HAPKIDO
"The Way of Coordination and Internal Power"
HAP - to combine, to unite, to coordinate, to join
KI - internal power, dynamic energy, life force
DO - the way, the system, the method
(Korean Art of Self Defense)
Hapkido is often referred to as a "soft" Martial Art. This is based on the philosophy of being physically connected to an adversary and their movement. More important is the notion that an adversary's energy and a Hapkidoist's energy are in fact "one" energy. In order to be open to the universal nature of Ki is to allow the feeling that you are connected to your opponent, not against them. When Hapkido techniques are based on this notion, everything else that occurs becomes effortless.
The Korean term Ki, can be translated to English as internal power, dynamic energy, or life force. For the student of Hapkido, Ki is the central concept around which the entire Martial Art is built. While performing Hapkido self defense techniques, the student begins to develop awareness of and an openness to the universal nature of Ki. As the Hapkido practicioner progresses to more advanced levels, the emphasis shifts away from the mechanical orientation of the beginner, and toward an awareness of Ki flowing throughout the body. The advanced student of Hapkido allows their awareness of Ki to guide their movement, in fact they don't appear to be doing much when performing their techniques. Their awareness is of Ki, their own and their attacker's. In an important sense there are no longer two individuals, but one.
Principles of Hapkido
The Water Principle (Yu)
The Circular Motion Principle (Won)
The Nonresistance (or Harmony) Principle (Hwa)
The Water Principle teaches the student to penetrate the defenses of the attacker by flowing in, over, around, and under.
The Circular Motion Principle teaches the student how to gain and impart momentum by moving in a circular manner. By redirecting the attack in a circular direction the student controls the balance and the kinetic energy of the attacker.
The Nonresistance (or Harmony) Principle teaches the student to remain relaxed, flexible (not tense) and to not meet force with force.
These three principles are explained and demonstrated at length during training. The student must truly understand them as they are the foundations on which not only the structure and essence of Hapkido rest but also all its other concepts and technical attributes.