martial arts because it combines “soft” techniques similar to Aikido and Jujitsu with “hard” techniques such as Taekwondo and Tangsoodo. Hapkido is considered an effective self defense art that has become popular with the elite military and police units. Traditional techniques of Hapkido are effective even in our modern times. Hapkido’s effectiveness for military hand to hand and close range combat

is another reason that it is widely used by law enforcement and military units. Hapkido striking techniques are more destructive and effective than many other arts because Hapkido emphasizes the use of vital points, pressure points, and joint manipulation. This combination makes Hapkido an extremely effective self defense art and the most scientifically advanced martial art.

As a Korean Marine Major and Commando Unit Leader I have also used TukongMuSool, and modern adaptation of Hapkido. My teaching has been influenced by my own combat experiences. This mix of traditional discipline with real world experience allows me speak from experience on the effectiveness of Hapkido. Not just from theory. I invite anyone interested in learning Hapkido to train at the American Dragon Martial Arts Academies in Clermont, Florida. They have the only authentic and certified Hapkido program in the area. As the President of the Korean Hapkido Federation I am proud to say that the training program at the American Dragon Martial Arts Academies is approved by the Korean Hapkido Federation.

www.americandragononline.com   www.worldmartialartsmagazine.com   www.haemukwan.com  www.worldmartialartsnetwork.ning.com