JIN JUNG KWAN HAPKIDO: DEFINITION

Hapkido is a Korean Martial Art derived from three Korean words:

"Hap" meaning harmony, coordinating or coming together
"Ki" meaning life energy or force
"Do" meaning the path or way

The name Hapkido is meant to represent the concept of "harmonizing your mind, body and spirit with the universe. Literally translated, Hapkido means the way (do) of power (ki) and coordination (hap).

Hapkido embodies many of the same philosophies of other martial arts in that it places a strong emphasis on the mind, body and spirit. Precision and Excellence through training, Social Responsibility, and the appropriate use of force.

However, Hapkido is unique that it utilizes hundreds of core techniques which can be adapted and intuitively combined to create thousands of different variations. The founders of the art selectively choose skills and techniques from existing martial arts and successfully merged them together with nee innovations while encompassing all the major components in all martial arts. Therefore, Hapkido techniques include strikes, kicks, blocks, holds, joint locks, chokes, throws, break falls, tumbling, ground fighting, weapons training and meditation and healing.

Hapkido is also characterized by both its hard and soft techniques, providing a balance of force to ensure readiness in any situation. Hard techniques include punching, kicking, striking and blocking, whereas the soft techniques combine fluid and constant circular motion designed to blend with an opponent's force.

Strategy tends to alternate between highly aggressive and defense forms with the power generated through the use of the entire body. In addition to the physical techniques and the achievement of excellence in skill and body, there is a strong focus on the spiritual aspect where meditation and healing techniques are used to develop emotional stability, peace of mind and confidence.

The highly adaptable nature of the techniques found in Hapkido make it suitable in a variety of situations and make for a wide range of body physiques, personalities and lifestyles. Today, Hapkido is practiced by both young and old, men and women, students and professionals from all walks of life. Each person finds his / her benefit for learning the ancient art and applies the fundamental concepts to everyday life.