Iowa State University Hapkido Club - Learn About Hapkido

What is Hapkido?

Hapkido is a Korean martial art that focuses on self-defense. The word Hapkido translates as "The Way of Coordinated Power." Like all martial arts at Iowa State, students of Hapkido follow the five tenents of martial arts. However, unlike Taekwondo or Judo, there are no competitions or forms. Hapkido has three main guiding principles:

1. Circular Motion
2. Non-Resistance
3. The Water Principle

Techniques taught in class emphasize joint locking, throwing, choking, and holds. Defense is practiced against all types of attacks: grabbing, pushing, punching, kicking, pinning against a wall, ground attacks, as well as others. After ample study, the Hapkido practitioner is well prepared both physically and mentally to defend themselves. The essence of this style is to gain advantage through technique to avoid using strength against strength. This makes Hapkido especially useful for smaller people, as they are not required to meet the full force of an attacker head on.