Hapkido techniques (the art of energy coordination or the way to balance the mind and body) are focused on self-defense. Their bases are also found in military training around the world. Hapkido techniques include punches, elbows, kicks, knees, falls, projections, twists, dodging, escaping, stretching techniques and breathing. In addition, it also includes training with various types of weapons such as: short baton (30 cm), medium baton (60 cm), long baton, knife, firegun, cane, swords, among others.

The Hapkido practitioner in the course of his/her training learns self-defense with any kind of object. It is an art that adapts to any type of adversary. The black belt of Hapkido adds to his/her knowledge the pressure points of acupuncture and massage. These points are used in immobilization techniques causing a lot of pain in the opponent, but which are also used in treatments and therapies.

“Essentially consisting of circular movements, Hapkido is characterized mainly by the great amount of torsions (joint stimuli) and immobilizations, using pressure points corresponding to the meridians of the internal organs used in the Eastern practice of acupuncture, Do-In and Shaitsu. Like the great majority of Korean martial arts, its great technical arsenal of kicks also stands out, further contributing to the characterization of a complete martial art. Certainly, Hapkido is one of the main arts in the application of traumatic blows, mainly for its great specialization in the application of techniques in vital points.

Another aspect of great importance in Hapkido is the use of Ki vital energy, which is extremely emphasized in training, through special exercises for its development. The use of Ki causes the Hapkido practitioner to gradually balance the use of his/her energy, avoiding physical wear and tear. Thus, he can fight fiercely against his/her opponents, without the use of all physical force. (Source: CALDAS JR, P. (et. al.). Hapkido: o caminho da energia coordenada. São Paulo: On Line, 2011, our traduction)

Types of techniques

Kompop Techniques (circular movement): Defense exercises in which our body makes circular movements instead of opposing the aggressor. The movement must be light and agile.

Techniques of breathing (tandjon ho hup): respiratory activities in order to increase the flow of energy (ki) of the body. Helps in oxygenation of the brain and lungs. Strengthens muscles and viscera.

Techniques of kicks (Tchagui): defense and attack with the use of the lower limbs.

Napop (falls and bearings): exercises so that the student learns to fall without getting hurt.

Terigui (Techniques of beating): techniques of medium and short distances, like punches, elbows, knees, knife hand, among others. These techniques are critical in torsion and immobilization applications. After a blow in vital parts the opponent loses its strength and its concentration becoming an easy target.

Dondigui (throws): techniques of projections with the intention to take the opponent to the ground.

Tampadak: techniques of attacks and defenses in the soil. They are also techniques for when sitting, kneeling and even lying down

Ho Shin Sull (self defense): The foundation and essence of Hapkido. Exercises for development of reflexes and survival using all the training techniques listed above