Martial Arts: Hapkido
Hapkido is a Korean martial art, and combines techniques from Karate, Aikido and Judo. It also draws influence from other native Korean martial arts. Characteristic for Hapkido are the wrist locks and throws that can look quite spectacular. Hapkido uniforms are available in white and black and have a characteristic diamond pattern.
Developed in the 1940s and 50s, its founder Grandmaster Choi had learned martial arts first in Japan, in a school of Daito-Ryu Aiki-Jujutsu, an ancient form of Jujutsu that was practiced mostly by Samurai.
On Choi’s return to Korea, he added many techniques to defend against particular types of attacks, and borrowed heavily from other styles. The name of what is known as Hapkido today changed several times, and famous students of Choi such as Ji Han Jae continued to develop the art and were instrumental in bringing Hapkido to the west, where it was taught to FBI and other US government agencies.
During this time Ji Han Jae met Bruce Lee, who was very impressed with the techniques of Hapkido. Ji Han Jae coached Bruce Lee, who then went on and incorporated certain aspects of Hapkido into the development of his own emerging style, Jeet Kune Do.
Origin of Hapkido: Korea
Founder of Hapkido: Yong Shui Choi (also known as Choi Yong Sul)
Popularised by: Grandmaster Ji Han Jae (Founder of Sin Moo Hapkido) in the unfinished “Game of Death” movie by Bruce Lee
July 8th, 2005 at 7:36 am
Greetings, I am a 5th dan black belt (44 years old) who has studied under Grand Master Jung Bia Lee, who in turn has studied with Choi & with GM J […] more
October 7th, 2005 at 9:02 am
i have been studying tuksuri hapkido for 2 years now it is a small group of a very traditional straint and i think hapkido should stay as traditional […] more
October 11th, 2005 at 1:41 pm
Remember Grandmaster Bong Soo Han, known popularly by his stand-in role in the Billy Jack movies which feature Hapkido techniques. Read more about hi […] more
October 16th, 2005 at 2:22 am
my wife, our two daughters, and myself are currntly studying Combat Hapkido, which is the only form recognized from the U.S. founded by Grandmaster Jo […] more
November 2nd, 2005 at 7:15 pm
Dear Sir; I am looking for Martial Arts Forms for these Arts. ( Kempo / Shorinji Kempo / Tang Soo Do / Kook Sul Won / Kook Sul Do / Hapkido / & Ta […] more
February 7th, 2006 at 8:21 pm
I would be interesred in taking classes for hapkido. Where would the nearest facility be in my area. I live close to louisville kentucky. Thank You.
March 12th, 2006 at 10:55 am
Hi. well craig medley, if you move to des miones, iowa i could get you hucked up with hapkido. I was in that martial arts for around two years. but […] more
March 26th, 2006 at 3:14 pm
I am currently studying han ming jok hapkido. The have my second kueb currently. I am also a continually practicing 1st degree black belt in taekwondo […] more
April 27th, 2006 at 11:56 am
Was involved in Hapkido for almost 2 years, and had earned Red Belt. Quit MA for about 6 months, and signed up for Kung Fu - Southern Praying Mantis s […] more
May 1st, 2006 at 2:51 am
Hapkido is an eclectic, effective, powerful martial art that combines the soft with the hard. Joint locks, throws, strikes, kicks, weapons…ground su […] more
May 5th, 2006 at 5:35 pm
Can hapkido be used for street fighting?Is it kinda like muay thai if u guys know what that is.
June 1st, 2006 at 12:28 am
Hapkido uses the attackers momentum to throw them or lock them. We also have elbows, low kicks and knee strikes. If you are caught in one of our smal […] more
November 5th, 2006 at 12:47 pm
Anyone in the Uk that wants to learn authentic Korean Hap Ki Do: http://www.international-hapkido.com/ The site has not been updated in a long tim […] more
December 23rd, 2006 at 7:14 am
Hey, does anyone know of any good hapkido schools in the northwest of england. I really like the sound of this martial art so any help would be apprec […] more
February 16th, 2007 at 5:40 pm
JK Lee’s in Wisconsin offers both Tae Kwon Do and Hapkido training which can be extremely effective when the techniques are combined! www.jkleeblac […] more
March 21st, 2007 at 6:14 pm
my name is jerry im 14 i have been learning hapkido from grandmaster ernie wells im a second degree black belt i know nanchun hung gar and a little sh […] more
April 20th, 2007 at 10:05 pm
I am Tarun Roy Choudhury (Founder & President of INDO Hap Ki Do).Indo Hap Ki Do is Gov.Reg.
May 8th, 2007 at 11:30 am
Yes, Hapkido can be used for street fighting. Systems vary, but the one I have studied, under Grandmaster Kwang Seek Hyun in Chicago, is one that foc […] more
May 17th, 2007 at 10:51 am
I moved to louisville, kentucky and would love to learn Hapkido. Would you be so kind to direct me to someone!!!!!!!
June 25th, 2007 at 8:18 am
To whom it may concern: There is a Dr. Frank Valentin mentioned on this website. I would like to find out if he is my cousin who resided in NYC be […] more
August 26th, 2007 at 5:54 pm
Yes, Hapkido like any other martial art,will work on the street, if you learn how to apply it to reality. There are many schools and associations like […] more
October 10th, 2007 at 10:27 pm
the problem i have had with hapkido, is that every scool or demonstration i have seen, is by an tae kwon do instructor; the breakdown is : 95% tae […] more
January 14th, 2008 at 3:49 am
regarding 95% kicking and striking, that is what happens when you have tae kwon do instructors demonstrating what they call “hapkido” most of the tra […] more
January 17th, 2008 at 3:47 pm
how easy is it to block and counter Hapkido moves?
February 4th, 2008 at 6:19 pm
looking for a hapkido master
February 20th, 2008 at 10:47 am
hi,plsed to get your information here ,we just are the professional manufacturer of kendo and martial arts ,for example,kendo shinai ,bokken ,katana , […] more
February 21st, 2008 at 10:56 pm
i am a red belt now in taekwondo, how does the belt colors run? am thinking about taking hapkido
June 5th, 2008 at 10:08 am
I am a 2nd degree black belt in Hapki-do. I trained in Korea under Grand Master Park Sung Jae. Grand Master Park Sung Jae trained under Myung Jae Na […] more
June 7th, 2008 at 11:37 am
looking for a hapkido/muay thai master in bangalore. need details. please help.
June 21st, 2008 at 8:46 pm
Hi im from Perth Western Australia looking for Hap Ki Do dojang or Hwa Rang Do please contact me petertmartin@hotmail.com thnx
October 4th, 2008 at 12:39 am
i drank with you and charz about 16 years ago.that was when i took a break from goju ryu.charz is a nice humble friend,you you’re an arrogant fat slob […] more
October 10th, 2008 at 3:03 pm
what the hell was i talking about in my last post..? i gotta lay off the booze
December 8th, 2008 at 5:40 pm
Hokuto shinken is the most powerful fighting style
January 24th, 2009 at 1:02 pm
i belive that any type of martial arts can be used to defend yourself on the street. the only thing is that when you get attacked on the street it hap […] more
February 4th, 2009 at 1:02 am
You know what, I did hapkido for about 15 years, and it all looks great in theory, but when it comes to real street defense, you can FORGET IT! It is […] more
February 4th, 2009 at 9:56 pm
to the idiot that “trained for 15 years in HKD. What you stated is more of a condemnation about you, than HKD. 15 years and you still can’t make it wo […] more
July 3rd, 2009 at 11:08 am
absolutly, for anyone that has done 15 years of training in a style and cant make it work it more of a testimoney to thier lack of understanding, I ha […] more