Starting Martial Arts with Hapkido
March 21, 2008
Hapkido means “The Way of Coordinated Energy.” Sounds intriguing, doesn’t it? What makes this Korean martial art unique is that it focuses on not only advanced kicking techniques, but joint locks and throws as well.
Hapkido was founded by Yong Shul Choi who had studied Daito-Ryu Aikijutsu in Japan. For this reason, Hapkido is often compared to Jiu Jitsu and even Aikido. Many times when I tell people that I study Hapkido and they often come back and say “Aikido?” Although the styles do share some similarities, the main difference between the two is the philosophy on self-defense. Unlike Aikido, Hapkido is not all defense; in fact, Hapkido can be very offensive.
Hapkido has three basic principles.
1) Circular Motion- If you move in a circle you can often get away from any frontal attack.
2) The Water Principle - Just like a river flowing you learn to adapt and when one technique is not working you simply flow into another technique.
3) Adapt to the Opponent - Hapkido techniques are often determined by the attacker’s assault.
So what can you expect when you join a Hapkido class? Well like any martial arts class your warm-ups and stretching are vital and Hapkido is no different. During your warm-ups, you will likely learn breathing exercises and the importance of Ki (internal energy). In fact Ki will be emphasized throughout your training, as it is emphasized in the performance of your techniques as well as your breathing.
This class also has kicking and punching drills. Many of the drills are geared to assist you in your balance, something that is needed in proper self-defense. You will learn how to fall and also to roll. (I can not express enough how important it is to learn to fall. In my professional life I have used falling techniques to prevent injury from a simple fall to the ground.) And of course, you’ll learn joint locks and throwing techniques with partners.
People often ask me if you learn forms in Hapkido. At the advanced level you might learn forms. Traditionally you do not. The forms learned are designed as patterns of movements to assist you in your balance and reaction, as opposed to the flashier forms taught for competition in other styles.
Sparring also varies depending on the school. Although we sparred in my Hapkido dojang, competition was not emphasized and it was a personal preference whether you entered competition. Sparring is important to test a person’s reaction under pressure, and teaches you to react properly when you get hit, and to see an opening and exploit it?
I competed in Sparring for many years before I went to the Hapkido Dojang. If you have a fear of sparring let me break it down for you this way. Sparring is a game not a fight. You are not fighting. You are simply a player in that game. Sparring is about strategy, just like chess. If you think of it that way you can release a lot of the fear and anxiety.
Lastly, weapons are often taught at the advanced level. Sometimes you might see a sword but mostly you will see a staff or cane in weapons training.
How long does it take to earn a black belt in Hapkido? Hapkido is an elaborate style. You are tested on your kicks, joint locks, throws, and self-defense techniques. So it can take you anywhere from three to five years to earn your Black Belt. As in any system you should enjoy each belt and have fun on your journey to Black Belt.
Why take Hapkido? It is truly a self-defense art. Every technique you learn, the kicks, the punches, the joint locks, the throws are used from a practical self-defense stand point. But the best thing about Hapkido is that you do not have to be the largest student or strongest student. I am 165 pounds and I can get away easily from a larger person using Hapkido techniques and strategies.
GOOD LUCK ON YOUR JOURNEY!
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About the Author: Mr. Lee Barnard has Black Belts in Shin-Toshi Karate and Tae Kwon Do. He is an advanced student of Won Moo Hapkido and currently teaches martial arts in Eagle Mountain, Utah. He was a former Police Officer for over 15-years. He has authored articles and one book for the martial arts and law enforcement genre. He can be reached at (805) 341-2579 or lkbarnard@gmail.com. Visit his website at www.jaguarsportkarate.net
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