Hapkido is a Korean martial art combining strikes, joint controls, restraints, throws and falls. Depending on the school, training may also include breathing exercises and weapons practice. Classes can focus on technique, self-defence or competition.
Hapkido is a Korean martial art with content that varies among schools and federations.
Training may combine hand and foot strikes, joint controls, restraints, throws, sweeps and breakfall techniques. Movement, breathing, and responses to grabs or attacks also play an important role.
Some schools include practice with training weapons such as a short stick or cane. Their place and the format of practice vary, so it is useful to distinguish technical training, partner self-defence drills and competition.
In France, the FFTDA offers both technical and combat competitions. Rules, intensity and class content still depend on the club and instructor.
Hapkido developed in Korea during the 20th century. The French Taekwondo and Associated Disciplines Federation describes Choi Yong-sul as a figure often regarded as its founder. Ji Han-jae later contributed to the art’s development, including the incorporation of kicking techniques.
Historical accounts and lineages can differ between schools. In France, Hapkido has been taught since the 1980s and joined the FFTDA as an associated discipline in 1997.
The FFTDA highlights fluidity, harmony and adapting movement with a partner. These principles appear in footwork, responding to a grab and linking techniques with control.
Respect, loyalty, humility and perseverance are among the values promoted by the federation. Training also depends on protecting one’s partner and controlling intensity, especially during joint controls, throws and self-defence drills.
Hapkido may appeal to people looking for a varied martial practice involving strikes, controls and throws.
Classes may focus on technical learning, self-defence, recreational practice or competition. Contact, intensity and the role of training weapons vary by club, so it is worth asking what a trial class includes.
