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WHAT IS HAPKIDO?

Hapkido is a Korean martial art that incorporates kicks, strikes, joint locks, throws, grappling, and pressure point techniques to form a comprehensive system of self defense. Because Hapkido is a very broad art, it allows students the flexibility to develop a style suited to their individual interests, needs and physical capabilities. The focus of Hapkido is on self-defense rather than competitions or tournament fighting.

THE CLUB

Our club was founded in the fall of 1999 by enthusiastic Harvard students. Although organized as a Harvard undergraduate club sport, all Harvard affiliates with access to the training facility are welcome to our practices. The club sport regulations require that you have your own health insurance coverage.

Practices at our club are structured to take place in a friendly and non-competitive atmosphere. A typical class consists of warm up, repetitive drills to practice technique, and cooperative practice of techniques with a partner.

PRINCIPLES AND PHILOSOPHY OF HAPKIDO

Though eclectic, the techniques of Hapkido are grounded in three fundamental principles:

1. Circular Motion. Almost all Hapkido techniques utilize circular motion as opposed to straight or linear motion. Force is not met with force but rather is redirected away from the Hapkidoist defender. The Hapkidoist also develops consciousness of the circular nature of the space surrounding her, the constantly changing range at which different techniques may be dangerous and/or effective.

2. The Water Principle. Water signifies adaptability. Water does not struggle against anything it encounters. When water encounters an object or barrier, water flows around, over or under it. If it cannot penetrate, water will build up until an opportune time arises to overcomes the barrier. Similar adaptability is a fundamental tenet of Hapkido techniques: when faced with resistance, the technique should not force its way through the obstacles but should adapt to them and await an opportunity to overcome them.

3. The Principle of Non-Resistance. The Hapkidoist works with her opponent to use the opponent's strength against them. The Hapkidoist pulls when pushed and pushes when pulled, using the opponent's energy to her advantage. A strong attack is countered with a "weak" or yielding defense and vice versa. Such non-resistance, or effectively using the attacker's energy, allows the Hapkidoist to overcome much larger attackers and to conserve her energy while doing so.

DISCLAIMER: The contents of this website are the property of the Hapkido Club at Harvard University (the "Club"). Please do not duplicate any of the contents of this website without the explicit permission of the Club. The information in this website is listed for the benefit of members of the Club and other who may be interested in practicing with the Club. Please respect the privacy of the individuals pictured and listed on this website and use email addresses and links listed here for informational purposes and not for spamming.

The material on this website is not intended to constitute martial arts instruction. Many of the techniques pictured and described may be dangerous, and improper practice may result in serious physical injury or death. Do not attempt these techniques without supervision from a qualified martial arts instructor.