What different styles of hapkido are there?

Question

so what styles and what is the most usefull and complete style in real life?

Answer 1

As mentioned before much of it depends on the school master as to what the differences maybe from school to school. But there is one constant that's the same for all Hapkido schools."at least from my experience". The core principles are the same as taught by Grandmaster Yong Sul Choi who learned Daito-ryu Aikijujutsu. Principles of redirection and non-resistance for example. The original system that he taught had very little kicking and striking. To make a long story short many of GM Choi's students are credited with expanding the art into what we have today. Masters such as Ji Han Jae who was a very early student of Choi is given credit for the expanded kicking,striking and weapon curriculum. He created Sin Moo Hapkido. There are many other Hapkido styles that governed by some type of federation or organization that follow their own curriculum. There are a few styles like Hoy Jeon Moo Sool, Combat HKD, Kwan Sik Myung, Jin Jung Kwan, HapkiYoolSool to name a few. All are effective because of the core principles. It still depends on the quality of your instructor regardless. The style of HKD I train in has much more grappling and ground fighting than any of the schools in my general area. We still do all the same things that most schools do with regard to kicks and non-resistance, submission, pressure points etc. The grappling is my instructors prefference which I happen to enjoy. The great thing about Hapkido is it's versatility and can be adapted with any art or system. I've done seminars in Sin Moo and Jung Ji Kwan and really find them very practical and effective in their methods and being in law enforcement I have the chance to use what I learn all the time.

Answer 2

I don't think there are different styles of hapkido but different methods of training. Training varies with organization and instructor. As a general rule, beginners concentrate on basic strikes and kicks, along with a few joint locks and throws. Some of the striking and kicking practice is form-like, that is, with no partner, however, most is done with a partner who is holding heavy pads that the student strikes and kicks full power.

Advanced students add a few more strikes and kicks as well as many more throws, locks, and pressure points. There is also some weapons training for advanced students - primarily belt, kubatan, cane, and short staff.

Some schools do forms, some do not. Some do sparring and some do not, although at the advanced levels, most schools do at least some sparring. Many Hapkido techniques are unsuitable for use in sparring, as their use would result in injury, even when protective gear is used. Thus, sparring typically uses only a limited subset of techinques.

There is generally an emphasis on physical conditioning and excercise, including "ki" exercises.

Answer 3

There is a version called Combat Hapkido that was founded by John Pellegrini. Other than that, I don't know how many other versions there are.

Answer 4

From what I know Hapkido can differ according to the instructor or master of a Hapkido school. Unlike Taekwondo, Hapkido is not as heavily policed by organisations or federations, although they do exist. Because Hapkido is one style that adapts and evolves according to the times you will find that this is the case.

In Australia I am/was a member of the Australian Hapkido Group and the International Hapkido Alliance, heading by Master Geoff Booth who is a former, although he may still be, a student of Grandmaster Ji Han Jae who resides in L.A. California. Ji Han Jae is the founder of Sin Moo Hapkido, Sin Moo meaning "higher mind". This brand of Hapkido has a strong emphasis on a more spiritual way of life.

However to answer your question on practicality, you will have to check out particular schools in order to ascertain whether or not they suit your needs.

One thing to look for though, is some Hapkido schools can be more like Taeknowdo schools and don't really teach Hapkido. Generally Hapkido is a balanced martial art, however there should be a strong emphasis on self defense techniques involving locks and throws that compliment Hapkido's aggressive striking techniques. In any case true Hapkido should be taught with its three principals as the art's foundation. 1) Non-resistance, 2) Circular motion, and 3) the Water theory.

I'm afraid that's the best I can do for you. I hope you find a more definite answer.

All the best!

Answer 5

Hapkido is just one of the many martial arts of Korea.if you wanna a reall life martial art try boxing.