WHAT IS HAPKIDO

Hapkido is a disipline of coordination, a way of strenthening the mind and body, of fusing the individual physical and mental powers so that they may emerge as more fully intergrated human being. The word in fact means: Method or Way (DO) for the Coordination (HAP) of Mental Energy or Spirit (KI). One should alaways try to avoid violence, but if someone grabs you, attempts to strike you in any way, it has escalated beyond words, and you are left with the only option which is to defend. The Korean Art of Self-Defense, Hapkido is considered a "soft " style of martial art, as opposed to "hard" styles that practice the use of force against force, making the outcome a simple matter of size and strength. The Hapkido practitioner diverts an attacker's flow of energy peacefully. This diverson allows them to use the attackers power against hei/herself leading to the attacker's defeat. Through the use of pressure on certain skeletal joints and presure points, very little strength is needed.

Hapkido not only redirects the attack, but turns it back against the atter and follows through with offensive techniques which may control the violence or render teh attacker incapable of futher antagonistic actions. The Hapkido practitioner is in complete control of teh confrontation, defusing the aggression without the need for uncontroled damage as seen in many "hard" styles.

Hapkido provides complete physical conditioning which improves balance, posture, flexibility, timing, quickness, muscle tone, joint strength and most importantly, confidence through physical and mental discipline.

The immediate aim of Hapkido is of course, the welfare of the one practicing it. Not only will skills in self-defense be gained, but more imortantly will be the focous on an individual's character development . A well-rounded personality can be realized only if the spirit is right. Courtesy, Respect, Modesty, Loyalty, Generousity and Dedication are not only the source, but also the rewards of Hapkido.