Hapkido is a Korean style of self-defense, which has gained tremendous popularity in the recent years. This practice is being strongly accepted by the people world wide, regardless of their age, sex, size or strength. The techniques used in this modern kind of Martial Art emphasize to build the inner strength and confidence which lies deep within each and every individual.

The term Hapkido which is broken up as ‘Hap’, which means togetherness or the harmony of body and the spirit? 'Ki', defines the life and body energy and 'Do', which means the way of living or the way of learning. This martial art, which involves a variety of arm and leg joint locks, weapon techniques, throw, kick, hit, and nerve pressure techniques is outstandingly suitable for self-defense.

The origin of Hapkido is subject to certain controversies, regarding the founder of the practice. The partial information on its originality depict that there were two founders of Hapkido, namely Grandmaster Choi, Yong-Sul and Grandmaster Ji, Han Jae. Although, the original founder is not known, both these masters have played an important role in developing the techniqes of Hapkido Martial Art.

Grandmaster Choi, Yong Sul was born in the Korean province Chung Buk. Again controversies gather around him, as according to some sources he was an adopted son of Japanese Daito Ryu Aikijujutsu GrandMaster Takeda, Sokaku and some believe that Choi, Young Sul was a house boy or a servant. During his stay in the house of Sokaku Takedas, he learnt all 3808 Daito-Ryu Aikijujutsu techniques.

Grandmaster Ji, Han-Jae was born in Andong, Korea. At the tender age of 13, Grandmaster Ji began his training in the Korean Yu Kwan Sool Hap Ki Dojang under Grandmaster Choi and soon became one of his best student. After a few years, he joined Taoist Lee and learned Tae Kyon kicks, Jang-Bong (long stick), Dan-Bong (short stick) and techniques of meditation.

These two famous Grandmasters then migrated to Seoul and then to USA. In Seoul GM Ji began to develop his own style by combining the techniques learned at GM Choi with the Tae Kyon kicks, the weapon techniques, and the spiritual techniques. These two masters developed various techniques against self-defense like techniques against knives, against kicks, sword war, etc.

Hapkido is also categorized as a Scientific Martial Art as it involves the theory of dynamics. To react dynamically, means to react quickly and create balance between two opposing forces and use the technique to your best advantage. The main target of this martial art is incapacitating the opponent in the most efficient and thorough manner possible. It is also called the 'Art of coordinating energy'.

The techniques used in Hapkido revolve around 3 principle, namely:

1. THEORY OF CIRCULAR MOTION, which states the body must constantly be in a state of motion to maintain balance like in a spinning top. Once the top stops spinning, it will loose balance and fall down. The same principle applies to the body as well.
2. THEORY OF WATER, which states that the body movements must be fluid like water. Water travels with force and no pebble or stone would stop its way. It makes its own way around the pebble, in-between the carve or above the stones.
3. THEOR OF SUM, which states that one should try to use the opponent's own enegery against themselves. This theory is a sum or a combination of the previous wo theories of circular motion and the theory of water.

Hapkido is a way of combing body and mind to use the techniques to the best of your advantage, against your opponent. This requires consistent practice and determination.