Pittwater Hapkido

r troubled youth through the local police. GM Brown has won numerous tournaments in self defence demonstration and was the Australian Hapkido Grand Champion in 1985. He and his team also won the gold medal for self defence at the 1st World Yongmudo Championships in Korea in 2007. The meaning of Hapkido

In Korean Hap means to co-ordinate or combine. Ki means technique and can be interpreted as inner strength or power. Do means the way. Therefore Hapkido can be loosely translated as the way (art) of co-ordinated power. Characteristics of Hapkido

Hapkido employs the philosophy of using minimal force to overcome a stronger opponent.Therefore, great strength is not needed to apply the techniques effectively.In addition, Hapkido uses pressure points to assist in controlling the opponent. Hapkido has a powerful arsenal of spinning kicks, thrusts and sweeps combined with hard and soft fist attacks and defences. As well as the use of kicks and punches, Hapkido uses nerve and pressure point attacks, wrist and joint locks, many twisting and throwing techniques and ground grappling techniques. Approximately 270 categories of special movements incorporating 3400 techniques are included in the study of Hapkido. The popularity of Hapkido is due to the fact that anyone, young or old, male or female can practice this complete art of self-defence regardless of physical weight or strength. Health is improved through systematic training and exercise. Development of muscles and muscle tone, correct posture, control of weight, a sense of self-confidence, self-control of both mind and body, and spiritual fulfillment are just some of the benefits of studying Hapkido. In Hapkido, linear techniques form a solid base upon which the skill of circular techniques can be developed. Everything is taught in correct order to produce a balanced martial artist able to handle any situation. Whether being attacked from standing, from the ground, against weapons or against multiple attackers, the Hapkido practitioner has the ability to defend themselves effectively. Today, it is practiced by students of all backgrounds, ages and physiques. Hapkido can be applied from any position: standing, sitting or lying, and from any direction. Hapkido - Philosophy and Principles

In Korean Hapkido may be translated as “Way of Coordinated Power”. There are literally thousands of techniques within Hapkido, all based on 3 fundamental principles

Principle of non-resistance or harmony
Circular principle
Water principle

By following these principles Hapkidoists are able to instantly adapt their technique to respond to any new unfamiliar self-defence situations. Hapkido students also develop a practical knowledge of anatomy so they can understand the bodies vulnerable points. Students also gain a basic understanding of Korean history and philosophy so a Hapkidoist can understand the context of their art. Written by Master Daniel Marie on behalf of the AHA.