Hankuk Haedong Kumdô
See Swordsmanship, Korean/Hankuk Haedong Kumdô
Hapkidô
Hapkidô(Way of Coordinated Power) is a Korean method of combat uti-
lizing hand strikes, kicks, joint locks, throws, restraints, and chokes. In its
most specific use the term Hapkidôidentifies that art transmitted to Ji
Han-Jae by Choi Yong-Shul. In a broader sense, the term Hapkidôhas also
come to identify Korean martial arts that incorporate both strikes and
grappling according to the three guiding principles of Hapkidô, and derive
from, or are heavily influenced by, the Japanese martial art Daitô-ryû Aiki-
jujitsu.Into this category fall a wide range of organizations (kwan), in-
cluding but not limited to Mu Sul Kwan, Yon Mu Kwan, Hapki Yu Sool,
and Jung Ki Kwan.There are also various Hapkidô federations and asso-
ciations, the most notable of which are the World Kidô Federation, the In-
ternational Hapkidô Federation, and the Korean Hapkidô Association.
In its widest usage Hapkidô also may identify organizations and arts
whose intent is a greater representation of the Korean martial tradition.
These organizations’ heritages may derive in some part from either the
teachings of Choi Yong-Shul or his students. However, the biomechanics of
these arts may be just as likely to reflect instead the strong Chinese and
Buddhist heritage of Korean culture. This category may include the arts of
Kuk Sool Won, Han Mu Do, Hwarang-dô, Han Pul, Mu Yei 24 Ban,as
well as the martial training practices of the Sun Monasteries.
Modern Hapkidô is the product of more than 2,000 years of martial
tradition. This heritage can be subdivided into five major cultural infusions
and a myriad of lesser cultural influences.
The first of these major infusions are the ancient tribal techniques
(Sado Mu Sool), which are thought to have incorporated those forms of
combat best accomplished from horseback. These systems would have in-
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