What
is Hapkido?
A lot has been
written about Hapkido –not only- on the Various
Homepages, In the interest of simplicity, we would like to
recommend the Appropriate Pages for further detailed research. (Links to DHB,
NWHV, ÖHKDB!)
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„Hap“
Is the Combination between Body and Soul and means „Universal“.
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„Ki“
is the inner Strength and symbolises the flow of Energy in People, and
Equally their Life Force.
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„Do“
is the “Way”; This not only means the “Way” in regard to the Techniques,
“Do” also stands for the “Way” of Life. The Way is simultaneously the
Objective, it lasts a Lifetime.
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Hapkido is more than just a Combination
of Realistic and Extremely Effective
(fighting) Techniques, it is also a Complete System, consisting of an
inner, a moral, a meditative and outer,
technical components, which both independently support one another and yet
are Simultaneously intertwined with one another.
In undertaking Hapkido, a Student tries
Permanently to further develop their overall Personality and also their
technical Knowledge. Those who undertake Hapkido
with Intensity and decides to follow the WAY, will realise, that not only
their (fighting) techniques improve, but also their Personal, i.e.
familiar, social and professional, Skills Improve.
Hapkido,
as we understand it, deals with a well balanced and yet effective Fighting
– and Self Defence system, embedded in Philosophy.
The Principles:
The 3 Basic Principles of the Self- defence art Hapkido,
are the Circle-, the Flow-, and the principle of Effect.
The Circle:
Circular movements are more Effective than Angular. The Hapkidoist
tries to remove their opponents inner Circle, the Centre, and in using
circular movements turns their opponents energy against them.
The Flow:
These Techniques are Flowing, i.e. they are taken from our inner Energy
source (Ki), which then Manifests itself in the
outer fluid motions of the circular movements. Imagine Flowing Water ……..., it cannot be held back Indefinitely.
The Effect :
The Principle of Effect, is the third Principle: in that the opponent
is „Moved“ , The Hapkidoist “Influences”
his / her opponent , until they (the opponent) can no longer “Escape” the
Defensive Action, thus turning the Attack. Most Important is the Control of
your opponent at all times during and after the Attack, in such that they
are not given a chance to change their Strategy or do anything other than
what the Hapkidoist wants them to.
Obvious Foundation stones of Hapkido, are due to
the Japanese background, as part of the System and are the roots of the Ancient
Japanese “Samurai Codex“ “Bushido“
(Bu = The Art of Fighting ; Shi = The Warrior; Do = The Way).
The Way Identifies itself through the 7 – Japanese - Ideals:
1.) Gi ; The Right Decision, the proper Behaviour
and the Truth.
2.) Yu; Bravery and Heroism
3.) Jin; The Good of Mankind and Universal Love
4.) Rei; The Right / Proper Conduct; an Essential
Point
5.) Makoto; Sincerity
6.) Meiyo; Honour
and Fame
7.) Chugi; Devotion und Loyalty
These Ideals also Characterise the Essence of Hapkido.
About the Techniques:
Hapkido is, as already Described, a realistic, Uncompromising
Self Defence system.
In our Hapkido Art, Attacks are defended against
using the “Soft“ approach through Punches, Kicks,
Locks and Throws, and through the use of Pressure Points ( Hard Blocks are
seldom used), although frequently used is a combination of the named
Techniques and the use of Various weapons.
“Defence” does not just mean against direct Attacks, but also, Preventive Defence
against Anticipated Immediate attacks are also part of our System.
In diesem Zusammenhang verweisen wir auf das Prüfungsprogramm des SAHB
e.V.
