A Brief Background on the History and
Philosophy of Hapkido
HapKiDo is a Korean martial art which emphasizes strikes, kicks,
throws, pressure point attacks and joint locks for self-defense. The art
of HapKiDo uses the soft and the hard, circular and linear motion. It is both
internal and external. The term HapKiDo can be translated to mean "the way
of coordinated energy or strength". The name defines the essence of
HapKiDo. Through HapKiDo practice one learns to coordinate and harmonize his or
her own mind and body. Eventually developing the ability to utilize his
attackers own energy against themselves
to develop
effective and powerful self-defense techniques. An even deeper meaning
of "coordinated energy" is to cultivate and develop ones internal
energy or Ki
through the practice of HapKiDo.
The Origins of HapKiDo
The origins of HapKiDo can be traced to Japan in the early 1900's. The
recognized founder of HapKiDo, Master Choi, Yong-Sul
was a student of Daito Ryu Aiki-Jujutsu
under Grand Master Sokau Takeda. Master Choi lived in
Japan
working as a man servant to and student of Master Takeda for approximately
thirty years (1912 -1943). During some of this time Master Morihei
Ueshiba was also a student under Master Takeda.
Master Ueshiba was the founder of Aikido. Most of the
similar techniques and concepts in HapKiDo and Aikido have their origins in
Daito Ryu Aiki-Jujutsu.
Upon returning to Korea
around 1945 Master Choi began teaching a style of martial art called Yu Sul or
Yu Kwon Sul. Over the period from 1945 through the 1950s many indigenous Korean
techniques were introduced into the practice of HapKiDo. Two of Master Choi's early students Master Han-Jae Ji
and Master Moo-Hong Kim are credited with bringing in many of the kicking
techniques now taught in HapKiDo. In the early 1960s the name HapKiDo came to
be used to refer to the art developed by Master
Choi and his students.
Philosophical Principles of
HapKiDo
The three basic philosophical principles of HapKiDo are: Water
Theory (Yu), Circle Theory (Won), and Harmony Theory (Hwa).
Water Theory (Yu)
The concept of Yu or Water Theory can be thought of by applying
the action of moving water to ones movement and intentions. Flowing water is
smooth and tranquil until something impedes its flow. Water doesn't resist. It flows around the obstacle, hugging and
engulfing the object. As the water flows
around the object it is no longer flowing in a smooth linear flow but begins to
circle, creating a powerful eddy which can break and move things. Once the object is overcome the water returns
to smooth tranquil flow; soft but powerful.
Circle Theory (Won)
Won, or Circle Theory, has many levels of
meaning as it applies to HapKiDo. On a
practical level a HapKiDo stylist uses circular motion to generate power and
redirecting energy in his techniques. On
a deeper level one can use a circle to coordinate and harmonize with the energy
of an attacker. Still further one can
think of the cyclical patterns in life and nature, trying to harmonize with the
ever changing universe around us.
Harmony Theory (Hwa)
As with the other
concepts there are
multiple levels of understanding of Hwa or Harmony Theory. At a
fundamental level the practice of
HapKiDo teaches one to bring the body, mind, and spirit in to a
harmonious
balance. The next level is to harmonize with the opponenent.
Accomplishing this, the student will find it easy to predict the
actions of an attacker. The next level is learning to harmonize
with environment. The final task is blending the harmony that one
has developed with himself, his opponent, and the environment with that
of his techniques.
Principles
of Motion in HapKiDo Techniques
HapKiDo utilizes some basic principles of
motion to develop the proper form and function of a technique. A well executed
HapKiDo technique uses an unbalancing motion, a decreasing radius of circle
motion, and the lowering of the center of gravity of the technique while it is
in motion. These principles of motion combined with redirecting and blending
with the attacker’s motion are the underlying physical and biomechanical
foundation of HapKiDo techniques.
Unbalancing Motion
Most throws, locks and counterattacks in
HapKiDo begin with a movement intended to unbalance the opponent by moving him off
his center of gravity. Early in the practice of HapKiDo techniques students
learn the unbalancing motion through breakaways from wrist grabs. In the
beginning stage the student is learning the proper motion and
"feeling" for moving someone off their center of gravity. In more
advanced stages of practice and application the HapKiDo practitioner uses the
attacking motion of his opponent for unbalancing and initiating a technique.
Decreasing Radius of Circle
A motion following a circle with a decreasing
radius is used in HapKiDo techniques to increase speed and power through
increasing the angular momentum of the technique. The figure tracing the path of the decreasing
radius circle is mathematically described as an equiangular spiral. An example of this motion in HapKiDo can be
seen in the inward spiral of a wrist throw or rotation and pivot used in the
foot movement of most throwing techniques.
Lowering Center of Gravity
The basic movements of unbalancing,
decreasing radius of circle, and lowering center of gravity are applied either
sequentially or simultaneously depending upon the technique and situation. The lowering of one’s center of gravity
is often used in the beginning and finishing of HapKiDo techniques. To initiate a proper throw one must have a
position of leverage against their opponent.
The training concept of "getting your belt knot below your
partner's" is teaching students to lower their center of gravity to
achieve a position of leverage. During
the execution of a throw the center of gravity of the technique is lowered to
increase power and momentum in the technique.
The person executing the throw should lower their center of gravity and
reach the ground a fraction of a second before the person being thrown.
Redirecting and Blending
The concepts of redirecting and blending
are physical extensions of the theories of Water, Circle, and Harmony. One
should not meet an attack head on but should move in angles and circles which
allow them to uses the attackers own force against themselves. Through the use
of proper motion and technique a HapKiDo practitioner should not have to use
strength to defeat a larger stronger opponent.
