View source for Hapkido

{{Short description|Korean martial art}}
{{About|the martial art|the film|Hapkido (film)}}
{{More citations needed|date=January 2012}}
{{Infobox Martial art
| logo            = Hapkido-hangul.svg
| logocaption     =
| logosize        = 70px
| imagecaption    = Hapkido tournament in South Korea
| imagesize       = 270px
| name            = Hapkido
| aka             = Hapkido, Hap&nbsp;Ki&nbsp;Do, Hapki-Do
| focus           = [[Strike (attack)|Striking]], [[grappling]]
| hardness        =
| country         = [[South Korea]]
| creator         = No single creator; collaborative effort of [[Choi Yong-sool]]'s earliest students<ref name = "Hapkido Bible"/><ref name=segye>{{cite web|url=http://www.segye.com/Articles/NEWS/CULTURE/Article.asp?aid=20100216002847&subctg1=&subctg2= |title=[박정진의 무맥&#93; (24) 일본에서 다시 돌아온 화랑무예 합기도|date=16 February 2010 |publisher=[[Segye Ilbo]] |access-date=2015-10-28}}</ref><ref name="mookas1028">{{cite web|url=http://mookas.com/media_view.asp?news_no=10750 |title=[허인욱의 무인이야기&#93;장보고와 정년 그리고 송징 |publisher=Mookas.com |access-date=2015-10-28}}</ref>
| famous pract    = {{Plain list|
* [[Ji Han-jae]]
* [[Myung Kwang-sik]]
* [[Han Bong-soo]]
* [[Oh Se-lim]]
* [[Kim Yoon-sang]]
* [[Jackie Chan]]
* [[Angela Mao]]
* [[Sammo Hung]]
* [[Wesley Snipes]]
* [[Byun Baekhyun]]
* [[Tom Laughlin]]
}}
| parenthood      = [[Japanese martial arts]]
| ancestor arts   = {{Plain list|
* [[Daitō-ryū Aiki-jūjutsu]]
* [[Taekkyeon]]
* [[Tang Soo Do]]
* [[Judo]]
* [[Chinese martial arts]]
}}
| descendant arts = {{Plain list|
* [[Sin Moo Hapkido]]
* Jung Ki Hapkido
* Huek Choo Kwan Hapkido
* Hapmudo
* [[Hankido]]
* [[Hwa Rang Do]]
* [[Kuk Sool Won|Kuk Sul Won]]
* [[Combat Hapkido]]
* [[Hapki yusul]]
*  Kwan Nyom Hapkido
*  Tong Hap Kwan Hapkido
*  Tong Hap Kwan Hoshinsul 
*  LaiMu Kwan Hapkido 
}}
| Olympic sport   = No
| module = {{Infobox Korean name/auto
| hangul = 합기도
| hanja  = 協氣道
| ipa    = {{ipa|ko|hap̚.ki.do|}}
|child=yes
}}
}}

[[File:Hkd-kobaekyong.jpg|thumb|Hapkido]][[File:Hapkido.svg|thumb|220x124px|right]]

'''Hapkido''' ({{IPAc-en|UK|ˌ|h|æ|p|k|iː|ˈ|d|əʊ}} {{Respell|HAP|kee|DOH}},<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/hapkido|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170109021938/https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/hapkido|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 9, 2017|title=hapkido|website=[[OxfordDictionaries.com]]|publisher=[[Oxford University Press]]|access-date=8 January 2017}}</ref> {{IPAc-en|US|h|ɑː|p|'|k|iː|d|oʊ}} {{Respell|hahp|KEE|doh}},<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hapkido|title=hapkido|website=[[Merriam-Webster]]|access-date=8 January 2017}}</ref> {{Korean/auto|합기도|rr=yes|ko_ipa=hap̚.ki.do}}), also spelled '''''hap ki do''''' or '''''hapki-do''''' is a [[Korean martial arts|Korean]] [[martial art]]. It is a hybrid form of [[self-defense]] that employs [[joint lock]]s, [[grappling]], [[chokeholds]], [[throw (grappling)|throw]]ing techniques, [[kick]]s, [[punch (combat)|punch]]es, and other striking attacks. It also teaches the use of traditional weapons, including [[knife]], [[sword]], [[rope]], [[nunchaku]] (ssang juhl bong), [[Stick-fighting|cane]] (ji pang ee), short stick (dan bong), and middle-length [[Stick fighting|staff]] (joong [[Bō|bong]]), [[Gun (staff)|gun (analogous to the Japanese jō)]], and [[bō]] (Japanese), which vary in emphasis depending on the particular tradition examined.

Hapkido employs both long-range and close-range fighting techniques, utilizing jumping kicks and percussive hand strikes at longer ranges, and [[pressure point]] strikes, joint locks, and [[Throw (grappling)|throws]] at closer fighting distances. Hapkido emphasizes circular motion, redirection of force, and control of the opponent. Practitioners seek to gain advantage over their opponents through footwork and body positioning to incorporate the use of leverage, avoiding the use of brute strength against brute strength.

The art was adapted from [[Daitō-ryū Aiki-jūjutsu]] as it was taught by [[Choi Yong-sool]] (최용술) when he returned to [[Korea]] after [[World War II]] after having [[Zainichi|lived in]] [[Japan]] for 30 years. This system was later combined by Choi's disciples with kicking and striking techniques of indigenous and contemporary arts such as [[Taekkyon]] and [[Tang Soo Do]], as well as various [[throw]]ing techniques and [[ground fighting]] from Japanese [[Judo]].<ref>{{Cite thesis |last=Jin |first=Sung Woo |date=2009 |title=A Study on Athletiction to Establish the identity of Korean Hapkido |url=http://www.riss.kr.ssl.access.hanyang.ac.kr/search/detail/DetailView.do?p_mat_type=be54d9b8bc7cdb09&control_no=7184044dc22ae634ffe0bdc3ef48d419 |url-access=subscription |publisher=Korea Sunmoon University General Graduate School}}</ref>

== Hapkido ==
''Hapkido'' or {{lang|ko|합기도}} in the native Korean writing system [[hangul]] is rendered as {{linktext|協|氣|道}} in [[hanja]]. This is similar to how the [[Japanese martial art|Japanese]] ''[[Aikido]]'' was written using [[Kyūjitai]] in the pre-1946 period. Currently, though, the second character is preferably written in Japanese using [[shinjitai]], which replaces the original [[氣]] with the modern, simplified {{linktext|気}}, thus reducing the number of strokes by four.

In hanja, the character {{lang|zh|張}} ''hap'' means "coordinated"; {{lang|zh|氣}} ''[[Qi|ki]]'' literally means air, gas or breath but is used to mean spirit or so-called 'internal energy'; and {{lang|zh|道}} ''do'' means "way" or "art", yielding a literal translation of "joining-energy-way". It is most often translated as "the way of coordinating energy", "the way of coordinated power", or "the way of harmony".

Although Japanese [[Aikido]] and Korean hapkido share common technical origins, in time they have become separate and distinct from one another. They differ significantly in philosophy, range of responses, and manner of executing techniques. The fact that they share the same Japanese technical ancestry represented by their respective founders' practice of [[Daitō-ryū Aiki-jūjutsu]], and that they share the same Chinese characters, despite {{lang|zh|協}} being pronounced "ai" in Japanese and "hap" in Korean, has proved problematic in promoting hapkido internationally as a discipline with its own set of unique characteristics differing from those common to Japanese martial arts.{{Citation needed|date=May 2012}}

== History and major figures from Korea ==
The birth of modern hapkido can be traced to the efforts of a group of Korean nationals in the post-Japanese colonial period of Korea: [[Choi Yong-sool]] (최용술) (1904–1986) and his most prominent students; Chinil Chang, his personally chosen successor, Seo Bok-Seob, the first student of the art; [[Ji Han-jae]] (born 1936), one of the earliest promoters of the art; [[Jung Hwan Park]], a long time student of Choi; [[Kim Moo-hong]], a major innovator; Myung Jae-nam, a connector between the art of hapkido and aikido; and [[Myung Kwang-sik]] the historian and ambassador, all of whom were direct students of Choi or of his immediate students.<ref name=segye>{{cite web|url=http://www.segye.com/Articles/NEWS/CULTURE/Article.asp?aid=20100216002847&subctg1=&subctg2= |title=[박정진의 무맥&#93; (24) 일본에서 다시 돌아온 화랑무예 합기도|date=16 February 2010 |publisher=[[Segye Ilbo]] |access-date=2015-10-28}}</ref><ref name="mookas1028" />

=== Choi Yong-sool ===
{{Main|Choi Yong-sool}}
[[File:Choi Yong-sool portrait 888.jpg|thumb|right|Master Choi Yong-sool (c.&nbsp;1954)]]

Choi Yong-sool (최용술)'s<ref name="Choi Yong-sul">{{cite web|title=Choi Yong-sul|url=https://www.ushapkido.com/choiyong.htm}}</ref> training in martial arts is a subject of contention. It is known that Choi was sent to [[Japan]] as a young boy and returned to [[Korea]] with techniques characteristic of [[Daitō-ryū Aiki-jūjutsu]], a forerunner of aikido.

The subsequent history is quite controversial in Daitō-ryū circles but is claimed by many contemporary hapkido-ists and is attributed to Choi in an interview that took place during a trip Choi made to the [[United States]] in 1980 to visit his direct lineage successor Chin-il Chang in New York City.<ref name="rimshapkido.com">{{cite web
 |last=Sheya 
 |first=Joseph K. 
 |title=Historical Interview: Hapkido Grandmaster Choi, Yong-sool (1904–1986) 
 |publisher=Rim's Hapkido 
 |year=1982 
 |url=http://www.rimshapkido.com/ysc.html 
 |access-date=2007-03-17 
 |url-status=dead 
 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070403060400/http://www.rimshapkido.com/ysc.html 
 |archive-date=2007-04-03 
}}</ref> In the interview with Chin-il Chang, Choi claimed to have been adopted by [[Takeda Sōkaku]] when he was 11 years old and to have been given the [[Japanese language|Japanese]] name Yoshida Asao. He claims to have been taken to Takeda's home and [[dojo]] in [[Akita Prefecture|Akita]] on Shin Shu mountain where he lived and trained with the master for 30 years. The interview also asserts that he travelled with him as a teaching assistant, that he was employed to catch war deserters and that he was the only student to have a complete understanding of the system taught by Takeda.<ref name="rimshapkido.com"/>

This is contradicted by other claims asserting that Choi was simply a worker in the home of Takeda. The meticulous enrollment and fee records of Tokimune Takeda, Takeda's eldest son and Daitō-ryū's successor, do not seem to include Choi's name among them. Therefore, except for claims made by Choi himself, there is little evidence that Choi was the adopted son of Takeda. Kondo Katsuyuki (current head of the mainline Daito Ryu) has however released a page from Takeda Sokaku's eimeiroku that contains Choi Yong-sul's name.<ref name="join-usama.com">{{Cite web |url=http://www.join-usama.com/blog/confirmation-of-hapkidos-connection-to-daito-ryu |title=Hapkido's Connection to Daito Ryu confirmed |access-date=2022-10-26 |archive-date=2022-10-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221025172802/http://www.join-usama.com/blog/confirmation-of-hapkidos-connection-to-daito-ryu |url-status=dead }}</ref>

[[File:Takeda Sokaku.jpg|thumb|200px|Retouched photograph of the master of Daito Ryu Aiki-jujutsu [[Takeda Sōkaku]] (c.&nbsp;1888)]]

[[Stanley Pranin]], then of Aiki News and now editor of the Aikidojournal.com, asked [[Kisshomaru Ueshiba]] about Choi Yong-sool and hapkido:

{{Centered pull quote|'''On another subject, it is true that a Korean named "Choi" who founded hapkido studied aikido or Daito-ryu?'''
I don't know what art it was but I understand that there was a young Korean of about 17 or 18 who participated in a seminar of Sokaku Takeda Sensei held in [[Asahikawa|Asahikawa City]] in [[Hokkaidō]]. It seems that he studied the art together with [[Morihei Ueshiba|my father]] and would refer to him as his "senior".

'''If that's the case the art must have been Daito-ryu.'''

I've heard that this man who studied Daito-ryu had some contact with my father after that. Then he returned to Korea and began teaching Daito-ryu on a modest scale. The art gradually became popular and many Koreans trained with him. Since aikido became popular in Japan he called his art hapkido [written in Korean with the same characters as aikido]. Then the art split into many schools before anyone realized it. This is what my father told me. I once received a letter from this teacher after my father's death.<ref>{{cite journal
 |last=Pranin 
 |first=Stanley 
 |title=Interview with Kisshomaru Ueshiba: The Early Days of Aikido 
 |journal=Aiki News 
 |volume=77 
 |date=April 1988 
 |url=http://www.aikidojournal.com/article.php?articleID=445 
 |access-date=2006-12-03 
 |url-status=dead 
 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060704102544/http://www.aikidojournal.com/article.php?articleID=445 
 |archive-date=2006-07-04 
}}</ref>}}

While Kondo Katsuyuki has released documentation from Takeda Sokaku's eimeiroku that confirms that Choi Yong-sul did in fact study with him for a short time, some scholars believe it is likely that Choi received most of his training in Daito Ryu from [[Kōtarō Yoshida (martial artist)|Yoshida Kotaro]].<ref name="join-usama.com"/>

Choi Yong-sool's first student, and the man whom some claim helped him develop the art of hapkido was Seo Bok-seob, a Korean [[judo]] black belt when they met. Some of Choi's other respected senior students are: Chinil Chang, Lim Hyun-soo, Ji Han-Jae, Chung Kee-tae, Kim Moo-hong, and arguably Suh In-hyuk<ref>[https://lady.khan.co.kr/issue/article/5614 Suh In-hyuk]</ref> ({{Korean|서인혁}}) and Lee Joo-bang ({{Korean|이주방}}) who went on to form the arts of [[Kuk Sool Won]] and modern [[Hwa Rang Do]] respectively (though some argue that their training stems from time spent training under Kim Moo-hong).

=== Chang (Jang) In-mok ===
{{Unreferenced section|date=January 2024}}
[[File:Dr. Chang In Mok.png|thumb|Grand Patriarch Dr. Chang In-mok (1960)]]

Grand Patriarch Jang In-mok (born 15 August 1912) of Daegu, who also trained under Takeda Sokaku's lineage, returned to Daegu in 1945 like Grand Patriarch Choi Yong-sul. He was a doctor of Oriental medicine and taught aikijitsu as hapkido. Jang learned Dae Dong Ryu Yu Sul Hapkido from his teachers Masuta Yutaka and [[Takeda Sōkaku|Takeda Sokaku]] in Japan. Choi Yong-sool trained many students but Jang only trained a few. Jang's notable students included Han-young Choi (Chun Ki Do), Jang Seeung-ho, Song Joon-hwi, Hu Il-wong (teacher of Peter and Joseph Kim) and Song Il-hun. He introduced the Dae Don Ryu Sul system to Korea in 1960. He first learned martial arts in Japan in September 1928 with Daito-ryu Jujitsu and received his certificate in 1935 from Yutaka, a student of Sodaku.

=== Han-young Choi ===
{{Unreferenced section|date=January 2024}}
[[File:Han-young Choi 1980.jpg|thumb|Grand Master Han-young Choi in his first gym in El Paso (1980)]]

Kwang Jang Nim Han-young Choi was born in Kyongkido, Korea December 11, 1935. He began his formal martial arts training at the age of four, instructed by his father (Chun-san Choi) and his uncle (Man-san Choi), in 1939 to learn his family's martial arts system, a system based on stepping, spinning, and jumping. The founder of [https://www.unsere-luftwaffe.com/https/-/www-chunkido-de10/ Chun Ki Do Hapkido] Grand Master Han-young Choi learned also [[Moo Duk Kwan Taekwondo|Taekwondo Mudokwan]] under Grandmaster Hwang Kee [[Hwang Kee|Hwang Ki]] and was also a top student and pioneer of Taekwondo in Korea. Choi, Han-young Choi, was the first student of [https://www.unsere-luftwaffe.com/https/-/www-chunkido-de5/ Dr. Chang In-mok's] [[Daitō-ryū Aiki-jūjutsu|Dae Dong Ryu Yu Sul]] system in Seoul. His martial arts are based on stepping techniques (triangle step, cross step, skip step), turning and jumping. His early years of formal training at a Buddhist monastery in Kyongi do, where he learned meditation, breathing, and application into the physical world. Hounslow (developed into modern hapkido) – joint manipulation from Grandmaster Chang In Mok. Grandmaster Chang has the same training and lineage as Grandmaster Choi Yong-sul...both brought what is now known as hapkido to Korea from Japan, except Grandmaster Choi commercialized it and Grandmaster Chang did not. Grandmaster Chang focused on oriental medicine and acupuncture. He Choi learned acupuncture and pressure points from him. Before he founded the World Chun Ki Association, he belonged to the Daehan Hapkido association and Kuk Sool Won Association. One of his best friends was Suh In-hyuk's older brother, and he asked Grandmaster Choi to help spread Kuk Sool Won in Seoul. In the old days, they spread martial arts by fighting the owner of the neighbourhood schools. Then taking them over and changing the names and techniques. One school at a time, he went neighbourhood by neighbourhood, fighting school owners and taking over schools in the name of Kuk Sool Won. Then he moved to the U.S. and after getting fed up with the politics of Daehan and Kuk Sool Won, he quit and founded the World Chun Ki Do Association.

Choi, Han-young, was also a pioneer of the Taekwondo Han Moo Kwan system. He held the number one Black Belt certificate from the Han Moo Kwan. Choi, after he had studied for three years under Dr. Chang In-mok, moved to Seoul and began to teach Dae Dong Ryu Yu Sul. But he joined the Kuk Sool organization and taught Dae Dong Ryu Sul under the Kuk Sool name. One of his best friends was Suh In-hyuk's older brother, and he asked Choi to help spread Kuk Sool Won in Seoul. He also has been belonged to the Daehan Hapkido association. In 1972, Choi Han-young immigrated to the United States and moved to El Paso, Texas. He created his own system called Choi's Martial Arts, and later in the 90s, he renamed it to Chun Ki (Heavenly Power). It was his ambition to acquire do so that Chun Ki Do become accepted as a new style, and he achieves tenth-degree black belt status. Grandmaster's goal was to develop his own martial art to reach the 10th-degree black belt. So Chun Ki was born. It took a long time and a lot of work to add the long-dreamed-of Do, and Chun Ki Do gain worldwide recognition in the line of hapkido. As a new style in the colour hapkido world as its own style, Grand Master Han-young Choi was awarded the title of Grand Patriarch, the founder of Chun Ki Do Hapkido. He has trained over 50,000 students in Asia, Europe, and America and is respected by many as one of the few remaining original Hapkido Grandmasters. His belt examination program is methodical and didactically structured, all techniques are explained in simple steps and easy for everyone to understand. With his 15 hand levers, his bring techniques to the man are unique in martial arts.{{clarify|date=December 2025}}

A few notable students were his son Sam Choi, Daniel Ray Walker, and Roman Nikolaus Urban, who founded the Chun Ki Do Association in Africa<ref>[https://www.unsere-luftwaffe.com/https/-/www-chunkido-de13/ Africa]</ref> and Europe;<ref>[https://www.unsere-luftwaffe.com/https/-/www-chunkido-de21/ Europe]</ref> Jaeshin Cho, his nephew; and Gregory Jump, his first top-student.

=== Seo Bok-seob ===
{{Main|Seo Bok-seob}}

Choi's first student and the first person known to have opened up a dojang under Choi was Seo Bok-seob (서복섭, also spelled Suh Bok-sup).<ref name=segye/>

In 1948, when Seo Bok-sub was still in his early 20s, he had already earned his black belt in [[judo]] and was a graduate of Korea University. After watching Choi Yong-sool successfully defend himself against a group of men when an argument erupted in the yard of the Seo Brewery Company, Seo who was son of the chairman of the company, invited Choi to begin teaching martial arts to him and some workers at the distillery where he had prepared a dojang.<ref name = "Hapkido Bible"/>

In 1951, Seo opened up the first proper dojang called the "Daehan Hapki Yukwonsool Dojang (대한합기유권술도장)". Seo also incorporated many of judo's throws and ground work techniques to the teachings of master Choi. The first symbol for hapkido was designed by Seo, which was used to denote the art was the inverted arrowhead design featured in both the modern incarnation of the KiDo Association and by Myung Kwang-Sik's World Hapkido Federation. Choi Yong-sool was also employed during this time as a bodyguard to Seo's father who was a congressman. Seo and Choi agreed to shorten the name of the art from 'hapki yu kwon sool' to 'hapkido' in 1959.<ref>{{cite journal|last=Wollmershauser|first=Mike|year=1996|title=The Beginning of Hapkido; An Interview with Hapkido Master Seo Bok-Seob|journal=[[Taekwondo Times]]|volume=16|issue=8|editor=Eric Hentz}}</ref>

===Ji Han-jae===
{{Main|Ji Han-jae}}
[[File:Ji Han Jae et Choi Young Sool.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Grand Master Ji Han-jae (left) and Hapkido founder Choi Yong-sul (right)]]

Ji Han-jae (지한재) was undoubtedly the prime mover in the art of Korean hapkido. It is due to his physical skills, technical contributions, promotional efforts and political connections as head hapkido instructor to the presidential body guard under Korean President [[Park Chung Hee|Park Chung-hee]] that hapkido became popularized, first within Korea and then internationally.

If the martial art education of Choi Yong-sool is unconfirmed, the same must be said for martial art history of Ji Han-jae's training, apart from his time as a student of Choi. Ji was an early student (Dan #14) of Choi. He details that prior to opening his martial art school in [[Seoul]], the Sung Moo Kwan (성무관), he also supposedly studied from a man known as 'Taoist Lee' and an old woman he knew as 'Grandma'.<ref name=segye/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://taekwondo.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2010/01/12/2010011201527.html |title=태권도조선 – 태권도 전문 온라인 미디어 |publisher=Taekwondo.chosun.com |access-date=2015-10-28 |archive-date=2010-04-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100415051243/http://taekwondo.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2010/01/12/2010011201527.html |url-status=dead }}</ref>

As a teacher of hapkido, Ji incorporated traditional Korean kicking techniques (from Taoist Lee and the art Sam Rang Do Tek Gi) and [[Punch (strike)|punching]] techniques into the system and gave the resulting synthesis the name hapkido in 1957.

Although a founding member of the Korea Kido Association (대한기도회) in 1963 with Choi Yong-sool as titular chairman and Kim Jeong-yoon as Secretary General and Head Instructor for the association, Ji found himself not able to exert as much control over the organization as he might have wished. To this end and with the support of the Head of the Security Forces, Park Jong-kyu, Ji founded the very successful [[Korea Hapkido Association]] (대한 합기도 협회) in 1965.<ref name="Hapkido Bible"/>

Later, when this organization combined with the organizations founded by Myung Jae-nam (Korea Hapki Association/한국 합기회) and Kim Moo-Hong (Korean Hapkido Association/한국 합기도 협회) in 1973, they became the very extensive and influential organization known as the Republic of Korea Hapkido Association (대한민국 합기도 협회).

In 1984, after being released from prison for fraud, Ji moved first to [[Germany]] and then to the [[United States]], and founded [[Sin Moo Hapkido]] (신무 합기도), which incorporates philosophical tenets, a specific series of techniques (including kicks) and healing techniques into the art. Three of Ji Han-jae's notable students in Korea were [[Kwon Tae-man]] (권태만), Myung Jae-nam (명재남) and Chang Young-shil (장영실) who is the current president of the International Hapkido Federation. Ji can be seen in the films ''[[Hapkido (film)|Lady Kung-fu]]'' and ''[[Game of Death]]'' in which he takes part in a long fight scene against [[Bruce Lee]].

After the death of Choi Yong-sool in 1986, Ji came forward with the assertion that it was he who founded the Korean art of hapkido, asserting that Choi Yong-sool taught only [[yawara]] based skills and that it was he who added much of the kicking and weapon techniques we now associate with modern hapkido. The reality being that Grandmaster Choi Yong-sool taught him little of the original art and higher level techniques so he fabricated a new system on his own terms.<ref>Corcoran, John. ''Inside Taekwondo''. Vol.1, No.1. Feb. 1992. Article by James Dolmage ''Hapkido Grandmaster Ji Han-Jae Reveals the Truth; The Beauty and the Benefits of Hapkido'' CFW Enterprises. Burbank, USA. 1991.</ref> He also asserted that it was he who first used the term 'hapkido' to refer to the art. While both claims are contested by some of the other senior teachers of the art,<ref>According to published works by Seo Bok-Seob, [[Han Bong-Soo]], [[Myung Kwang-Sik]], Kim Jong-Seong, Jeong Kee-Tae, Spear, Robert K., etc.</ref> what is not contested is the undeniably huge contributions made by Ji to the art, its systematization and its promotion worldwide.

===Chang Chin-il===
{{Gallery
|title=Chang Chinil Hapkido 2nd Doju ceremony
|width=250
|height=320
|align=center
|File:Hapkido 2nd Doju Chang, Chin Il and JUNGKIKWAN GM Lim, Hyun Soo.jpg|Photos courtesy of cchapkido.com
|File:Hapkido 2nd Doju Chang, Chin Il and JUNGKIKWAN GM Lim, Hyun Soo 2.jpg| 
|File:Hapkido 2nd Doju Chang, Chin Il and JUNGKIKWAN GM Lim, Hyun Soo 3.jpg|
}}

A direct student of Choi, '''Chin-il Chang''' (장진일) inherited the title of Doju in Choi's personal and complete system of hapkido on January 15, 1985, becoming the second direct lineage Grandmaster.<ref name="Hidden Masters of the Martial Arts">{{cite book|last1=Giordano|first1=Vincent|title=Hidden Masters of the Martial Arts|date=2003|publisher=Unpublished manuscript|location=New York City}}</ref>

On April 5, 1985, Choi personally awarded Chang with the title of Doju (Keeper of the way).<ref name="Hidden Masters of the Martial Arts" /><ref name="Interview with Doju Chin-il Chang" /> Chang also had the privilege and honor of being the first hapkido master awarded the 9th Dan certificate by Choi in 1980.<ref name="Hidden Masters of the Martial Arts" />

A large inauguration ceremony followed on April 11, 1985. The historic event was covered and documented by Korea Sports News and MBC Korean Television. Choi Young-sool, Chang, and Choi's son, the late Choi Bok-yeol, were in attendance.<ref name="Interview with Doju Chin-il Chang">{{cite book|last1=Giordano|first1=Vincent|title=Interview with Doju Chin-il Chang|date=May 12, 2006|publisher=Personal interview|location=New York City}}</ref><ref name="Chang Interview 02/02/13">{{cite book|last1=Giordano|first1=Vincent|title=Interview with Doju Chin-il Chang|date=February 1, 2013|publisher=Personal interview|location=New York City}}</ref> Choi left the full documentation and recordings of the system to Chang, who continued to research and document the full history and development of hapkido.<ref name="Interview with Doju Chinil Chang">{{cite book|last1=Giordano|first1=Vincent|title=Interview with Doju Chinil Chang|date=May 12, 2006|publisher=Personal interview|location=New York City}}</ref>

Furthermore, the future Grandmaster, who was a personally trained, closed-door disciple of Choi, was given Letter of Appointment certificates, the second dated December 1, 1977, and the third dated March 5, 1980. This gave Chang more progressive power and authority in Choi's Hapkido Association.<ref name="Chang Interview 02/02/13" /> These specific certificates, along with his 9th Dan ranking in 1980, and Doju title in 1985, amply demonstrate that Choi was grooming Chang to be the future Grandmaster of Hapkido.<ref name="Hidden Masters of the Martial Arts" />

Chang's intimate video interview (one of several over decades) with his teacher Doju Choi during his visit to New York City has been abused through numerous interpretations and translations.<ref>{{cite web|title=Posthumously Released Interview with Choi Yong-sool |url=http://www.mynextbelt.com/historical-interview-with-choi-yong-sul/ |publisher=Mynextbelt.com |access-date=2015-10-28 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150218005211/http://www.mynextbelt.com/historical-interview-with-choi-yong-sul/ |archive-date=2015-02-18 }}</ref> Some have even claimed erroneously to have conducted the interview themselves, further clouding and distorting the truth and gravity inherent in the interview.<ref name="Birth of Hapkido">{{cite journal|last1=Jong bae|first1=Rim|last2=Sheya|first2=Joe|last3=Burke|first3=Mike|date=June 1999|title=Birth of Hapkido: Founder Choi Yong-sul Reveals the Truth About the Art's Origin|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Rs8DAAAAMBAJ|journal=[[Black Belt Magazine]]|publisher=[[Active Interest Media]]|pages=130–139}}</ref> These endless distortions were generally rebutted in various media each time they appeared.<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Giordano|first1=Vincent|date=August 1999|title=Hapkido History Heresy?|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=t84DAAAAMBAJ|journal=[[Black Belt Magazine]]|publisher=Active Interest Media|page=43}}</ref>

Doju Chang continues to teach in New York City after decades of maintaining a commercial school, as well as a stint teaching hapkido at the United Nations. He currently teaches a small group in NYC dedicated to the preservation of hapkido.<ref name="Chang Interview 02/02/13" /> Many detractors have spread endless conjecture about him. One lineage created further controversy by stating Choi passed the system to his only son, Choi Bok-yeol, which is incorrect, misleading, and insulting to the legacy and wishes of Choi.<ref name="The late Choi Bok-yoel as second successor of Hapkido">{{cite web|title=The late Choi Bok-yoel as second successor of Hapkido|url=http://www.hapkiyusul.com/eng/m2.htm|publisher=Hapkiyusul.com|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170628154815/http://www.hapkiyusul.com/eng/m2.htm|archive-date=June 28, 2017|access-date=2015-10-28}}</ref><ref name="Kim Yung-sang as third successor of Hapkido">{{cite web|title=Kim Yung-sang as third successor of Hapkido|url=http://www.hapkiyusul.com/eng/m3.htm|publisher=Hapkiyusul.com|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170628153903/http://www.hapkiyusul.com/eng/m3.htm|archive-date=June 28, 2017|access-date=2015-10-28}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|last1=Restall|first1=Barry|title=Young Sul Kwan: History of the Korean Hapkido Hapkiyusul Headquarters|journal=Tae Kwon Do Times|date=November 2006|pages=24–28}}</ref> [[Black Belt Magazine]], respecting Chin-il Chang as the second lineage successor, asked him to write a brief obituary on Choi that appeared in the April 1987 issue.<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Chang|first1=Chinil|date=April 1987|title=Hapkido Founder Choi Passes On|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5NoDAAAAMBAJ|journal=Black Belt Magazine|page=16}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|last1=Young|first1=Robert|date=January 1994|title=Jujutsu vs. Hapkido|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=EdIDAAAAMBAJ|journal=Black Belt Magazine|publisher=Active Interest Media|pages=26–31}}</ref>

Doju Chang died peacefully in his sleep on February 23, 2018, at the age of 77 as a result of hypertensive cardiovascular disease.

=== Kim Moo-hong ===
{{Main|Kim Moo-hong}}

Kim Moo-hong (김무홍; alternately rendered as Kim Moo-woong or Kim Mu-hyun)<ref name=segye/> was a student from the Choi and Seo's Daehan Hapki Yukwonsool Dojang, who later taught at Seo's main dojang in [[Daegu|Taegu]]. Seo, who promoted Kim to 4th degree, credits Kim with the development of many kicks which are still used in hapkido today. Kim apparentally took the concepts from very basic kicks he had learned from Choi and went to a temple to work on developing them to a much greater degree. Later, in 1961, Kim travelled to Seoul and while staying at Ji Han-jae's Sung Moo Kwan dojang they finalized the kicking curriculum.<ref name = "Hapkido Bible"/>

Kim went on to found his Shin Moo Kwan dojang (신무관) in the [[Jongmyo (Seoul)|Jongmyo]] section of Seoul, also in 1961. [[Won Kwang-hwa]] (원광화) and Kim Jung-soo(김정수) also served as instructors at this dojang. Kim's notable students were Lee Han-cheol (이한철), Kim Woo-tak (김우탁; who founded the Kuk Sool Kwan Hapkido dojang), Huh Il-woong (허일웅), Lee Joo-bang (이주방; who founded modern [[Hwa Rang Do]]), Na In-dong (나인동), Shin Dong-ki (신동기) and Seo In-hyuk (서인혁; who founded [[Kuk Sool Won]]).<ref name = "Hapkido Bible"/>

Originally a member of the Korea Kido Association, the organization sent Kim to teach hapkido in the United States in 1969. Upon returning to Korea in 1970, Kim looked to Ji Han-Jae's move to set up his own organization and with the encouragement of his students followed suit and founded the Korean Hapkido Association in 1971. Later he combined this organization with the groups led by Ji Han-Jae and Myung Jae-nam to form the Republic of Korea Hapkido Association.<ref name = "Hapkido Bible"/>

=== Lim Hyun-soo ===
{{Unreferenced section|date=January 2024}}

Lim Hyun-soo was born in Geochang County, South Gyeongsang Province, of Korea on September 7, 1944. In 1965 he visited hapkido founder Choi Yong-sool and experienced the martial art for the first time. In 1965, Lim began his training in hapkido under Kim Yeung-jae, the chief instructor at Choi's studio. From 1978, Lim attained all of his ranks and training directly from Choi. During his training, Lim endured strict and intense training. With Choi's blessing, he launched ''jungkigwan'' on October 24, 1974. In 1976, Choi retired and closed his studio and joined ''jungkigwan'', though he retired from public teaching. Choi privately taught Lim during his visits and also spent his days at the studio playing baduk (Go) with Lim. During these times, Lim asked Choi about Hapkido techniques.

Lim based ''jungkigwan'' in Daegu and was promoted to 9th dan by Choi. Lim is an accomplished swordsman and created Chung Suk Kuhapdo after studying sword styles in Japan and Korea. Choi told Lim that learning swordsmanship would be an essential component to his hapkido training. Lim attends his studio daily to teach students from home and abroad. Since 1996, he has visited the U.S. many times for seminars. In addition, he has hosted Hapkido and Chung Suk Kuhapdo seminars in European countries such as Sweden and the Netherlands.

{{Gallery
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|File:Hapkido doju Choi, Yong Sul & GM Lim, Hyun Soo at the JUNGKIKWAN 4.jpg| 
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|File:Hapkido doju Choi, Yong Sul & GM Lim, Hyun Soo at the JUNGKIKWAN 2.jpg|
}}
{{Gallery
|title=Doju Choi Yong-sool & GM Lim Hyun-soo at the JUNGKIKWAN 2
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|File:Hapkido doju Choi, Yong Sul & GM Lim, Hyun Soo at the JUNGKIKWAN 6.jpg| 
|File:Hapkido doju Choi, Yong Sul & GM Lim, Hyun Soo at the JUNGKIKWAN 3.jpg| 
|File:Hapkido doju Choi, Yong Sul & GM Lim, Hyun Soo at the JUNGKIKWAN 5.jpg|
}}

=== Han Bong-soo ===
{{Main|Han Bong-soo}}
{{BLP sources section|date=December 2014}}

Han Bong-soo (한봉수; alternately rendered as Bong-soo Han) began his training in hapkido after seeing a demonstration put on by the founder, Yong-sul Choi. From then on, he committed himself to hapkido training under Choi and other teachers, but never received any direct high ranking from Choi himself. Han was one of the world's foremost practitioners of hapkido, and is referred to as the Father of his own offshoot of modern hapkido in the Western World. He led a dedicated effort in the development of his own version of hapkido. He taught thousands of loyal students throughout his life with many becoming masters themselves. Other masters across all styles have sought out his wisdom and teachings.

In 1967, Han emigrated to the United States of America, first staying with and teaching at his friend S. O. Choi's hapkido school in California. Han later opened his own school in Los Angeles in 1968. His early years were difficult and he worked in a factory during the day while he taught at a struggling hapkido school in the evening located in an economically depressed area. Later, he relocated his school to the Pacific Palisades area in an effort to be closer to Hollywood and the movie industry.

On July 4, 1969, Han Bong-soo was giving a demonstration of hapkido at a park in [[Pacific Palisades, California]]. In the audience was [[Tom Laughlin]]. After a spectacular demonstration, Laughlin approached Han about being involved in a movie project called ''[[Billy Jack]]''. Han gained critical acclaim for staging and performing some of the most realistic martial arts fight sequences in a film. Before ''Billy Jack'', movies contained at most brief references to martial arts, with fights portrayed by actors who had little training. With ''Billy Jack'', Han introduced authentic hapkido techniques to Western audiences. In its sequel, ''[[The Trial of Billy Jack]]'', he received a co-starring part where he spoke about and demonstrated the art, mentioning the art by name for the first time.

Han studied and refined this Korean martial art for more than 60 years. He was not a direct high level student of Grandmaster Yong-sul Choi but created and crafted his own limited version from various other teachers that he expanded and taught throughout the world.

===Kim Jung-soo===
Kim Jung-soo (김정수) was born and raised in the [[Daegu|Taegu]] area, Korea, and started training Hapkido directly under Choi Yong-sool (최용술) in 1957. He was one of the earlier students of Hapkido, and one source puts him as the eight original student of Choi Yong-sool.<ref name="Hapkido Family Three">{{cite web |url=http://www.sinmoohapkido.be/Hapkido%20Family%20Tree.htm |title=Hapkido Family Tree |publisher=Koti.mbnet.fi |access-date=2015-10-28 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924102023/http://www.sinmoohapkido.be/Hapkido%20Family%20Tree.htm |archive-date=2015-09-24 }}</ref> Kim Jung-soo trained sporadically under Choi Yong-sool (최용술) along with his primary teachers and influencers Kim Moo-hong (김무홍) and Won Kwang-wha (원광화) from 1957 until 1986.

In 1961, Kim Moo-hong (김무홍) moved to Seoul to open a dojang, and Kim Jung-soo (김정수) and Won Kwang-wha (원광화) went with him and became his dojang's primary instructors. Together, they developed the Shin Moo Kwan (신무관) branch of Hapkido. In 1963 Kim Jung-soo (김정수) decided to go his own way and opened his own dojang in [[Daegu|Taegu]] under the banner of Yun Bee Kwan (윤비관). Later, his students began opening branch schools throughout the greater [[Daegu|Taegu]] aerea, under various names, but still considered to be part of the Yun Bee Kwan (윤비관) family. These schools are known to hold tightly to the original teachings of Choi, Yong-sool (김정수), while also including most of the refinements done by Kim Moo-hong (김무홍) in terms of kicking methods.

Kim Jung-soo (김정수) is mostly known for being the founder and president of the Korea-based World Hapkido General Federation, also known as World Hapkido Federation, collecting most of the schools under the Yun Bee Kwan (윤비관) linage in one federation.<ref name="World Hapkido General Federation.">{{cite web|url=http://www.hapkimudo.co.kr/index1.asp|title=사단법인 세계합기도총연맹|publisher=Hapkimudo.co.kr|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150404002331/http://www.hapkimudo.co.kr/index1.asp|archive-date=April 4, 2015|url-status=dead|access-date=2015-10-28}}</ref> This organization has since expanded worldwide. While having a similar name, this organization is not to be confused with the U.S. based World Hapkido Federation<ref name="Martialtalk.com, April 9th, 2015. World Hapkido Federation(s).">{{cite web|url=http://www.martialtalk.com/threads/world-hapkido-federation-s.118043/ |title=World Hapkido Federation(s) &#124; MartialTalk.Com – Friendly Martial Arts Forum Community |date=29 April 2015 |publisher=MartialTalk.Com |access-date=2015-10-28}}</ref> founded by Kwang Sik Myung (광시숭).

Kim Jung-soo is currently{{When|date=July 2024}} teaching from his dojang in [[Daegu|Taegu City]], South Korea.<ref name="World Hapkido General Federation."/>

=== Myung Jae-nam ===
In 1972, Myung Jae-nam (명재남) was one of the original members of the Korea Hapkido Association (대한 합기도 협회), which was formed in 1965 at the request of the South Korean President [[Park Chung Hee|Park Jeong-hee]]. The Korea Hapkido Association was formed with the assistance of Park Jong-kyu, who was the head of the Presidential Protective Forces and one of the most powerful men in Korea at the time.<ref name="Hapkido Bible">{{cite book
| last = Kimm
| first = He-young
| title = The Hapkido Bible
| publisher = Andrew Jackson Press
| year = 1991
| location = Baton Rouge, Louisiana
}}</ref>

Myung Jae-nam exchanged martial art techniques and information with an Aikido practitioner named Hirata in 1965, for a period of about four years and included many aikido-like techniques into his version of hapkido. He has produced Several books and videos on the subject of hapkido self-defense. Later Myung Jae-nam broke away from all the other organizations and started to focus on promoting a new style, [[hankido]]. Until his death in 1999 he was the leader of the International Hapkido Federation.

=== Lee Chong-min ===
Chong-min Lee was born and raised in Seoul, Korea. He began his study of hapkido as a teenager and continued studying hapkido throughout his life though not a direct student of the late Grandmaster Yong-sool Choi. He is a self-promoted 9th Degree Black Belt, the Master Instructor of Hapkido Center, President of The World Hapkido Association.

Lee served as an Instructor with the 1st Special Forces Group in the Korean Army, and has taught martial arts to the Police Departments in Seoul as well as Plainfield, New Jersey. He has also served as the director of Hapkido demonstrations for such dignitaries as Hubert H. Humphrey and the Chancellor of the Republic of China, Mr. Chang, during their visits to Seoul, Korea. Lee came to the United States in June 1980. He currently operates a Hapkido Center in Warren, New Jersey, and is also a member of the Law Enforcement Officers Association New Jersey State. He has been instructing students for over 42 years in hapkido.

=== Kim Myung-Yong ===
Kim Myung-yong was born in Korea in 1942. He started at the age of 17 training at Seung Moo Kwan School under Grandmaster Ji Han-jae. He was a hapkido instructor in the military camp of Wang Shim Ri. His style of Hapkido Jin Jung Kwan has locations all over the world and is one of the largest hapkido styles practiced.

===Kim Yun-sik===
{{Main|Kim Yun-sik}}

Kim Yun-sik (김윤식) was born in [[Seoul]] in 1943. He is the founder of Bum Moo Kwan Hapkido.<ref name="Kim Yun-sik">{{cite web|url=http://www.cbhkd.com.br/?page_id=36 |title=Yun-sik Kim – |publisher=Cbhkd.com.br |access-date=2015-10-28}}</ref> He began his [[martial arts]] training in 1954 under the direction of [[Choi Yong-sool]], and received the black belt from Choi in 1957. That same year, he received the black belt in [[Tang Soo Do]] from Grandmaster [[Hwang Kee]].<ref name="Kim Yun-sik"/>

Kim is the founder of the Bum Moo Kwan style, in which the practitioner is instructed to finish the encounter quickly, using any available material as weapon or any part of his body, aiming the opponent's pressure or vital points. Bum Moo is one of the three original and government regulated Hapkido Kwans.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=rjG-BAAAQBAJ&q=bum+moo+kwan&pg=PA99|title=WHFSC Grandmaster's Council: a compendium of the world's leading Grandmasters|last=Frank|first=Bram|date=May 2013|publisher=Lulu.com|isbn=9781300575672}}{{self-published source|date=February 2020}}</ref>{{self-published inline|date=February 2020}}

Residing, teaching and training in [[Brazil]] since 1977, Kim was the master of several Hapkido World Champions, such as Norberto Serrano Jr., Rafael Tercarolli and Leandro Heck Gemeo.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://bioconexao.com.br/site/o-mestre/|title=Leandro Heck Gemeo {{!}} Bioconexão|language=pt-BR|access-date=2019-09-12}}</ref>

=== Lim Chae-kwan===
Grandmaster Lim Chae-kwan is the founder of Jin Mu Kwan. The Jin Mu Kwan (''Jin'': "authentic, true"; ''Mu'': "martial"; ''Kwan'': "school or training hall") is a traditional art of hapkido. 

This school was founded by Grandmaster Lim Chae-kwan in 2007 after many years of research and study into the Hapkido of Founder Choi Young-sul. As a high school student, Lim, Chea-kwan began his Hapkido training under Grand Master Lim, Hyun-soo. Through the courtesy of his teacher at that time Grand Master Lim, Hyun-soo, president of the Jung Ki-kwan, he obtained a 4th dan certificate signed by Founder Choi Yong-sul. Since Choi's death in 1986 GM Lim studied with the top students of Founder Choi. Some of these Grandmasters were GM Jun Jeong-pil (kicking), GM Lee Jae-young (advanced wrist technology), GM Lee Young-hee (clothing grab defense), GM Chae Hung-jun (special offensive techniques for joint locking and throwing), GM Kim Yeong-jae (special self-protection techniques).

GM Lim Chae-kwan after studying Founder Choi's Hapkido style and feeling his very high level martial arts has studied diligently his whole life to become a skilled craftsman in Hapkido.

== Principles ==
On the "[[hard and soft (martial arts)|hard-soft]]" scale of [[martial arts]], hapkido stands somewhere in the middle, employing "soft" techniques similar to [[jujutsu]] and [[aikido]] as well as "hard" techniques reminiscent of [[taekwondo]] and [[Tang Soo Do|tang soo do]]. Even the "hard" techniques, though, emphasize circular rather than linear movements. Hapkido is an [[Eclecticism|eclectic]], [[Hybrid martial arts|hybrid martial art]], and different hapkido schools emphasize different techniques. However, some core techniques are found in each school (''[[Kwans|kwan]]''), and all techniques should follow the three principles of hapkido:

* Harmony or blending principle ({{Korean/auto|hangul=화|hanja=和|rr=yes|labels=no}})
* Circle principle ({{Korean/auto|hangul=원|hanja=圓|rr=yes|labels=no}})
* Flowing or water principle ({{korean/auto|유; 류|流|rr=yes|labels=no}})

'''''Hwa''''', or harmony, is simply the act of remaining relaxed and not directly opposing an opponent's force. For example, if an opponent were to push against a hapkido practitioner's chest, rather than resist and push back, the hapkido practitioner would blend with the opponent, avoiding any direct confrontation by moving in the same direction as the push and utilizing the opponent's forward momentum to execute a throw. Thus, this principle is largely based on energy conservation, allowing the hapkido practitioner to remain strong and fresh while his opponent becomes tired throughout the conflict. 

'''''Won''''', the circle principle, is a way to gain momentum for executing the techniques in a natural and free-flowing manner (much like being swept up in a vortex). If an opponent attacks in a linear motion, as in a [[punch (combat)|punch]] or [[knife]] thrust, the hapkido practitioner would redirect the opponent's force by leading the attack in a circular pattern, thereby adding the attacker's power to his own. Once he has redirected that power, the hapkido practitioner can then execute any of a variety of techniques to incapacitate his attacker. The hapkido practitioner must learn to view an attacker as an "[[Energy#Scientific use|energy]] entity" rather than as a physical entity. The bigger the person is, the more [[Potential energy#Work and potential energy|energy]] a person has, and the better it is for the hapkido practitioner. Additionally, these circular motions are not limited to mere circles but can also take on spiral or even helical formations, which further serve to confound your adversaries.

'''''Yu''''', the water principle, is analogous to the concept of a "moving target" wherein the saying, ''"In regards to a stream, you can't step on the same water twice,"'' the current forever moves the water downstream and that persistent flow can erode away just about anything, even a boulder, which is often perceived as a substance that's "stronger" than water. Hapkido is fluid and does not rely on brute force against force. Rather it is much like water as an adaptable entity, in that a hapkido master will attempt to deflect an opponent's strike in a way that is similar to free-flowing water being divided around a stone, only to return and envelop it.

== Techniques ==
Hapkido seeks to be a fully comprehensive fighting style and as such tries to avoid narrow specialization in any particular type of technique or range of fighting. It maintains a wide range of tactics for [[Strike (attack)|striking]], standing [[joint lock]]s, [[Throw (grappling)|throwing techniques]] (both pure and joint manipulating throws) and pinning techniques. Some styles also incorporate tactics for [[ground fighting]]. (Although, these tactics generally tend to be focused upon escaping and regaining footing or controlling, striking, and finishing a downed opponent, rather than lengthy [[wrestling]] or [[Submission wrestling|submission grappling]] engagements.)

The Korean term for technique is ''sool'' ({{Korean|hangul=술|hanja=術|rr=sul}}). As terminology varies between schools, some refer to defensive maneuvers as ''soolgi'' (술기; loosely translated as "technique-ing"), while ''hoshinsool'' ({{Korean|hangul=호신술|hanja=護身術|rr=hosinsul}}; meaning "self-defense") is preferred by others.

Proper hapkido tactics include using footwork and a series of kicks and hand strikes to bridge the distance with an opponent. Then to immediately control the balance of the opponent (typically by manipulating the head and neck), for a take down or to isolate a wrist or arm and apply a joint twisting throw, depending upon the situation; Hapkido is a comprehensive system and once the opponent's balance has been taken, there are myriad techniques to disable and subdue the opponent.

Hapkido makes [[Acupressure|use of pressure points]] known in Korean as ''hyeol'' ({{Korean|hangul=혈|hanja=穴}}) which are also used in traditional Asian medical practices such as [[acupuncture point]]. These [[pressure point]]s are either struck to produce unconsciousness or manipulated to create pain allowing one to more easily upset the balance of one's opponent prior to a throw or joint manipulation.

Hapkido emphasizes self-defense over sport fighting and as such employs the use of weapons, including environmental weapons of opportunity, in addition to empty hand techniques. Some schools also teach ''[[hyeong]]'' ({{Korean|hangul=형|hanja=型}}), the Korean equivalent of what is commonly known as "[[kata]]" (or "forms") in Japanese martial arts.

=== Kicking ===
[[File:Hkd-kby-kick.jpg|thumb|260px|A bidirectional kick]]<br />
<!-- Deleted image removed: [[File:Stevesexton flying sidekick.gif|thumb|260px|A [[Flying kick|flying side kick]]]] -->

The wide variety of [[kick]]s in hapkido make it distinctly Korean. Taekwondo kicks appear to be similar to many of the kicks found in hapkido, though again circular motion is emphasized. Also, in contrast to most modern taekwondo styles, hapkido utilises a wide variety of low (below the waist), hooking or sweeping kicks, with one of the most distinctive being the low spinning (sweeping) heel kick.

Hapkido's method of delivery tends toward greater weight commitment to the strikes and less concern for quick retraction of the kicking leg. Traditionally, Choi Yong-sool's ''yu kwon sool'' ({{Korean|hangul=유권술|hanja=柔拳術|rr=yugwonsul}}) kicking techniques were only to the lower body, but most derived varieties of hapkido, probably as a direct influence from other Korean arts, also include high kicks and jumping kicks. At the more advanced levels of Hapkido the practitioner learns "blade kicks" which utilize sweeping blade strikes of the inner and outer foot against pressure points of the body.

Two of the earliest innovators in this regard were [[Ji Han-jae]] and [[Kim Moo-hong]], both of whom were exposed to what were thought to be indigenous Korean kicking arts. They combined these forms together with the yu sool concepts for striking taught to them by Choi and during a period of 8 months training together in 1961 finalized the kicking curriculum which would be used by the Korea Hapkido Association for many years to come.<ref name="Hapkido Bible"/>

Other influences also were exerted on the kicking techniques of important hapkido teachers. [[Kwon Tae-man]] (권태만) initially studied under Ji Han-jae before immigrating to southern California in the United States. [[Han Bong-soo]] studied under ''[[Gwonbeop]]'' ({{Korean|hangul=권법|hanja=拳法}}) and [[Shūdōkan]] [[karate]] from [[Yoon Byung-in]] (윤병인), whose students were influential in the later forming of [[Kong Soo Do]] and [[Taekwondo]] styles, specifically the [[Chang Moo Kwan]] and [[Jidokwan]]. He, like Kim Moo-hong, also trained briefly in the Korean art of [[Taekkyon]] under Lee Bok-yong (이복용).<ref>Walker, Byron, Reflections of a Master: Philosophies of Hapkido Stylist [[Han Bong-soo]]. ''Martial Arts and Combat Sports Magazine''. September 2001.</ref>

Many other teachers like [[Myung Kwang-sik]] (명광식), Jeong Kee-tae (정기태), Lim Hyun-soo (임현수), and many others trained in tang soo do and kong soo do, [[Shotokan]] and Shūdōkan karate based systems which predated and influenced the forming of first [[Tae Soo Do|tae soo do]] and later modern taekwondo styles.

Kim Sang-cook states that while many of the original yu kwon sool students were exposed to many different contemporary Korean arts the [[Chung Do Kwan]] was of particular importance in the transition from the original jujutsu based form to what we know today as modern hapkido.<ref>Hentz, Eric (editor). Article by Dick Morgan ''Interview With Grandmaster Kim Sang-cook''. ''Taekwondo Times'', November 2005. Tri-Mount Publications, Iowa 2005.</ref>

Most forms of hapkido include a series of double kicks used to promote balance, coordination and muscular control.

An example of a double kick set:
* Front kick 
* Side kick
* Front kick 
* Back kick ("turning back-side kick")
* Front kick 
* Roundhouse kick
* Front heel/hook kick
* Roundhouse kick
* Inverted low side kick
* High side kick
* Inside crescent kick/outside crescent kick (or heel-down/axe-kick for both)
* Side kick (or inside heel-down kick and side kick)
* Outside heel-down kick
* Roundhouse kick
* Ankle scoop kick 
* Side kick
* Cover kick 
* Front kick
* Inside heel hooking-the-thigh kick
* Front kick
* High spinning heel kick
* Low spinning heel kick
* Inside footblade kick 
* Outside footblade kick
* Outside heel-down kick 
* Roundhouse kick

After these kicks are mastered using one foot. The student moves on to jumping versions, alternating the kicking legs.

Kim Chong-sung (김종성, Jang Mu Won Hapkido Founder) was one of the oldest living active hapkido instructors, who maintains that the source of these kicking methods is from the indigenous Korean kicking art of [[Taekkyon]]. Others feel that these kicks are more representative of kong soo do and tang soo do styles which emerged from an adaptation of Japanese karate forms.

=== Hand strikes ===
Like most martial arts, hapkido employs a great number of punches and hand strikes, as well as elbow strikes. A distinctive example of hapkido hand techniques is "live hand" strike that focuses energy to the ''baek hwa hyul'' in the hand, producing energy strikes and internal strikes. The hand strikes are often used to weaken the opponent before joint locking and throwing, and also as finishing techniques.

Hand striking in hapkido (unless in competition) is not restricted to punches and open hand striking; some significance is given to striking with fingernails at the throat and eyes; pulling at the opponent's genitals is also covered in conventional training.

In order to recall hand strikes more easily in an emotionally charged situation, beginning students are taught conventional, effective patterns of blocks and counter-attacks called ''makko chigi'' (막고 치기), which progress to more complex techniques as the student becomes familiar with them.

=== Joint manipulation techniques ===
[[File:hyperflexingwristlocksmall.JPG|thumb|170px|A hyperflexing [[wristlock]] used as a [[Pain compliance hold|pain compliance technique]]]]
[[File:Armlock juji-gatame armbar.jpg|thumb|170px|The straight [[armlock]] is an example of a very effective elbowlock.]]

Many of hapkido's joint control techniques are said to be derived largely from [[Daitō-ryū Aiki-jūjutsu]]. They are taught similarly to [[Aikido]] and [[Ju Jutsu]] techniques, but in general the circles are smaller and the techniques are applied in a more linear fashion. Hapkido's joint manipulation techniques attack both large joints (such as the elbow, shoulder, neck, back, knee, and hip) and small joints (such as wrists, fingers, ankles, toes, and jaw).

Most techniques involve applying force in the direction that a joint moves naturally and then forcing it to overextend or by forcing a joint to move in a direction that goes against its natural range of motion. These techniques can be used to cause pain and force a submission, to gain control of an opponent for 'come along' techniques (as is often employed in law enforcement), to assist in a hard or gentle throw or to cause the dislocation or breaking of the joint. Hapkido differs from some post-war styles of Aikido in its preservation of a great many techniques which are applied against the joint that were deemed by some{{Who|date=May 2014}} to be inconsistent with Aikido's more pacifistic philosophy.

; Wristlocks
Hapkido is well known for its use of a wide variety of [[wristlock]]s. These techniques are derived from Daitō-ryū Aiki-jūjutsu although their manner of performance is not always identical to that of the parent art. Still many of the techniques found in hapkido are quite similar to those of Daito-ryu and of Aikido, which was derived from that art. Examples of such techniques are: the supinating wristlock, pronating wristlock, internal rotational wristlock, and the utilization of pressure points on the wrist. These techniques are common to many forms of Japanese Jujutsu, Chinese [[Chin Na|chin na]], and even "catch as catch can" wrestling.

; Elbowlocks
Although well known for its wristlocking techniques, Hapkido has an equally wide array of tactics which center upon the manipulation of the elbow joint (see [[armlock]]). The first self-defense technique typically taught in many hapkido schools is the ''knife-hand elbow press''. This technique is thought to be derived from Daitō-ryū's ''ippondori'', a method of disarming and destroying the elbow joint of a sword-wielding opponent. Hapkido typically introduces this technique off a wrist-grabbing attack where the defender makes a circular movement with his hands to free himself from the opponent's grasp and applies a pronating wristlock while cutting down upon the elbow joint with their forearm, taking their opponent down to the ground, where an elbow lock is applied with one's hand or knee to immobilize the attacker in a pin. Both Daito-ryu and Aikido prefer to use hand pressure on the elbow throughout the technique rather than using the forearm as a "hand blade ({{Korean|hangul=수도|hanja=手刀}})", cutting into the elbow joint, in the Hapkido manner.

=== Throwing techniques ===
[[File:Hapkido1.jpg|thumb|250px|left|Hapkido students practice [[Throw (grappling)|throws]] and [[Joint lock|joint manipulation]] in a ''[[dojang]]''.]]

In addition to throws which are achieved by unbalancing one's opponent through the twisting of their joints, hapkido also contains techniques of pure throwing which do not require the assistance of jointlocks. Some of these techniques are found within Daito-ryu but a great many of them are held in common with [[judo]] (pronounced "yudo 유도" in Korean). Many of early practitioners of hapkido had extensive judo backgrounds including Choi Yong-sool's first student Seo Bok-seob.

Judo techniques were introduced in the early years of the 20th century in Korea during the [[Korea under Japanese rule|Japanese colonial period]]. Judo/Yudo tactics employ extensive use of throws, various [[chokehold|chokes]], [[Pinning hold|hold downs]], joint locks, and other [[grappling]] techniques used to control the opponent on the ground. It is believed that these techniques were absorbed into the hapkido curriculum from judo as there were a great many judo practitioners in Korea at that time and its tactics were commonly employed in the fighting of the period. Indeed, there also exists a portion of the hapkido curriculum which consists of techniques specifically designed to thwart judo style attacks.

[[File:Hapkido3.gif|thumb|250px|Hapkido practitioners perform [[grappling]] techniques.]]
[[File:050907-M-7747B-002-Judo.jpg|thumb|200px|Hapkido holds many [[Throw (grappling)|throwing]] techniques in common with [[judo]].]]
[[File:Nunchaku.png|thumb|200px|[[Nunchaku]] (Ssahng Jol Gohn; 쌍절곤), one of the hapkido weapons]]

The judo/yudo techniques were however adopted with adjustments made to make them blend more completely with the self-defence orientation which hapkido stresses. For example, many of the judo style throwing techniques employed in hapkido do not rely upon the use of traditional judo grips on the uniform, which can play a large role in the Japanese sport. Instead in many cases they rely upon gripping the limbs, head or neck in order to be successful.

Even today Korea remains one of the strongest countries in the world for the sport of judo and this cross influence on the art of Korean hapkido to be felt in Hapkido influenced styles such as [[GongKwon Yusul]] (공권유술).

=== Weapons ===
As a hapkido student advances through the various belt levels (essentially the same as other Korean arts, e.g. [[taekwondo]]), he or she learns how to employ and defend against various weapons. The first weapon encountered is most often a [[knife]] ({{Korean/auto|hangul=칼|rr=yes|labels=no}}). Another initial weapon used to teach both control and the basic precepts of utilizing a weapon with Hapkido techniques is the Tan Bong ([[Baton (law enforcement)|police baton]] sized stick), techniques and defenses against the 35&nbsp;cm short stick ({{Korean/auto|hangul=단봉|hanja=短棒|rr=yes|labels=no}}), a [[walking stick]] or [[Stick-fighting|cane]] ({{korean/auto|지팡이|rr=yes|labels=no}}), and a [[rope]] are introduced in hapkido training. Many hapkido organisations may also include other weapons training such as a [[sword]] ({{Korean/auto|검|rr=yes|labels=no}}), long [[Stick fighting|staff]] ({{Korean/auto|hangul=장봉|hanja=長棒|rr=yes|labels=no}}), [[Jō|choong bong length staff]], [[nunchaku]] ({{Korean/auto|hangul=쌍절곤|hanja=雙節棍|rr=yes|labels=no}}), war-fan or other types of bladed weapons such as twin short swords. Some schools even teach students to defend against firearms.{{Citation needed|date=November 2009}} Hapkido weapons techniques are often incorporated into many military and law enforcement training curricula.

== Training ==
Hapkido training takes place in a dojang. While training methods vary, a typical training session will contain technique practice (striking techniques as well as defensive throws and grappling), break falling ({{Korean/auto|hangul=낙법|hanja=落法|rr=yes|labels=no}}), sparring, meditation and exercises to develop internal energy ({{Korean/auto|hangul=기|hanja=氣|rr=yes|labels=no}}).

Hapkido is predominantly a "soft" art, but this does not mean that it is easier on the opponent, or that training is easier (see [[Hard and soft (martial arts)]]). Hapkido training is vigorous and demanding. The practitioner could benefit in training by being lean and muscular. However, strength is not a prerequisite of hapkido; what strength and fitness is necessary to perform the techniques develops naturally as a result of training.

The following is an example of the Korea Hapkido Association technical requirements from 1st degree to 5th degree Black Belt as recorded by Hae-young Kim in 1991, created in association with Ji Han-jae.<ref name = "Hapkido Bible"/> These techniques are now considered pre-dan level.{{Citation needed|date=February 2025}}

1st Degree Black Belt
* Single Kicks
* Wrist Seize Defense
* Clothing Seize Defense
* Punch Defense
* Kick Defense
* Combination Kicks
* Jumping Kicks
* Throw Defense
* Knife Defense
* Attacking Techniques / Taking the Initiative

2nd Degree Black Belt
* Advanced Wrist Grab Defense
* Advanced Clothing Grab Defense
* Advanced Punch Defense
* Advanced Kick Defense
* Choke Defense
* Advanced Attacking Techniques / Taking the Initiative
* Special Kicks
* Defense From A Sitting Or Lying Posture

3rd Degree Black Belt
* Joint locking Counters
* Short Stick Techniques
* Staff Techniques

4th Degree Black Belt
* Cane Techniques
* Sword Techniques
* Defense Against Multiple Attackers

5th Degree Black Belt
* Techniques Using Opponent's Force
* Rope Techniques
* Knife Throwing Techniques
* Revival Techniques

==Major organizations==
* [[Korea Hapkido Federation]] (KHF) - 1965<ref>http://www.khf.or.kr/</ref><ref>http://www.koreahapkidofederation.com </ref>
* [[International Taekwon-Do Federation]] (ITF) - 1966<ref>https://www.itftaekwondo.com/tag/hapkido/</ref><ref>https://www.itftaekwondo.com/</ref>
* World Hapkido Federation (WHF) - 1973<ref>https://www.worldhapkidofederation.com/</ref>
* World Hapkido Headquarters / [[Hapkidowon]] (WHH) - 1981<ref>http://www.hapkidowon.com/</ref>
* World Hapkido Confederation (WHC) - 2004 - Joint to TAFISA in 2010<ref>http://worldhapkido.info/home/index</ref><ref>https://hapkidoindia.in/history-of-whc/</ref><ref>http://worldhapkido.info/content/modulesshow/About-WHC/12</ref><ref>http://www.asiahapkido.com/home/index</ref>
* Global Hapkido Federation (GHF) - 2013<ref>https://ghahapkido.com/</ref><ref>https://ghahapkido.com/about-us/</ref><ref>https://alliance-corea.com/global-hapkido-federation/</ref>
* Global Hapkido Association (GHA) - 2013<ref>https://ghahapkido.com/news/gha-and-itf-mutual-agreement/</ref><ref>https://ghahapkido.com/about-us/</ref>

== See also ==
* [[Aiki (martial arts principle)]]
* [[Jujutsu|Ju Jutsu]]

==References==
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

== Further reading ==
* Kim, He-young. ''Hapkido''. Andrew Jackson Press, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, 1991.
* Kim, He-young. ''Hapkido II''. Andrew Jackson Press, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, 1994.
* Kim, He-young. ''History of Korea and Hapkido''. Andrew Jackson Press, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, 2008.
* Myung, Kwang-sik. ''Korean Hapkido: Ancient Art of Masters''. World Hapkido Federation, Los Angeles, California, 1976.
* Myung, Kwang-sik. ''Hapkido: Special Self-Protection Techniques''. World Hapkido Federation, Los Angeles, California, 1993.
* Myung, Kwang-sik. ''Hapkido Textbook'' (Vol. 1–5). World Hapkido Federation, Los Angeles, California, 2000.

== External links ==
* {{Commons category inline}}
* {{Wiktionary inline}}

{{Hapkido}}
{{Korean martial arts}}
{{Martial arts}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Hapkido| ]]
[[Category:Hybrid martial arts]]
[[Category:Korean martial arts]]