Techniques and
Rules
The origin of all
present martial arts lies in self-defence
with or without weapons. In the middle of
the 20th century the overall trend led away
from pure self-defence to sparring and competition.
Hapkido, however, did
not evolve into a competition-oriented martial
art but retained its focus on self-defence.
In general, Hapkido features an unlimited
choice of techniques such as punches and kicks,
joint locks and throws as well as weapon techniques
(the latter being taught from first degree
black belt onward). Forms such as Taeguk and
Poomsae do not exist in traditional Hapkido.
In sparring all techniques acquired may be
applied.
