History of Hapkido
Hapkido was founded by Choi Yong Sool (1904 - 1986). He reportedly developed the system by combining native Korean fighting methods with Japanese Daito Ryu Aiki-ju jitsu. Choi had learned that system from his headmaster, Sokaku Takeda, while living in Japan from 1915 to 1945. After his return to Korea, Choi began teaching self-defense (Yawara) in TaeGue city.
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Some "traditional" instructors claim that Hapkido contains over 3600 techniques, including as many as 120 different kicks. Nowadays, there are many styles of Hapkido as well as over a dozen associations/governing bodies. Some styles have produced forms (Hyung) and require them for advancement; others emphasize high kicking, including jump and flying kicks. Still others, heavily influenced by Judo or Aikido, emphasize throwing skills.
The literal translation of the word, Hapkido, should provide all with a better insight into the history of the art:
HAP - To combine, to unite, to coordinate, to join
KI - Internal power, dynamic energy, life force
DO - The way, the system, and the method
Each term has several English corresponding words because Oriental and Western languages express thoughts, ideas and concepts differently, resulting in translations that only "approximate" the original meaning.
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