Hapkido

Hapkido (also spelled //hap ki do// or //hapki-do//) is a dynamic and somewhat eclectic Korean martial art. In the Korean language, //hap// means "harmony", "coordinated", or "joining"; //ki// describes internal energy, spirit, strength, or power; and //do// means "way" or "art". Thus, //hapkido//, which shares the same Chinese characters with aikido, translates literally to "joining-energy-way", but it is most often rendered as "the way of coordinating energy" or "the way of coordinated power." A historical link to Daito-ryu aikijujutsu is generally acknowledged, though the exact nature of which is clouded by the historical animosity between the Korean and Japanese peoples and the confusion following the end of the Second World War. Hapkido prides itself on effective self-defense and as such employs joint locks, pressure points, throws, kicks, and other strikes. Hapkido is an authentic Asian martial art of total self-defense; it deals with countering the techniques of other martial arts as well as common "unskilled" attacks. Although hapkido contains both long range fighting and infighting techniques, the end of most situations is to get near for a close strike, lock, or throw. Hapkido emphasizes circular motion, non-resisting movements, and control of the opponent. Practitioners seek to gain advantage through footwork and body positioning to employ leverage, avoiding the use of strength against strength.

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 * Hapkido Kiddos sparring and stuff: cool stuff!