Hapkido is a powerful and innovative Korean martial art. Literally
translated, the word Hap means coordination of harmony, Ki denotes the essence of power, and Do means the art or the way. Hapkido
incorporates powerful and fluid kicking techniques; highly effective and
flowing throwing techniques; and precise and sharp hand techniques. This
concise and practical martial art is the result of a 1300 year pursuit of the
Way.
Thirteen centuries ago, the land currently occupied by North and South
Korea consisted of 3 kingdoms - Kokuryo, Paikche and Silla. The people of Kokuryo were known for their military and intellectual skills
(head). The Silla were craftsmen (hands). The Paikche were agrarian (feet).
During this time it was felt that the security of many, lay in the strength of
a select few. This group of elite young nobleman developed "a way of life." This "way" was based upon adherence to a strict code of ethics
and disciplined lifestyle dedicated to living in harmony with the natural
laws of the universe. This group came to be known as Hwarangdo.
Wars and insurrections were a common part of everyday life. King
Chin-Heung of Silla, in concert with the Mongols, succeeded in overthrowing the rulers of Kokuryo and Paikche. The remaining royalty
of defeated Kokuyro and Paikche Kingdoms fled to the mountains or to the neighboring islands. One group of people from Kokuyro sailed to the
Island of Hokkaido, while another group sailed from Paikche to Kyushu and established some of the first ancient settlements of Japan.
Those that fled to the mountains established monastic order and carried
on their traditions in secret for the next 500 years. During this time devoted Monks practiced and refined their Martial skills. Many of the
monasteries developed their own fighting styles and concepts. The most effective and devastating style was known as Tae Kyon, primarily a
martial art of kicking.
The Japanese Army invaded and ruled Korea from 1910 through the end
of World War II. During that period it was not uncommon for Korean families and treasures to be relocated to Japan. During the Japanese
occupation a young boy,
Yong Sool
Choi, was sent to Japan. By the age of 9, Yong Sul Choi was alone and living with a group of Monks in a
Buddhist temple. Shortly thereafter, it became apparent to the Monks that Yong Sul Choi was not suited for monastic life.
At this time many great warriors, in accordance with ancient traditions,
undertook annual pilgrimages throughout Japan to improve their martial arts skills. During their travels they visited local temples to offer prayers
and donations. One such warrior, Master Shokaku Takeda, paid regular visits to the monastery where Yong Sul Choi resided. During one of
Master Takeda's visits, the resident Monks, seeing an opportunity, beseeched Master Takeda to take the young Choi as a disciple.
Master Takeda was taught the art of swordsmanship by his Father and
Grandfather. Master Takeda taught a weaponless martial art known as
Daito-Ryu Aiki Jujitsu. This art emphasized the use of joint locks, strikes and nerve attacks to neutralize an opponent.
The young Choi served as Master Takeda's assistant and student.
Consistent with the training methods of those days, Master Takeda's training methods with the young Choi was both tough and rigorous.
Yong Sul Choi remained in Japan for 35 years training under Master
Takeda. Near the end of World War II, Grand Master Choi returned to Korea and opened a small school in Taegu, the third largest city in
Korea. He began training a small group of students informally. Yong Sul
Choi is credited with the founding of modern day Hapkido.
Grand Master Bong Soo Han met and began training with Yong Sul
Choi shortly after the end of the Korean War. In the ensuing years, Grand Master Han established a close and devoted association with
Yong Sul Choi, founder of Hapkido.
