Difference Between Hapkido and Aikido?

Question

I already know the basics of each but I was looking for an experienced view

I am already well versed in striking and have been leaning more towards aikido but is there really a noticable difference besides hard vs. soft

Answer 1

Hapkido and Aikido share a common origin through Daito-Ryu Aiki JuJutsu. It is also because of this association that a close relationship between both styles is inferred although in actual fact both styles have much different philosophies.

Both Hapkido and Aikido teach their students to receive an attack with minimal resistance, move it away past the defender then add the defender's own force to it. This results in the opponent becoming unbalanced and vulnerable to throws, locks and other take-down techniques.

However unlike Aikido, Hapkido teaches offensive techniques as well as defensive techniques. It is this philosophical difference that sets both styles apart.

The founder of the Japanese art Aikido, Morehi USHEBA (O-Sensei), trained in Daito Ryu Aiki Jujutsu. This form of Jujitsu is understood to be the art on which much of Hapkido is based. It is because of this common foundation that a close relationship between Aikido and Hapkido is inferred. The similarity of technique is apparent in the circular non-resistive motions, joint locks and throws.Both arts teach their students to receive an attack with minimal resistance, move it past the defender and then add the defender's force to it. This results in the opponent becoming unbalanced and vulnerable to throws, locks and other take-down techniques. In fact the styles have very different philosophies. Unlike Aikido, Hapkido teaches offensive techniques as well as defensive techniques. A Hapkidoist mixes hard techniques with the soft (including kicks and strikes).

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