Student Manual

for
Students in Hapkido Training
 Student Rules

Bow as you enter or leave the front door of the training hall. The purpose of bowing is to
show your respect for your place of learning. If you arrive during a class in progress, bow
in and line up at the end of the last row. The instructor will assume that you have a valid
reason for being late. Do not leave class without your instructor's permission and always
bow out.

Never correct an instructor. If you have been told more than one way to perform a
technique, consider yourself lucky. All students must be courteous and obey ranking
belts. Always turn away from higher-ranking belts when straightening your dobok.
Ranking belts are expected to be role models for lower belts.

The following are prohibited in the dojang: smoking, intoxication, chewing gum, loud
laughter, obscene language, horseplay, arguing, or lounging. Students are to project a
positive image at all times.

Always wear a clean black dobok in class, and NO jewelry except for a flat wedding
band. Never wash your belt. Holes or tears in doboks must be repaired ASAP. Never
wear your dobok to and from class except for outdoor classes. Never wear shoes in the
training area except when given permission. Women are required to wear a sports bra
and/or T-shirt beneath the dobok top. Doboks are not to be pinned for safety reasons.

Fingernails and toenails must be clean and trimmed. Practice good hygiene at all times.
Long hair must be kept away from the face with a simple (and safe) band or clasp that
holds the hair securely. Students who have open cuts or abrasions must wear protective
dressings over the area.

Do not demonstrate or teach techniques outside of the school without permission from
your instructor. Practice of all techniques is done under the supervision of the ranking
black belts and with the proper safety equipment.

Never say anything negative about other martial arts or schools; all martial arts lead you
to the same destination.

Should any student experience excessive force from another student (regardless of
rank) during the practice of techniques, (1) inform the person that the technique is
excessive, (2) should the excessive force continue, excuse yourself, and speak to the
head instructor. Do not engage in a show of force. It is difficult to train with injuries.
Training partners are just that – partners, not opponents. Report all injuries, no matter
how slight, to the instructors.

THESE RULES ARE FOR THE BENEFIT OF ALL STUDENTS. VIOLATIONS CAN
LEAD TO BELT DEMOTION, SUSPENSION, OR PERMANENT DISMISSAL FROM
THE SCHOOL.

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 The School

USKMAF

The United States Korean Martial Arts Federation's roots go back to the late
1970's when several American instructors in the Southeastern United states
joined forces in order to increase the amount of knowledge available to their
students. By conducting clinics, seminars, and testings at central locations,
these instructors set a new higher standard for the average student to
attain. During the late 1980's, under the leadership of GM J. R. West, interest
in the organization has gone well beyond its original regional boundaries and
became the USKMAF that exists today. Regular attendance at organizational
twice-yearly seminars is expected. It is a USKMAF goal to instruct first and
certify second. Please visit the USKMAF website at www.hapkido.com.

About the Instructor

Mr. John Krause has been practicing martial arts for 8 years including both
Hapkido and T’ai Chi. He holds a First Dan in Hapkido under the United States
Korean Martial Arts Federation, headed by Grand Master J.R. West. Mr.
Krause’s instructors and mentors are Randall (3rd Dan) and Karen Sexton.

Mr. Krause holds a Master of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering from

the University of Texas. He has 23 years of design and architectural experience
in computer and communications engineering. Mr. Krause holds over 20
patents, and is currently employed by Hewlett Packard.

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 Hapkido

The Art

HapKiDo is a Korean martial art which emphasizes strikes, kicks, throws,

pressure point attacks and joint locks for self-defense. The art of HapKiDo uses
the soft and the hard, circular and linear motion. It is both internal and external.
The term HapKiDo can be translated to mean "the way of coordinated energy or
strength". The name defines the essence of HapKiDo. Through HapKiDo practice
the student learns to coordinate and harmonize his or her own mind and body,
eventually developing the ability to utilize his attacker’s own energy against
themselves in order to develop effective and powerful self-defense techniques.
An even deeper meaning of "coordinated energy" is to cultivate and develop
ones internal energy or Ki through the practice of HapKiDo.

History (Yuk Sa)

The origins of HapKiDo can be traced to Japan in the early 1900's. The
recognized founder of HapKiDo, Master Choi, Yong-Sul was a student of Daito
Ryu Aiki-Jujutsu under Grand Master Sokau Takeda. Master Choi lived in Japan
working as a man servant to and student of Master Takeda for approximately
thirty years (1912 -1943). During some of this time Master Morihei Ueshiba was
also a student under Master Takeda. Master Ueshiba was the founder of Aikido.
Most of the similar techniques and concepts in HapKiDo and Aikido have their
origins in Daito Ryu Aiki-Jujutsu.

Upon returning to Korea around 1945 Master Choi began teaching a style of
martial art called Yu Sul or Yu Kwon Sul. Over the period from 1945 through the
1950s many indigenous Korean techniques were introduced into the practice of
HapKiDo. Two of Master Choi's early students Master Han-Jae Ji and Master
Moo-Hong Kim are credited with bringing in many of the kicking techniques now
taught in HapKiDo. In the early 1960s the name HapKiDo came to be used to
refer to the art developed by Master Choi and his students.

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 Philosophy

Water Theory (Yu)

The concept of Yu, or Water Theory, can be thought of by applying the action of moving
water to ones movement and intentions. Flowing water is smooth and tranquil until
something impedes its flow. Water doesn't resist, conflict, nor struggle. It flows around
the obstacle, hugging and engulfing the object. As the water flows around the object it is
no longer flowing in a smooth linear flow but begins to circle, creating a powerful eddy
that can break and move things. Once the object is overcome the water returns to
smooth tranquil flow; soft but powerful.

A second metaphor with water concerns the maximum use of strength at one time. In
this view, we compare the practitioner’s Ki to water in a fire hose. The hose itself is light
and flexible, and can be moved by one man. However, when connected to a hydrant,
the same hose becomes very heavy and powerful, taking several men to control due to
the concentration of water at one point: the end of the hose. The Hapkido practitioner
strives to concentrate all of his power in one direction to one spot.

Circle Theory (Won)

Won, or Circle Theory, has many levels of meaning as it applies to HapKiDo. On a

practical level a HapKiDo stylist uses circular motion to generate power and redirecting
energy in his techniques. On a deeper level one can use a circle to coordinate and
harmonize with the energy of an attacker. Still further one can think of the cyclical
patterns in life and nature, trying to harmonize with the ever changing universe around
us.

Harmony Theory (Hwa)

In Hapkido training, there must exist a simultaneous combination of mind, body, spirit,
environment, and technique. Harmony is the most important element the student should
strive to achieve. After one achieves harmony with himself, the level is to harmonize
with his opponent and his motion. Accomplishing this, the student will find it easy to
predict the actions of others. The next stage is learning to harmonize with the
environment. The final task is blending the harmony that one has developed with
himself, his opponent, and the environment with that of his techniques.

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 Rank Requirements

WHITE BELT (Innocence and purity)

No previous knowledge or experience necessary.

YELLOW BELT (Unrefined gold)

Approximately 2 months training time (Minimum 12 classes). Basic history knowledge.

Kicks: Side kick Blocks: Down block

Sweep to shin Rising block
Front thrust kick
Snap kick to groin Strikes: Lunge punch
Roundhouse kick Reverse punch
Outside/Inside heel to knee Palm Strikes
Inside/Outside heel to knee
Techniques: Basic breakaways
Stances: Forward leaning stance Cho Keub Son Mok Sul 1-5
Natural (fighting) stance
Horse stance Falls: Front
Back stance Back
Ready stance Side
Front-side

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ORANGE BELT (Refined gold)

Minimum training time 3 months (Minimum 20 classes). All previous requirements with
increased proficiency. Basic history knowledge, Hapkido philosophies.

Kicks: Inside/Outside crescent kick Blocks: Redirecting parry/trap/block

Outside/Inside crescent kick Knifehand block
Step-in side kick Inside to outside block
Slide-in roundhouse kick Outside to inside block
Jump-in side kick
Movement
Knifehand block
Drills:
Strikes: Knifehand strikes Downblock
Ridgehand strikes Palmstrike/sweep
Elbow strikes
Knuckle strikes Rolls: Left hand roll
Finger sweep Right hand roll
Backward roll
Techniques: Cho Keub Son Mok Sul 1-10

GREEN BELT (Grass and trees)

Minimum training time 4-5 months (Minimum 30 classes). All previous requirements
with increased proficiency. Working knowledge of Korean dojang terminology.
Knowledge of first training concepts. Philosophical principles of Yu, Won, and
Hwa. History reading on Choi, Yong-Sul.

Kicks: Turning kicks Techniques: Cho Keub Son Mok Sul 1-10
Back kicks from cross hand
Alternate side kick from clothing grabs
Elevated jump front kick Simple Combinations
Free style self-defense
Strikes: Point strikes
Combination strikes Rolls: Forward rolls
Backward rising roll

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BLUE BELT (Sky)

Minimum training time 6 months (Minimum 40 classes). All previous requirements with
increased proficiency. Working knowledge of Korean dojang terminology. Deeper
knowledge of training concepts and Hapkido philosophy. Principles of Motion. History
reading on Hwa-Rang. Any further required reading.

Kicks: Ground kicks Techniques: Combination techniques

Free style self-defense
Strikes: Point strikes Hip throws
Combination strikes
Defenses: Kick defenses
Knife: Defense against lunge attack (5) Punch defenses
Onrushing attack defenses
Rolls: Distance rolling Attack from behind

RED BELT (Sun)

Minimum training time 6 months (Minimum 40 classes). All previous requirements with
increased proficiency. Deeper knowledge of training concepts. Well versed in the
principles, philosophy, and history or Hapkido. Any further required reading.
Attendance at USKMAF seminars is recommended.

Kicks: Drop kicks Techniques: Combination techniques

Free style self-defense
Strikes: Point strikes Basic ground techniques
Combination Strikes Sitting techniques
Hair grabs
Knife: Lunge defense
Slash defense Defenses: Kick defenses
Overhead defense Punch defenses
Two opponents
Falls: Aerial Onrushing attack defenses
Attacks from behind

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FIRST DEGREE BLACK BELT (All colors)

Minimum training time: 1 year (Minimum 80 classes). All previous requirements with
increased proficiency. Advanced knowledge of Korean dojang terminology. Required
reading. Attendance at USKMAF seminars is required; black belt certification may only
be issued by GM West.

Strikes: Point strikes Techniques: Combination techniques

Combination strikes Free style self-defense
Ki strikes Cho Keub Son Mok Sool
from kick/punch
Knife/stick: Lunge defense Ground techniques
Slash defense Sitting/lying techniques
Overhead defense Choke defense techniques
Pressure point techniques
Forms: Sword (Cho Keub Sool) Basic Healing

Breaks: 1 board, kicking (2) Defenses: Multiple (3+) opponents

1 board, striking (2)

SECOND DEGREE BLACK BELT

Minimum training time: 1 1/2 years (Minimum 120 classes). All previous requirements
with increased proficiency. Required reading. Seminar attendance.

Techniques: Cane Forms: Sword

Advanced Healing

THIRD DEGREE BLACK BELT

Minimum training time: 2 years 3 months (Minimum 200 classes). All previous
requirements with increased proficiency. Required reading. Seminar attendance.

Techniques: Belt
Advanced Healing

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 Basic History

1. What type of martial art is taught in this school?

HapKiDo
2. What does HapKiDo mean?
The way of internal strength and harmony.
3. What does HapKiDo consist of?
HapKiDo stresses internal power (Ki) and utilizes circular motion, joint locks, pressure
points, and throws, as well as kicking and striking techniques. There are few HapKiDo
schools in the United States because the art is difficult to learn and it requires a
tremendous amount of practice. Consequently, Korean masters have a great respect for
American students training in traditional HapKiDo. Many Korean Masters have told
Grand Master West that he should abandon HapKiDo and that he should only teach
TaeKwonDo because they believe that Americans don’t want to work hard enough to
learn HapKiDo. This belief is incorrect as is evidenced by the number of hardworking
students in our association.
4. How old is HapKiDo?
The roots of HapKiDo have been traced back to 2333 B.C. by paintings on temple and
tomb walls picturing techniques.
5. Who is the founder of HapKiDo?
Choi, Yong-Sul (1904-1986)
6. Why do our students wear black uniforms?
In memory of Grand Master West’s first instructors: Kim, Jung-Soo and Baek, Nam-Guk,
who were killed in 1971 in Vietnam.
7. Why do our black belts wear white tops trimmed in black?
To commemorate the Hwa-Rang (pronounced Fa Rahng), a Korean warrior class that
through the martial art training unified the Korean peninsula over 1300 years ago. The
Hwa-Rang were masters of horsemanship, penmanship, and philosophy. The mark of a
Hwa-Rang warrior was a white tunic trimmed in black.
8. Who is the head instructor at West’s HapKiDo Academy?
Grand Master J. R. West
9. Where did Grand Master West receive his first training in HapKiDo?
During the Vietnam war, Grand Master West was assigned to, and trained with the
Korean Tiger Division at Qui Nhon, Vietnam.

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 10. When did Grand Master West receive his black belt?
He was promoted to 1st Dan on May 4th, 1967 while in Vietnam.
11. Who were Grand Master West’s First instructors?
Kim, Jung-Soo and Baek, Nam-Guk
12. Who became Grand Master West’s instructor after Vietnam?
After returning from Vietnam in 1970, Dr. He-Young Kimm became Grand Master
West’s instructor.
13. What rank is Grand Master West in HapKiDo?
8th Dan. He also holds a 4th degree black belt in TaeKwonDo.
14. Who is the head instructor at Lifelong Martial Arts?
Mr. John Krause
15. When did Mr. Krause receive his 1st degree black belt?
June 29th, 2002
16. Who were Mr. Krause’s instructors?
Randall and Karen Sexton, who both had GM West as their instructor
17. How many degrees of black belt are there?
Nine degrees. An honorary degree, 10th, is reserved for founders of new styles.
18. Why do some black belts have a white stripe?
The white stripe signifies an instructor level of 4th Dan or above. Similarly, a white stripe
on the side of the pants signifies a Master level of 5th Dan or above.
19. How long does it take to earn a black belt in our system?
There is no set time; individual times vary. However, 3 ½ years is a reasonable
expectation.
20. What organization did Grand Master West start in order to further the spread of
traditional HapKiDo throughout the United States?
In July 1996, Dr. Kimm encouraged Grand Master West to form his own organization.
Grand Master West founded “the United States Korean Martial Arts Federation”
(USKMAF), and the headquarters for this organization is located in West’s HapKiDo
Academy in Jackson, MS, with Grand Master West serving as President. The USKMAF
certifies all promotions within our school. Our organization has over 60 schools
nationwide who look to the USKMAF for instruction and guidance. Grand Master West
travels extensively teaching traditional HapKiDo.

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 Korean Terminology

All spellings are based on phonetic pronunciations.

Dojang Terminology Numbers

Kwan Ja Nim Master Hahn na 1

Sa Bum Nim Instructor Tool 2
Dobak Uniform Set 3
Cha Ryut Attention Net 4
Kyung Ye Bow Ta sut 5
Jhoon Bee Ready Yuh sut 6
Shee Jak Begin El kob 7
Baro Return to ready Yuh dol 8
See Uh Rest Ah hop 9
Hai San Dismiss Yul 10
Jung Zwa Kneel
An Ju Sit
Je Jah Student
Dojang Training Hall
Ban Class
Soo Ryun Training
Tae Guk Korean Flag
Pal Gway Eight Ways.
Gaham Saham Nee Da Thank You
Chon Mah Neo You’re Welcome

Training Terminology

Cho Keub Beginning level Kee Hap Yell

Joong Keub Intermediate level Kyuk Pha Breaking
Sang Keub Advanced level Him Power
Nak Sool Falling Techniques Dai Ryun Free Sparring
Chee Kee Strike Hyung Form
Cha Kee Kick Ab Front
Keecho Jahkee Ki Exercises Twee Back
Dan Jun Ho Hop Ki Breathing Yub Side
Muk Yum Meditate Oreun Right
Shee Sun Focus Oen Left

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 Techniques Anatomic Terminology

Kee Bon Sool Basic Mom Body

Son Mok Sool Same Side Wrist Mu Ree Head
An Son Mok Sool or Cross Hand Wrist Ul Kul Face
Yuk Son Mok Sool
Oht Sool or Clothing Grab Noon Eye
Eui Bok Sool
Kwan Jul Kee Joint Twisting Kwee Ear
Too Kee Defenses using Throws Kho Nose
Yank Son Mok Sool Two Handed wrist Ib Mouth
Sang Soo Two hands on 1 wrist Mok Neck
Jee Ab Sool Pressure Point Throwing Myung Chee Solar Plexus
Pyung Sool Palm Striking Bai Stomach
Zwa Kee Seated Self Defense Chuk Chu Spine
Wa Kee Reclining Self Defense Phal Arm
Yoo Sool Throwing Phal Kub Elbow
Jun Kwan Bub Speed Throwing Son Mok Wrist
Bhang Kwon Sool Pressure Point Striking Son Hand
Bhang Kwon Jok Sool Pressure Point Kicking Keum Nang Groin
Bhang Jok Sool Kick Defense Daree Leg
Sun Sool Attacking Moo Reub Knee
Yun Haing Sool Carrying Bal Mok Ankle
Dwee Chee Kee Sool Counter Bal Foot
Bak Chee Kee Sool Head Butting

Weapons Terminology

Dan Bong Sool Short Stick Techniques

Boo Chai Sool Fan Techniques
Pho Bak Sool Rope/Belt Techniques
Jee Pang E Sool Cane Techniques
Dan Do Mak Kee Knife Defense Techniques
Kum Sool Sword Techniques
Bong Sool Staff Techniques

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 Principles of Motion

HapKiDo utilizes some basic principles of motion to develop the proper form and
function of a technique. A well executed HapKiDo technique uses an unbalancing motion,
a decreasing radius of circle motion, and the lowering of the center of gravity of the
technique while it is in motion. These principles of motion combined with redirecting and
blending with the attacker’s motion are the underlying physical and biomechanical
foundation of HapKiDo techniques.

Most throws, locks and counterattacks in HapKiDo begin with a movement intended to
unbalance the opponent by moving him off his center of gravity. Early in the practice of
HapKiDo techniques students learn the unbalancing motion through breakaways from
wrist grabs. In the beginning stage the student is learning the proper motion and
"feeling" for moving someone off their center of gravity. In more advanced stages of
practice and application the HapKiDo practitioner uses the attacking motion of his
opponent for unbalancing and initiating a technique.

A motion following a circle with a decreasing radius is used in HapKiDo techniques to

increase speed and power through increasing the angular momentum of the
technique. The figure tracing the path of the decreasing radius circle is mathematically
described as an equiangular spiral. An example of this motion in HapKiDo can be seen
in the inward spiral of a wrist throw or rotation and pivot used in the foot movement of
most throwing techniques. On a deeper level one can use a circle to coordinate and
harmonize with the energy of an attacker. Still further one can think of the cyclical
patterns in life and nature, trying to harmonize with the ever changing universe around
us.

The basic movements of unbalancing, decreasing radius of circle, and lowering center of
gravity are applied either sequentially or simultaneously depending upon the technique
and situation. The lowering of one’s center of gravity is often used in the beginning and
finishing of HapKiDo techniques. To initiate a proper throw one must have a position of
leverage against their opponent. The training concept of "getting your belt knot below
your partner's" is teaching students to lower their center of gravity to achieve a position
of leverage. During the execution of a throw the center of gravity of the technique is
lowered to increase power and momentum in the technique. The person executing the
throw should lower their center of gravity and reach the ground a fraction of a second
before the person being thrown.

The concepts of redirecting and blending are physical extensions of the theories of
Water, Circle, and Harmony. One should not meet an attack head on but should move in
angles and circles which allow them to uses the attackers own force against themselves.
Through the use of proper motion and technique a HapKiDo practitioner should not have
to use strength to defeat a larger stronger opponent.

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