The true history of Hapkido can never really be established.  This history has been re-written by people so many times over the years for political and commercial gain that the truth has been lost to us.  While it is natural to try and understand the roots of one’s martial arts training, what is important is commitment to and perseverance in training, to develop good self-defence technique and good personal values.

Despite different claims in books and on the Internet one should understand that the art of Hapkido was not created or invented by a single individual.  It is impossible for one person to invent an art so vast and complex.

Written records of Korean martial arts technique go back as far as 1599, in a book called the Mu Ye Che Bo. This image is from a later book, the Mu Ye Do Bo Tong Ji from 1790.

Suffice to say that Hapkido techniques have evolved as part of the history of the Korean nation over many centuries. The evolution of the techniques can be traced back as far as 3 A.D. when Korea was divided into three kingdoms called Koguryu, Paekche and Silla. Martial technique was developed and practiced during this time, primarily for the protection of the royal family and other nobility.  These techniques have gradually been adapted and perfected in response to the culture of the time.

Choi Yong Sool founded the Hapkido name and first school, in Taegu in 1958 but did not invent the techniques.

The name “Hapkido” was first used by Choi Yong Sool in 1958 (pictured above), as a title for the collection of techniques that he had organised into a system. He combined elements from the extensive range of old Korean self-defence techniques and the philosophies of the Korean people to form the system we know today as Hapkido.

Kuksanim Myong Jae-Nim (10th Dan) founded the International Hapkido Federation expanding Hapkido beyond Korea. He is also one of a few Master Instructors of our Grand Master Bermas Kim (9th Dan).

Since then Hapkido has become very popular.  In some cases it has divided into off-shoots with different names, some of these are Tukong Moosul, Hwarangdo, Hanmudo, Kuksulwon and Hwarang Moosul just to name a few.

Here are a series of YouTube videos, rare as they are, showing Kuksanum Myoung demonstrationg his technique (Hapkido & Hankido).
(in order below 1 minute, 9+ minutes and 39+ minutes)

So What is Hapkido?

Hapkido is a unique Korean Martial Art. It is not a sport like some forms of Taekwondo, Judo and Karate have become. Traditional Hapkido focuses on self-defence through physical, mental and spiritual improvement, as well as self-defence techniques.

The techniques were developed and jealously guarded by the privileged few charged with the protection of the King and the Royal Family, and its secret techniques were not widely taught.

Since then the art has been renamed Hapkido and enjoys huge popularity throughout Korea and many countries in the western world.

The literal translation of Hapkido is “The art (or way) of co-ordinated power.” Alternatively it is translates as “the art (or way) of harmonising/joining with universal energy.” Ki (Univeral energy) is the power of nature.

The aims of the Hapkido practitioner are threefold:

1. To obtain healthy mind and body through spiritual and physical development from positive thought and physical training.

2. To develop good manners in all our dealings and general daily life.

3. To develop the ability and willingness to contribute to the happiness and well being of:

a. One’s family,

b. One’s friends and neighbours,

c. One’s Country.

While learning Hapkido the student acquires numerous skills such as hand, foot and weapons techniques, together with personal improvements such as positive thinking and self-control.  Hapkido is not limited to punching and kicking like many martial arts.   It is a complete means of self-defence with minimum violence and optimal control of the opponent. The techniques include joint locks, pressure points, takedowns and restraints, as well as the punching and kicking.

From the point of view of the ordinary person Hapkido may appear to be only self-defence.  However, the art consists of procedures for both attack and defence.  Hapkido is a suitable means of fitness and self-defence for men and women of all ages, from the young child to a retiree.  If the student of Hapkido chooses to use the attack skills he/she will quickly overwhelm their opponent.