Hapkido is a dynamic Korean martial art that integrates joint locks, throws, strikes, and traditional weapons training. Its evolution is marked by contributions from various martial arts and individuals, leading to its global proliferation.
Origins and Evolution
The roots of Hapkido trace back to ancient Korean martial arts, notably Taekkyeon and Yawara, which emphasized joint locks and strikes. During the Japanese occupation of Korea (1910–1945), traditional Korean martial arts were suppressed, leading to the clandestine preservation of these techniques. After Korea’s liberation in 1945, martial arts experienced a resurgence.
In the early 20th century, Choi Yong Sul (1904–1986) returned to Korea after studying Daitō-ryū Aiki-jūjutsu in Japan. He established the first Hapkido school, teaching techniques rooted in Japanese martial arts. However, some sources suggest that Choi’s teachings were more aligned with traditional Korean martial arts, with minimal Japanese influence.
In the 1950s, Ji Han Jae, a prominent student of Choi, founded the Sung Moo Kwan school in Seoul. Ji is credited with popularizing Hapkido and introducing new techniques, including high kicks and traditional weapons training. He also served as a bodyguard to President Park Chung-hee, which enhanced Hapkido’s prominence.
Global Expansion
Hapkido’s global spread was facilitated by Korean expatriates and martial artists who established schools worldwide. In the United States, Hapkido gained popularity in the 1960s and 1970s, with various organizations promoting its practice.
International and U.S. Organizations
Several organizations oversee Hapkido practice internationally and in the United States:
- International Hapkido Federation (IHF): Founded in 1971 by Grand Master James S. Benko, the IHF aims to preserve and promote Hapkido without political interference. itatkd.com
- Korea Hapkido Federation (KHF): The KHF is the world’s largest solely Hapkido organization, connecting schools, masters, and students globally. koreahapkidofederation.net
- Global Hapkido Association (GHA): An apolitical association welcoming martial artists worldwide, the GHA provides support to Hapkido programs and instructors. ghahapkido.com
- International Independent Hapkido Alliance (IIHA): An alliance of independent Hapkido organizations dedicated to preserving and promoting the martial art globally. iihapkidoalliance.com
- International Hapkido Council (IHC): A unified governing body promoting, developing, and preserving traditional Hapkido worldwide. intl-hc.org
In the United States, the USA Hapkido Union, Inc., established in February 2022, serves as the official body for World Hapkido Union events and organizational duties.
Conflicting Information
There is some debate regarding the origins and naming of Hapkido. While Ji Han Jae is often credited with introducing the name “Hapkido” in 1957, some sources suggest that Choi Yong Sul and his students were using the term as early as 1951.
Additionally, the extent of Japanese influence on Hapkido’s development is contested. Some accounts emphasize Choi’s Japanese training, while others highlight the Korean martial arts traditions that shaped Hapkido.
Despite these discrepancies, Hapkido has evolved into a respected martial art, blending traditional techniques with modern applications, and continues to grow in practice and recognition worldwide.
