Intercontinental Hapkido Federation
HAPKIDO
Hapkido translates to "The Way of Coordinated Power" or "The Way of Coordination and Internal Power". It is based on continuous motion theory, i.e., the idea that every escape technique is followed immediately by a counterstrike, joint lock, or a throw. Unlike many martial arts that are based almost exclusively on punches and kicks, Hapkido allows for different levels of force ranging from moderate levels that enable one to control an attacker without injuring or bruising him, to a level of force that causes serious injury or even death. The goal is always to use only as much force as is necessary to subdue an attacker. This is a requirement based on both ethical and legal considerations. It is the ability to control the amount of force used to stop an attacker that is one of the major advantages of Hapkido. Of course, Hapkido also utilizes a wide range of kicks and hand strikes (similar to those used in Taekwondo) which can be used when necessary. Students that study this art will enhance their level of physical fitness and self confidence, develop the ability to defend themselves, form friendships with other students, and have fun!
Brief History of Hapkido
Hapkido was founded by a Korean named Choi Yung-Sul. In 1910, when he was 7 years old, Choi Yong-Sul was taken from Korea to Japan where he studied the martial art of Daito-ryu Aikijujutsu from his master, Takeda Sokaku. Takeda was the 32nd patriarch of Daito-ryu Aikijujutsu, which is one of the oldest recorded forms of Japanese Aikijujutsu (developed in early 10th century). Takeda was the first to teach this system to students who were not descendants of the Japanese warrior classes. When Choi Yong-Sul returned to Korea in 1943, he began teaching pure Daito, but with time, he incorporated elements of other Korean martial arts, such as Tae Kyon, into his system. This led to the development of modern Hapkido. Early names of the system included Yu Kwon Sul, Yoo Sool, Ho Shin Mu Do and Bi Sool. The name "Hapkido" (also spelled Hap Ki Do) was formalized in 1963.
Rules
Contrary to what many people may believe, a martial art is not about "beating someone up". On the contrary, it focuses on the development of discipline and respect for others, both of which are necessary to lead a fulfilling and rewarding life. These are also necessary for the members of a society to live together peacefully. It is only when one is threatened that one resorts to physical "combat" in order to defend oneself. In order to emphasize the importance of respect, we bow frequently during the class and repeat rules at the end of each class.
Specifically, students of Hapkido bow whenever:
1) they are about to step onto the mat or leave the mat. (The student faces the front of the class when bowing.) The purpose of this bow is to show respect for the discipline and to begin focusing one's mind on the discipline and techniques necessary to become proficient in the art. It is also a sign of humility and a willingness to learn. Arrogance and overconfidence are one of a student's biggest enemies because it prevents the student from understanding that there is always more to learn. This is true in Hapkido and in all walks of life.
2) they are addressed by someone with the rank of Black Belt. The purpose is to show respect for one's instructors. Only if one respects one's teachers can one learn. The respect is mutual, as shown by the fact that the instructor will also bow to students in order to show respect to those that have chosen to work hard in order to learn the art. All Black Belts are addressed as either "Sir" or Ma'am".
3) students are about to practice techniques on one another or to spar against each other. This shows respect for one's fellow students and also helps everyone to keep in mind the fact that no genuine aggression is intended, even though the techniques may involve the administering of painful techniques against one's partner. Without a partner, one cannot learn Hapkido. So, respect for one's partner is essential.
4) the instructor calls one's name during roll call or asks a question of you.
5) a student asks a question and receives an answer from a Black Belt.
Student Rules
1. I shall observe the tenets of martial arts.
2. I shall respect the teacher and senior belts.
3. I shall never misuse the martial arts.
4. I will be a champion of freedom and justice.
5. I will build a more peaceful world.
In addition to these rules, there are a few other class rules that we observe:
1) All students must have some form of insurance and must sign a waiver of liability from both the Intercontinental Hapkido Federation (IHF) and Universal Martial Arts Association (UMA)
2) Never sit down or lie down, or lean against a wall, during class in order to relax or rest unless instructed to do so. This is because you should use every moment of class time to practice. Sitting down and lying down imply laziness, and that is definitely not part of the art. Obviously, if you are feeling badly, then please do sit down.
3) Whenever the class is instructed to do something by the instructor, the class members shout "Yes Sir" in order to acknowledge that they heard the request.
4) After you have reviewed your new techniques, continue to go over them again and again. If you have done this several times, go back and review your previous techniques - which you are required to remember. In short, never "goof off". "Goofing off" (talking about something other than the techniques, doing cartwheels, fake sparring, etc...) is a sign that one is not serious about mastering the art. Just as importantly, it is disruptive to other students and it may result in injury. It also sets a bad example for one's classmates. All students are role models for one another and especially for those students that are lower in rank. So, it is very important that we all set a good example. Students that goof off will be asked to leave the class and no refunds will be given.
5) Dress code: Ideally, everyone should have a uniform, and those students in IHF must have a uniform. The uniform is necessary for protection against mat burns and because certain techniques require that we grab the sleeve or belt of the uniform. So, if you have a uniform, then please wear it. If you happen to forget it at home, come to class anyway. But, students are expected to wear their uniforms and to wear them appropriately.
The proper "dress code" includes the following:
a) Female MUST wear a T-shirt under the uniform top
b) Males MUST wear a protective cup. Females may wear protective gear if they desire to do so.
c) All jewelry (earrings, rings, necklaces, bracelets. etc...) must be removed before class. This is for safety reasons. One need only imagine an earring getting caught on a uniform during a take down technique to understand the reason for this rule!
d) Safety equipment (gloves and shin guards) must be worn by all students when sparring. Mouth guards are optional, as are arm guards. Student s may well martial arts "shoes" if they want to; but regular shoes cannot be worn on during practice.
e) Although IHF and UMA respects all legitimate forms of the martial arts, and although some students in this organization may have obtained belt rank at other schools, it is nonetheless necessary that students wear only the belt rank that they have achieved in this organization. This is because all students are required to learn techniques that are specific to this IHF and UMA and to this style of Hapkido. They are also required to learn these techniques in a specific sequence. Successful demonstration of these techniques, through formal testing, is required in order to earn a new belt rank. So, for these reasons, all students that study at the IHF and UMA begin as White Belts. If you have belt rank from another school, please do not consider this a form of "demotion". The belt worn in this organization reflects only what has been learned at this organization.
6) Hapkido necessarily involves close contact with one's partner; so, when working with a partner of the opposite sex, trust is imperative under these conditions. Therefore, it is essential that students refrain from any form of behavior- whether it is overt, implied, or spoken, that is of a sexual nature. Obviously, students may choose to date outside of class; but class is not the time to flirt, make advances, or ask someone out for a date! I include this rule because, on occasion, male students have done something to make their female partners uncomfortable during class. I will not tolerate this and will ask anyone doing so to leave. Again, no refunds are given if this occurs.
7) Attendance is required in order to adequately prepare for testing. Accordingly, students cannot miss more than 4 classes during any two-month period preceding a test if they want to be eligible to test. Exceptions may be made if there are legitimate reasons for having missed - and if the student appears to have adequately learned the techniques. So, if you cannot make it to class because of illness, please let your instructor know ahead of time. Most students that manage their time appropriately can find time to come to Hapkido class. So, generally speaking, this is not a legitimate excuse for missing class.
Titles/Rank
There are two levels of rank classification in Hapkido: 1) the Kub/Gup or grade holder and; 2) the Dan or degree holder (black belts). Gup holders are novices who are in the process of learning the fundamentals of Hapkido. Dan holders wear the black belt, and though they have comprehended the basic elements of Hapkido, they are still learning. First Dan through Third Dan ranks are considered students who are in the process of mastering some of the more refined elements of Hapkido. On reaching 4th Dan, the practitioner may be considered for instructor status.