HAPKIDO IS FUN TO LEARN AND PRODUCES FAST RESULTS!
   At Kim's Hapkido, we teach Jang Mu Hapkido which was founded by Grand Master Chong S. Kim. Jang Mu Hapkido emphasizes timing and precision in the execution of technique and a devotion to detail. At Kim's Hapkido, a student at any belt level will learn not only various kicks and punches, but defenses against punching, kicking, and grabbing so that in a very short amount of time they will be able to apply what they have learned and begin to be able to defend themselves. We cater to men, women and children in a family atmosphere where the student comes first. Hapkido is a martial art that is effective regardless of physical size, weight, or strength. As you become proficient in the art you can expect both physical and mental benefits. Some of its benefits include development of muscle tone, weight control, body awareness, posture, and greater strength and flexibility. Self-confidence, self-esteem, self-control, and a general sense of well being are a few of the other benefits that are attributed to the art. Children can especially benefit from Hapkido because it develops greater concentration, improved memory skills, goal setting, goal achievement, discipline and respect. Parents and teachers alike often report that our students show a marked improvement in school and at home. Studying at Kim's Hapkido can be the first step towards rewarding yourself or your child with the skills that are necessary to succeed in today's highly competitive world.
  
   In Korean, "Hap" means to coordinate or combine. "Ki" means power and "Do" means the way. Therefore Hapkido can be loosely translated as the way (art) of coordinated power. Hapkido employs the philosophy of using your opponent's energy against them with minimal force. A student of the art of Hapkido is able to defend him/herself in virtually any situation because of the vast multitude of techniques contained within this system. Hapkido can be applied from any position and from any direction. Whether you are sitting, standing or lying, Hapkido is sure to have a defense.

   The art of Hapkido focuses on the weaknesses of the human body so that great strength is not necessary for the techniques to be effective. Everyone, whether young or old, male or female, can practice this complete art of self-defense.

   Hapkido is considered to be one of the world's best systems of self-defense and has more variety of kicks and hand strikes than any other form of martial art. It also contains an extensive arsenal of pressure point attacks, joint manipulation (twisting), joint locks, throws, take-downs, sweeps and is renowned for its versatility in defense against all other styles. Hapkido is interesting, fun to learn and produces fast results.

Water Principle



   Many of the characteristics of water –its fluidity, adaptation and the subtle power of its continuous application-are evident in the techniques of Hapkido.

   At first glance water is a seemingly simple element.  A deeper examination reveals its enormous range and versatility.  If we use the metaphor of a flowing stream, we see the water principle of Hapkido at work in several ways.  Unobstructed, water flows in a continuous and steady stream - as does the energy of the martial artist.  When a rock is placed in its path, the water does not attempt to go forcefully through the rock.  Instead, it adjusts its course to flow through whatever space is now available.  Like wise, the practitioner of Hapkido does not forcefully push through the attack of his opponent.  He fluidly adjusts his positioning and technique to adapt to the position of his attacker.  Now, one with his attacker’s movement, he then uses his opponents energy to fuel his own counterattack.  Like the water in the stream, he has moved forward past existing obstacles with a minimum of additional effort.  The ease and grace with which the water flows past all obstacles also parallels the smooth and fluid movement of the martial artist.

   A single drop of water will create little, if any, of an effect on the ground.  Similarly, a single punch or kick may have little impact on an opponent.  If we allow numerous drops to fall continuously the energy expressed is far greater.  In Hapkido the martial artist will combine multiple kicks and punches in a single attack to achieve the maximum amount of impact possible.  Water is a shapeless element- without restriction to movement or limits to form.  Water adapts to its situation with ease and dexterity.  If you pour water into a cup, it takes the shape of the cup.  If you pour water into a jar, it takes the shape of the jar.  The same ability to adapt and mold to irregular situations is important in Hapkido.  No two attackers are identical, and so the martial artist is taught to adjust technique to defend against various body types – large or small, quick or slow.  He or she must also be able to defend in changing situations.  Whether standing upright or seated in a chair, we must adapt to our own positioning and utilize our energy most effectively.

   We must also recognize that water has the ability to change form when placed in extreme climates.  The very cold will create ice – a much harder, sharper and solid rendition of the liquid form.  Although we do emphasis the liquid state, at times hardness is required when facing certain opponents.  In these cases, one must transform their fighting style from soft to hard.  The Hapkido student learns to adjust their body to defend softly or firmly, depending on the situation, just as water can transform from one state to another.  
Philosophical Applications

   Lastly, we look to the Water Principle to illustrate important philosophical aspects of Hapkido.  Here we see elements and tendencies that apply also to the character of the martial arts student:  selflessness and tolerance, humility, the ability to sooth and inspire and a permeating discipline.  

   Students of Hapkido are expected not only to learn, but to train those less knowledgeable.  They are expected to be forgiving, open – hearted and compassionate to their students and to give both physical and mental energy to teach impeccable technique.  A metaphor involving water illustrates this idea well.  Physicists have studied displacement for hundreds of years, always proving identical results; when an object is placed into a body of water, a certain amount of that water is lost to allow space for the object.  Water will always accept a foreign object even if it must sacrifice a portion of its own being.  This tolerant selflessness is expected of the Hapkido practitioner as we continually teach and accept students, even at the loss of our own energy and time.  With time, the mature martial artist realizes that his own learning is actually enhanced by his support of the growth of others.

   However great his abilities, the Hapkido teacher or student maintains an attitude of humility.  In fact the longer one studies the martial arts, the more one should become aware of how much more there is to learn.  As a physical result of gravity we see that water perpetually flows downward.  Philosophically we acknowledge this as an expression of humility:  however powerful a waterfall, or imposing an ocean, the humble element of water never forces itself upward.  Rather; its natural motion is toward stability at ground level.

   The martial artist strives to maintain a calm mind and to provide an inspiring example.  Observing water in nature can be a calming experience and humans have been drawn eternally to its soothing presence.   As students of Hapkido, we also strive to calm our own minds through special Dan Jon breathing and meditation.  But the vision of a special waterfall or river can also be an eye opening experience for the right person at the right time.  An exemplary teacher be an inspiring experience for the right student at the right time.  Just as the brilliance of a pristine beach can motivate the soul, the mere presence of an extraordinary teacher can inspire the mind.
  
   The last philosophical aspect of Hapkido manifested by water is the power of a disciplined, permeating force.  Though water is a soft substance.  It has the ability to inflict damage when applied repetitively on the same area.  A single drop will splash off a stone with no effect – but if the drops continuously concentrate on the same location over long periods of time even the hardest substance will be broken.  As teachers of our art, we hope to instill this focused and committed discipline into our students and to have it permeate not only their technique but also their response to the challenges in life outside of martial arts.   

Circle Principle



   The second principle of Hapkido is the Circle Principle.  With the circle, as with water, we see a form that is both inherent in nature and critical to the man-made world around us.  The philosophical and the physical characteristics of the circle grow clearer and more valuable to the Hapkido student as they mature; in the application of technique, as well as the cycles of life, circular patterns are at work.  Present in the wheels that take us to work, the games our children play, and the planets of our solar system, circles and cyclical motion stand as a fundamental form.  Natural rhythms include the seasons which move-  Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter-in an unwavering circular rotation.  The earth itself rotates at a steady circular pace, and in mathematics and Geometry we learn that the circle is the only perfect shape; a continuous line of motion formed without fault or change in consistency.  This never-ending pattern lends itself to illustrations of infinity, and has understandably been an intrinsic presence in many religious systems.
One of the most well-known of these is Buddhism.  For the Buddhist, the circle is at the heart of the basic philosophy of existence.  The circle of life is perhaps the greatest idea in all Buddhist thought, since it signifies the ultimate never-ending journey.  A man lives his life then dies, only to be reborn again.  His subsequent life is then either a reward or punishment for his actions in his previous life.  Hence, in never-ending cycles, a good man will earn a favorable rebirth and an evil man will meet with the consequences of his actions.  This circle of life, and cycle of repetition, can also be seen in smaller, human day to day actions.  As teachers of Hapkido, for example, we try to teach our students about respect.  It is our hope that they will then eventually grow into teaching their own students the same lessons in respect.
This simple theory of giving and receiving is important not only within the Hapkido school, but throughout life in general.  When one gives love, one will receive love in return.  When one gives kindness, one will receive kindness.  In teaching such lessons we are creating a mindset that proves morally strong and virtuous.  

The Role of the Circle in Hapkido
   The idea of circular motion and its place in the application of technique is central to Hapkido. It is, in fact, one of the things that differentiates it from other disciplines.  In other martial arts the direction of energy is usually linear, with the artists’ movements taking him in a straight line from one point to another.  In Hapkido, however, fundamental movements are usually performed along a circular pathway.  In sweeps, throws and combination of kicks and punches the practitioner will begin a movement at one point and follow it through to the completion of a full circle

   The use of a circular pathway has multiple advantages.  A circle is a very balanced form, and its completion can lead to a more stable place than a single linear movement.  The fact that such a pattern has a beginning, middle and an end also leads to an energy build-up; momentum and power accelerate as the circle is completed.

   Since Hapkido is a soft martial art that focuses on defense rather than attack, the additional energy generated through circular motion is central to the practitioner’s success.  Adding our attacker’s energy to our own as we complete the pathway allows us to defend ourselves most successfully.  There are three basic steps involved in completing a technique while applying the Circle Principle: Redirection, Absorption, and Joining.

1. Redirection
If an attacker throws a punch, we are forced to react in order to keep from being hit.  Rather than block instantly, we teach our students to first maneuver their bodies into a more favorable position.  For example, instead of stepping forward into a punch or kick in order to meet it directly, the Hapkido practitioner may move to the side of the attacker before blocking.  In this way he has taken himself out of the strongest path of contact and will not suffer the full impact of his attackers force.  This is the first step in redirecting the energy being forced upon us.
2. Absorption
Once we have moved away from the path of maximum contact we can now block using less of our own energy.  We absorb the energy of our opponent’s attack and momentum and prepare for a counterattack along a circular pathway.
3. Joining
Joining our energy with that of our opponent, we now counter his attack with a twist or throw, moving in a balanced fashion through the beginning, middle and end of our own circular attack.
Understanding the role of the Circle Principle in Hapkido is central to the correct and successful application of its techniques.  All our reactions will eventually contain circular motion, from large sweeping movements to quick and tight action.  The Hapkido student would also do well to recognize to value of the cycles in his daily life, and to both appreciate and utilize the opportunities they provide for him.

Harmony Principle



   The third and final principle of Hapkido is the Harmony Principle.  The dictionary defines “harmony” as “already in agreement, concordance, peace.”  In this we see that harmony implies the existence of more than one thing, and refers to how things are combined, not how they exist on their own.  You can’t be in harmony by yourself; you need something else with which to harmonize.  In Hapkido we see both the Water and the Circle Principles blended together in harmonious movements.  We also see here the philosophy of the mature martial artist:  a respect for the value of all living things and the peace that comes from living in harmony with them.

   We see an emphasis on harmony in three major areas in Hapkido.  1. The striving toward balance within the martial artist himself, 2. The relationship between the martial artist and the world around him, and 3. The harmonious interplay of the Water and Circle Principles in the application of technique.  We see that in this most advanced level the marital artist is looking not just at one element at a time, but at relationships, and the powerful interconnectedness of things.

   The mature martial artist recognizes that he is at his best when he has achieved a harmonious balance of mind, body and spirit.  He does not think his physical force alone controls the success of his technique: he knows that a calm mind and a peaceful spirit are required to achieve the optimal use of Ki, or power.  When his mind is focused and free of distractions, when his spirit and intuition are still and available, he can perceive most clearly which action is called for in all situations.  The physical strength he has worked to develop is then directed into the most potent attack or counterattack possible.  The serious martial artist works to develop his awareness of the dimensions of mind and spirit, as well as the musculature and stamina of his body, and recognizes the way each level affects the others.

   As he works to balance the forces within himself, the Hapkido practitioner also strives to maintain a harmonious relationship with the world around him.  His moral system involves a respectful acceptance of the way things are, and a recognition that all life is to be valued.  Each being is believed to have its own purpose, in relation to which we need to harmoniously find our own place.  This care and effort is evident in our relationship with our partners, our community, and even in our appreciation of the different styles martial arts.  Even beginning students of Hapkido learn that, when the moment of overpowering an opponent has come, one finishes a technique with an action to control his opponent, never to kill him.  This respect for the life and well being of even our attackers shows the presence of the Harmony Principle.  He or she has had their purpose or need in moving against us and we respect their value even while we must defend ourselves against them.

   Lastly, the advanced Hapkido practitioner recognizes the presence and power of the Harmony Principle in the application of technique,  He understands that the two other guiding ideas of the art, the Water Principle and the Circle Principle are not separate entities, but are most effectively used in combination with each other,  In fact, it is only when a harmonious interplay between the two is achieved that the martial artist has truly achieved his optimal usage of Ki, or power,  Together they produce more energy than either does individually.

   In the application of technique this would be seen as follows.  On the street or on the mat the Hapkido practitioner faces an attack by an opponent.  In keeping with the Water Principle he recognizes which space and positioning has been made available and prepares to flow into it in his counterattack.  As water absorbs everything, so too has he absorbed the energy of his opponent.  In his defensive movement, we will now see him utilize the three dynamics of the Circle Principle:  Redirection, Absorption and Joining.  Moving in a circular motion the martial artist redirects his opponents energy, absorbs his momentum and joins their energy together to fuel his counter attack.  The harmonious interplay of Water and Circle has allowed him to maximize the opportunities for defense while using a minimum of his own energy reserves.  He is ready for the next attack if need be.  Thus we see that the awareness of the Harmony Principle in all areas increases not only the moral character of the martial artist, but his physical prowess as well.  Paradoxically, the more talented the Hapkido practitioner becomes, the less likely he is to have to use his technique.  His advanced training will have led him to the advanced understanding that the use of force toward the valued beings around him is always a last resort.