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Hapkido

Hap - Coordination
Ki - Denotes The Essence Of Power
Do - The Art, Or The Way

 

Essential Martial Arts Traditional HapKiDo & Self-Defense (Ho-Shin-Sul) Program

Yong Sul Choi

Yong Sul Choi – Originator of Traditional HapKiDo

Hapkido, A Brief Description:
HapKiDo is an eclectic martial art which teaches joint manipulation techniques, kicking, striking, throws, rolls, fundamental ground fighting/escapes, basic weaponry, pressure points, meditation and breathing. All while trying to unify the: Mind, Body and Spirit. The goal of HapKiDo is to help the practitioner become a better person through its techniques and philosophies. 

Traditional HapKiDo can be both defensive and aggressive; it is a great martial art for police and law enforcement officials. However, anyone wanting to learn a very eclectic yet traditional martial art will thoroughly enjoy this rare Korean art that not only teaches external physical techniques but also internal chi building exercises.

www.worldhapkido.com

Essential Martial Arts is a member of the World HapKiDo Association (WHA) which has affiliate schools throughout the United States and the World.

Mr. Hendrix currently trains directly with the WHA President Grand Master Tae Jung.
Read more about GM Tae Jung.

Mr. Hendrix holds the rank of 3rd Degree Black Belt with the WHA and was a graduate of the WHA’s first ever International Certified Instructor course in Denver, Colorado.

Mr. Hendrix is the World Hapkido Association’s North Carolina State Representative.

Mr. Hendrix and Essential Martial Arts are also the host to the WHA’s 2009 summer camp which will see HapKiDo players from around the world in attendance.

Hapkido Relies On Three Basic Principles:

1. Yu – The Theory Of Flowing Water
   In Hapkido practice, one does not stop an attacker’s force directly with force, but redirects it.  Water will never struggle with an object that it encounters. Softness is another characteristic of water that relates to the understanding of HapKiDo. Softness has the caacity to win against hardness. A tempered steel bar will eventually break under enough stress. Water on the other hand, though it may be made to break up, will invariably join together again.

2. Won-Theory Of The Circle
   As opposed to linear movements, the use of circular, fluid, flowing movements. The theory of the circle is emphasized in Hapkido. Everyone has their own circle. Inside this circle is their private territory.  If someone were to enter this private domain with out approval or proper warning, each person has a right to defend against this invasion. When an opponent punches, if the punch doesn’t trespass into one’s circle, there is no need to block. If one chooses to bock , it is considered a waste of time and energy. When an opponent’s punch does penetrate the circle, it should be received indirectly; leading this force in a circle minimizes its effect. Utilizing a circle not only disrupts the opponent’s force, but also sets the position for a counterattack.

3. Wha – Theory Of Harmony
   In Hapkido training, there must exist a simultaneous combination of mind, body, environment and techniques. Harmony is the most important element one should achieve in his training.  After one achieves harmony with himself, the next requirement is to harmonize with one’s opponent. Following this, learning to harmonize with the environment is the next stage. The final task is blending the harmony that one has developed with himself, the opponent, and the environment with that of his techniques.

Mr. Hendrix was originally introduced to Hapkido by Soke James Clements (HapKiDo 4th Dan promoted in the mid 1970’s) through Soke Clements eclectic system of Kamibushishin-Do which contained elements of Hapkido. Mr. Hendrix eventually earned a 5th Dan in KamiBushiShinDo. 

Master Hendrix & Grand Master Bong Soo Han

Mr. Hendrix went on to train directly with Grand Master Bong Soo Han – The father of HapKiDo in America. GM Han was a direct student of Hapkido founder – Yong Sul Choi. Mr. Hendrix earned his HapKido: 1st Degree Black Belt, 2nd Degree Black Belt and Certified Instructor Certificates from Grand Master Han in Santa Monica, California. 

See Master Hendrix' 1st Degree Black Belt Test

Mr. Hendrix was given permission to test for his 3rd Degree black belt by GM Han’s International HapKiDo Federation. Unfortunately, GM Han passed away before Mr. Hendrix tested for 3rd Degree.  Shortly after GM Han’s passing, Mr. Hendrix was honored by being tested for Hapkido 3rd Degree black belt in Greensboro, NC by GM Han’s three original senior students: Master Eric Friske, Master Danny Cruz and Master Mark Gannon, along with the IHF’s Chief of Operations: Mr. Jon Davis and Mr. Brian Buck as well as special guest Grand Master Lee.   

Grand Master Bong Soo Han Demonstrates

Master Hendrix & Master Friske

Master Hendrix, Master Cruz, Master Friske, Mr. Theros, Mr. Buck
Accepting Black Belt Magazine's Award For Best Traditional School on behalf of
Grand Master Bong Soo Han.

 

Master Hendrix & The Bong Soo Han Demo Team

See More Hapkido At Essential Martial Arts