Hap Ki Do
All people have "KEE (vigor)" or energy rooted in the breath. So deep breathing exercise are a vital part of HAPKIDO. They make us stronger in body and spirit, helping to protect us not only from attackers but from poisonous thinking. In this way, HAPKIDO serves universal harmony.
HAPKIDO is your "KEE (vigor)" all other peoples "KEE (vigor)"s. HAPKIDO is not just for the strong. Women, children, disabled, and the elder can also train because HAPKIDO is a natural martial arts. Handicapped people can train the martial art with upper body. Also In Asia, many 70’s years old people practice Hapkido.
Hap Ki Do is a discipline of coordination, a way of strengthening the mind and body, of fusing the individuals physical and mental powers so that he or she will emerge as a more fully integrated human being. The word in fact means; Method or Way (DO) for the coordination Harmony (HAP) of mental Energy or spirit (KI). One should always try to avoid violence, but if someone grabs you, attempts to strike you, or physically assaults you in any way, it has escalated beyond words, and you are left with the only option which is to defend.
The Korean Art of Self Defense, Hap Ki Do is considered a "soft" style of Martial Art, as opposed to "hard" styles that practice the use of force against force, making the outcome a simple matter of size and strength. The Hap Ki Do practitioner diverts or suppresses an attacker's flow of energy peacefully, this diversion allows him to use the attackers power against him leading to the attackers defeat. Through the use of pressure on certain skeletal joints and pressure points, very little strength is needed to overcome an opponent.
Hap Ki Do not only redirects the attack, but also turns it back against the attacker and follows through with offensive techniques, which may control his violence or render him incapable of further antagonistic actions. The Hap Ki Do practitioner is in complete control of the confrontation defusing the aggression without the need for uncontrolled damage as seen in many "hard" styles.
Hap Ki Do provides complete physical conditioning, which improves balance, posture, flexibility, timing, quickness, muscle tone, joint strength and most importantly, confidence through physical and mental discipline.
The immediate aim of Hap Ki Do is of course the welfare of the one practicing it. Not only will skills in self-defense be attained, but more importantly will be the focus on an individuals character development. A well-rounded personality can be realized only if the spirit is right. Courtesy, Respect, Modesty, Loyalty, Generosity, and Dedication are not only the source, but also the rewards of Hap Ki Do.