Self-defence
Hosinsul – Self-defence
Hapkido is renowned for highly effective self-defence techniques employing striking, pressure point manipulation, joint locks, throws and, to some extent, groundwork. This is all connected via the Hapkido principles of non-resistance, circular motion and water principle. A focus on redirecting the attacker’s energy back on to himself is key which is achieved through methods such as conservation of momentum and balance manipulation. Hapkido addresses attacks and threats such as punches, kicks, grabs, chokes and weapon attacks.
Unique features of Hapkido, compared with Taekwondo, include some kicks which are specific to self-defence application as well as grappling techniques. Likewise while it can be seen that there is a Judo influence in Hapkido, the throws within Hapkido minimise the use of grips of the uniform instead relying on the hooking of the hip, arm or neck to execute throws.
An elite self-defence combination is Taekwondo with its traditionally hard and linear techniques together with Hapkido’s core soft and circular movements. Hence, the combination of Taekwondo and Hapkido is so highly respected in South Korea that it is mandatory this combination be taught to the Presidential Bodyguards and Special Forces of the South Korean Army.
Hapkido is taught within Maeng Ho Taekwondo Academy by qualified instructors registered with the Korea Hapkido Federation and International Hosinsul Federation, both headquartered in the Republic of Korea.
Sparring
Kyorugi – Sparring
Hapkido sparring builds upon the sparring exercised in Taekwondo by adding various takedowns, throws and groundwork to the usual “kickboxing”. One of the keys to successful Hapkido sparring is in the transitioning from striking range to clinching range to then takedown. It is in essence a form of MMA (Mixed Martial Art).
HAPKIDO TRAINING
