Hapkido

In order to describe what hapkido is, what I first need to do is talk about where hapkido came from. I will not go into the ancient history of hapkido but will focus on the more recent history. I will start with the modern day founder of hapkido Choi Young Sul. Choi spent 30 years in Japan and studied with one of Japan's greatest martial arts masters, Takeda Sokaku. This is why hapkido has similarities with modern day Aiki-Jujitsu, Aikido, Jujitsu and Judo but these similarities...
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In order to describe what hapkido is, what I first need to do is talk about where hapkido came from. I will not go into the ancient history of hapkido but will focus on the more recent history. I will start with the modern day founder of hapkido Choi Young Sul. Choi spent 30 years in Japan and studied with one of Japan's greatest martial arts masters, Takeda Sokaku. This is why hapkido has similarities with modern day Aiki-Jujitsu, Aikido, Jujitsu and Judo but these similarities are very minimal. Hapkido is a very distinct and unique martial art with many techniques and principles. Takeda Sokaku, Choi Doju-Nim's teacher for 30 years.Hapkido is considered a soft style due to its non-resistance and circle principles by many, but in its softness it is very powerful. Some say that hapkido is the art of coordinated power but this definition does not really go deep enough in my opinion. Hapki literally means to harmonize or unite the energy/spirit, breath and physical body into one cohesive unit. Hapki also describes a type of internal energy and focus that very few masters know or at minimum don't teach! In Choi Doju-nim's hapkido there are three main principles that apply to all techniques. These three principles are Wha-harmony, Won-circle & Yu-flowing dynamic. It is these principles that give hapkido part of its uniqueness. Much study and meditation on these principles is essential to master the authentic martial art of hapkido. Hapkido principles: Wha-Harmony, Won-Circle, Yu-Flowing dynamic.Hapkido has gone through many different name changes since its founding. Originally it was called Yawara/Yu sool (soft technique). In 1951 it was called Dae Dong Ryu Hapki Yu Kwon Sool (Daito Ryu Aiki soft fist technique). Then in 1958 the term hapkido was first used.