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HISTORY OF HAPKIDO (Self Defense)

It is important that one understands that martial arts techniques are not invented or created by a single individual. Rather, they have been developed as a part of history. Just as wrestling, boxing, and fencing, are unique competition sports in the western world, Tae Kwon Do, Yudo, and Kumdo, along with Hapkido, have been developed throughout the history of the East.
More recently, Hapkido was reintroduced by the father of Hapkido, Yong Sool Choi (1904-1986). Young Sool Choi began his studies at the age of nine. By the time Choi returned to the mainstream world, Korea had already been liberated from colonial Japanese rule. Choi proceeded to impart the techniques he had learned to a select group of disciples. These disciples began to spread and popularize Hapkido during the Korean conflict in the 1950s. Today, one would be hard pressed to find a Korean city without Hapkido schools. Government organizations, military academies, and special military units all contain Hapkido practitioners, totaling over one million in Korea alone.

1. Practice intuition and awareness of your surrounding
2. Pay attention to potentially dangerous person or location
3. In danger, look for escape and useful objects around you
4. Relax and talk your way out of the confrontation
5. In confrontation, hold your ground, and be absolutely resolved to fight back
6. Be assertive with body movements and voice
7. Be focused, alert and look for subtle movements
8. Look for an opportunity to strike first and press attack
9. Stay clam and strike critical areas to subdue assailant
10. Look for a chance to escape the scene

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