Learning Hapkido Hapkido is a form of Korean martial art whose main objective is self-defense.

It uses joint locks, kicks, punches, nerve attack and other such techniques. The term Hapkido means coordinated energ method where !hap" stands for coordinated, !ki" stands for energ and !do" stands for method. It is form of martial arts that uses soft techniques and uses the opponent"s energ against them in a duel. #ong range and close range fighting are important aspects of the fighting techniques. $umping kicks and strikes with the hand are used for long range strikes and defense, while, joint locks, pressure points and throws are used for close range strikes. Techniques of Hapkido Hapkido consists of over %&& techniques that are variations of three basic groups that are hand versus empt hand, empt hand versus weapon and weapon versus weapon. 'mpt hand techniques include kicking, punching, throwing and locking. while the weapon techniques include the use of knife, rope, cane and staff. The use of fighting techniques while being in disadvantageous positions like prone to attack or seated is given special emphasis to. Principles of Hapkido There are three main principles that govern the practice of Hapkido. Hwa ( using the opponent"s strength against him)her *on ( using the circular pattern +u ( moving like water The combination of all these principles is where the power of this st le of martial art lies. Hapkido for self-defense #ike all other martial art forms, the main objective of Hapkido is self-defense. It teaches the practitioner to attack the weakest part of the opponent and using the opponent"s own strength to overthrow him)her. ,ircular motions are used to deflect attack and weaken the opponent"s energ while water movements allow the practitioner to channeli-e destructive energ instead of meeting it head on. Skills required for the practice of Hapkido There are certain aspects that are imbibed and developed in the process of learning Hapkido. The help the practitioner in becoming masters of this form of martial art. .ange ( It refers to the distance that has to be maintained between the target and the weapon or the attacking bod part. It gives the strike optimum force. /ocus ( /ocus is important for the practitioner of Hapkido to reali-e the multiple possibilities that are available at an given point in the combat and to attack where it

will affect the opponent the most. Timing ( This aspect of combat is crucial for the practitioner to not have missed strikes and make contact with the opponent. /low ( This helps in using the energ released b the opponent as an attack instead of investing more energ for the strike. 0alance ( The practitioner of Hapkido needs to have a balance between the ph sical, mental and emotional faculties. It helps in utili-ing all the other aspects correctl and with consciousness. Hapkido is being increasingl adopted b people as a means to find equilibrium within their lives. Its practice has great impact on the attitude of a person and helps in developing strength of bod , mind and character. Benefits of Hapkido Hapkido has the following benefits to offer its practitioners1 Weight loss: Hapkido is a ver ph sicall demanding martial art form that dramaticall raises our metabolism, making ou burn much more calories than ou would otherwise, even while at rest, aiding in weight loss and improving muscle tone. Detoxification: 2racticing Hapkido channeli-es the bod "s energ and helps release accumulated harmful to3ins in the bod through sweat. It is a high intensit work out that raises the temperature of the bod and activates the sweat glands. Re itali!ation: The higher metabolism, combined with the toned ph sique and vastl improved state of ph sical fitness are also stimulating to the mind, so ou"re alwa s energetic, clear headed and fit as a fiddle. "#pro ed $lexi%ilit&: Training in Hapkido improves fle3ibilit of the trainee"s bod in general, providing benefits in other aspects of one"s life as well. "#pro ed Hand-'&e (oordination: 4ue to the d namic and largel adaptive nature of Hapkido, practitioners of Hapkido will see a dramatic improvement in their de3terit and hand-e e coordination. "#pro ed ph&sical )ell-%eing: 4ue to the adaptive and d namic nature of the discipline of Hapkido, practitioners have tremendousl high metabolic rates and develop significant increases in strength, endurance and speed over time. Stress release: #ike an form of intense ph sical activit , Hapkido training can be a great wa to cope with stress and boosting the release of chemicals

called endorphins in our bod , which give us a feeling of general well-being and relieve stress.