IHF HAPKIDO

    Hapkido is the name of the Korean traditional self-defense art. Literally translated, "Hap" means harmony, "Ki" refers to energy or power, "Do" is the oriental designation of way of, method or in this particular case, art. Since the Korean war Hapkido has spread to about 40 countries, and is regarded as one of the best self-defense arts in the world. Unlike most martial arts, Hapkido can be utilized as an attack and/or defense. Hapkido techniques can be applied by male or female, young or old. Hapkido is a health-promoting art which prevents early aging and accelerates blood circulation by the way of proper pressure to all joints of the body.

8 DIRECTIONS OF THE IHF HAPKIDO

1. The Hapkido practitioner must realize that nature is energy and should practice with the belief that energy of the natural laws protect him.
2. The Hapkido practitioner should pursue a way which can inter fuse the energy of the sky and the earth.
3. Defense must be the supreme goal of the Hapkido practitioner.
4. The Hapkido practitioner must follow the right way like the energy of nature.
5. The Hapkido practitioner shall not denounce other martial arts.
6. The Hapkido practitioner should contribute to the national defense and health of human being.
7. The Hapkido practitioner should respect order and courtesy.
8. The Hapkido practitioner should always keep a modest attitude and respect others personality.

RATIONALITY OF HAPKIDO

    To well understand , and to rapidly get accustomed to something, we must first know the particulars of the subject or thing. Then what are the particulars of Hapkido? In short, we can find particulars in the peculiar turning skills of Hapkido movements. Hapkido movements are circular movements and a circle is a sphere. All Hapkido movements faithfully follow the laws and principles of nature and stem from a central point. The subtle aspects of Hapkido can be found in the harmonious free flowing circular movements.

HAPKIDO AS HEALTH-PROMOTING SKILL

    Hapkido as a health promoting skill is divided into two parts; skills for mental health promotion and skills for physical health promotion. We can obtain energy that can freely control not only ourselves, but also the nature itself through the practice of Hapkido. This energy can help keep us in a bright and healthy mood and control various kinds of diseases. Physical health promotion in Hapkido can be achieved by concentrating our strength in the lower abdomen, by way of abdominal breathing. Distribution of the concentrated strength to every part of the body will keep the body and mind strong and flexible. Hapkido is a philosophical martial art in which the truth of the universe is expressed in movements that will give you super strength, a beautiful appearance, a good personality, and the formulation of character.