What is the history of Hapkido?
The first symbol for hapkido was designed by Seo, which was used to denote the art was the inverted arrowhead design featured in both the modern incarnation of the KiDo Association and by Myung Kwang-Sik's World Hapkido Federation. Choi Yong-Sool was also employed during this time as a bodyguard to Seo's father who was a congressman.
Who are some famous early hapkido students?
Yong Sul Choi's most prominent early students were Suh Buk Sub, Ji Han Jae and Kim Moo Hong. Ji Han Jae and Kim Moo Hong, previous to Hapkido had studied native Korean arts such as Taekkyon and contributed additional kicking innovations, greatly expanding Hapkido's foundation.
Is Choi Yong-sool the father of Hapkido?
After the death of Choi Yong-Sool in 1986, Ji came forward with the assertion that it was he who founded the Korean art of hapkido, asserting that Choi Yong-Sool taught only yawara based skills and that it was he who added much of the kicking and weapon techniques we now associate with modern hapkido.
Is Hapkido a Korean martial art?
While some commentators claim hapkido has a Japanese lineage, others state that its origins lay with indigenous Korean martial arts. Choi Yong-Sool's first student, and the man whom some claim helped him develop the art of hapkido was Seo Bok-Seob, a Korean judo black belt when they met.
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Who is the founder of Hapkido?
It was Ji Han-Jae who popularized the art of Hapkido in Korea and also on the international level. His connections while serving as the head instructor of Hapkido to the presidential bodyguard under president Park Jung Hee helped him form the Korea Hapkido Association in 1965. He later added techniques and methods of his own as the art proliferated outside Korea. In 1986, after the death of Choi, Ji announced that he is to be credited as the founder of modern#N#Hapkido as what Choi developed was only a primitive version of the current one. But then, these claims are also supported and opposed by many.
What is the meaning of hapkido?
Hapkido literally means ‘joining energy way’ or ‘the way of coordinating energy’ or ‘the way of harmony.’ Even though many believe Japan’s Aikido and Hapkido have have common roots, the differences in the styles of fighting suggest the opposite.
Who is Suh Bok Sub?
Once, while taking a stroll down the yard, a Korean man called Suh Bok-Sub happened to witness one man being attacked by a dozen people. Being a Judo black belt, he considered helping the man, but before he could interfere, he was stunned to see the lone man fight back. And he was defending with such ease and energy that the attackers had to finally flee. Suh accompanied this man – Choi Yong-Sool – and practiced with him the style Choi used, known as Daitô-ryû Aiki-jûjutsu, a parent of Hapkido.
Where is Hapkido from?
The roots of Hapkido 합기도 unequivocally lie with Choi, Yong-sul 최용술 崔龍述 (09 NOV 1899 – 15 JUNE 1984). He was born in Hwan Gan, Yeongdong County a county in North Chungcheong Province, what is now the Republic of Korea ( South Korea) at the very beginning of Japans physical and administrative rule over Korea. ( Interesting enough, the founder of the Chung Do Kwan 청도관 靑濤館 Lee, Won-kuk 이원국 was from the same area but a few years younger!)
What is the first Hapkido Dojang?
what has become the first Hapkido Dojang (not inside another business like the one he and Choi held inside the brewery) called the Daehan Hapki Yukwonsool Dojang (대한합기유권술도장). And the first symbol of Hapkido was designed by Seo as well. That being the inverted arrowhead what would later appear in the Korea Kido Association logo and that of GM Myung’s World Hapkido Federation logos as well. It also paid homage to the logo of the Daito-ryu as well.
When did Zainichi come back to Korea?
With the end of World War II on 02 September 1945, many Korean’s were repatriated with many choosing to remain becoming Zainichi 在日韓国. The most famous Zainichi martial artist is undoubtedly Choi, Young-eui 최영의 崔永宜 who became world renowned as Masutatsu “Mas” Oyama 大山 倍達 becoming a full Japanese citizen in 1968. By the winter of 1945 Choi (Yoshida) had arrived back to Korea landed in Busan via the a ship. He then arrived in Taegu via train and started to sale bakery items and eventually moving into a small pig farmer. By early 1947 he had his first student because he had to defend his self while in line to obtain grains from a local brewery.
Who was Takeda's assistant?
From 1912 to 1922 Choi/Yoshida served as Takeda’s assistant so studied the aspects directly or indirectly nearly daily. Choi/Yoshida remembered training was hard. For a couple years there is some modest information as to where Takeda Sensei traveled, but by 1910 or so, we know Takeda Sensei had travelled from Kyushu to Hokkaido which was Japans “last frontier” and sparsely populated. It was during this time that Takeda Sensei came into contact with Ueshiba, Morihei 植芝 盛平, ( December 14, 1883 – April 26, 1969) who would later found the martial art of Aikido 合気道. ( Aikido and Hapkido written in Hanja/Kanji are written identically.)
Where did Ji move to?
With less than a year teaching at the An Moo Kwan, Ji moved to Seoul and in Seoul he opened the Sung Moo Kwan 성무관 and his first student was Hwang, Duk-kyu. Shortly after this school opened Ji opened an affiliate dojang in a clothing factory which was close to Hanyang University.
Did Choi Yoshida learn Daito Ryu?
While there is some skepticism about rather Choi/Yoshida actually learned Daito-Ryu from Takeda Sensei, as there are conflicting stories. There is enough circumstantial information and documentation that it does support that Choi/Yoshida did learn Daito-Ryu. In an interview with Ueshiba Kisshomaru 植芝 吉祥丸 the son of the founder of Aikido by Shin, Sang-duk in 1997. The following is an excerpt from that interview!
Who is the founder of Hapkido?
Apparently Ji began organize all he had learned into a rational curriculum and first called it Hapki Yu Kwon Sool. However, in retrospect, he thought the name was too long. In 1959, he changed the name to Hapkido. This curriculum devised by Ji is, for the most part, the same one with variations promulgated by most Hapkido schools and organizations. There is controversy as to who coined and adopted the use of the name, Hapkido. Some say it was Choi while others say it was Ji. Regardless of who it was, Ji is credited with being the founder of modern Hapkido. Ji and his students almost single-handedly spread the art worldwide. Ji and his Hapkido Song Mu Kwan rose to prominence in the Korean Martial Arts community. Ji was able to secure a teaching position instructing the military supreme council and as instructor to the President’s (Park Jung Hee) security forces. He held this position until Park’s death in 1979.
Where was Hapkido born?
From all accounts Choi was born in Chung Bok province, South Korea. Supposedly and according to most accounts, Choi’s family was very poor and lived near a candy factory owned and operated by a Japanese couple, the Morimoto’s. Apparently, the couple took a liking to young Choi and since his parents could not afford to raise him, they allowed them to take him to Japan. Choi was around nine years old at that time. It would not have been a problem for the Morimoto’s to take Choi to Japan since after all, they were Japanese nationals and he was a subject. Another account states that Choi was kidnapped by Morimoto’s. At any rate, after arriving in Japan the couple left Choi at a Buddhist temple because they wanted to travel and did not wish to be hampered by him. Other accounts states that Choi was left at the temple in order to receive an education. This little detail does not make much sense. Why would the Japanese couple who supposedly took a liking to Choi take him Japan only to leave him at a Buddhist temple never to be seen again? That seems somewhat extreme. Choi was expelled from the temple because he was not interested in an education, lacked discipline, and was disruptive. It is difficult to imagine that the authorities of the temple would orphan a young Korean boy in a strange land. Other accounts states that the Morimoto’s abandoned Choi shortly after arriving in Moji, Japan because he was difficult to handle. Nevertheless, a monk at the temple, Kintaro Watanabi, gave Choi to his friend,
How did Takeda die?
In an interview Choi gave during his visit to the United States in June, 1982, he stated that Takeda committed suicide by starving himself to death in protest of Japan loosing the war. According to his son, Tokimune, Takeda died unexpectedly of a stroke while teaching in Aomori, Hokkaido in 1943. Choi asserted that Takeda died of a stroke secondary to malnutrition. This was before the war ended so Takeda would not have known of its outcome. Following Takeda death, Choi returned to South Korea sometime in 1945. Popular lore has it that he lost (or it was stolen) his luggage containing personal items and documents of his martial arts training while in Japan at a (Yong Sun) train station in his home town of Yong Dong. This incident may have actually occurred but again, it is unsubstantiated. When one considers the totality of the circumstances with respect to authenticity (or lack thereof) of Choi’s claims, this story is consistent. At any rate, after this incident Choi decided to settle in Daegu City. During a personal interview of Suh Bok Sup in April, 2004, he reiterated this story. Although, I had the feeling that he was repeating what was told to him and not responding from personal knowledge. Upon arriving in South Korea, Choi supported himself by selling rice cakes until he had accumulated enough money to purchase a few pigs.
Why is Hapkido so popular?
This is due to both positive and negative circumstances. Because Hapkido, as some would think, is devoid of signature skills, what often arises are variations that are nothing more than a pastiching of poorly conceived skills. This combined with inflated ranks has led to the art having a less than desirable reputation in the world martial arts community. However, amidst the controversies, key individuals such as Ji Han Jae and others have managed to move the art forward so that it is a force to be reckoned with.
When was Hapkido first used?
In a personal interview with Suh during a trip sponsored by Grandmaster Suh (Seo) In Sun, World Kido Federation, in April 2000, he stated that the name “Hapkido” was first used by he and Choi in 1958. When questioned about the validity of Ji Han Jae’s claim that he was the first to use the name, he simply stated that that is how he remembered it. Much of my conversations with Suh Bok Sup was about Oriental Medicine and Chiropractic. He seemed more interested in these two subjects than he was about the early history of Hapkido. Nevertheless, I found Suh Bok Sup to be engaging and I thoroughly enjoyed my time with him.
Who was Choi's first student?
Approximately three years after arriving in Daegu, South Korea, on February 21, 1948, Choi met his first Korean student, Suh Bok Sup. At the time of their meeting Suh was an attorney, a Judo 1st Dan, a student of Yong Ho Choi, and manager of a Makju (Korean wine) brewery owned by his father, Suh Dong Jin. On the day in question, Choi came to the brewery to secure chaff (grain) left over from the brewing process. When a group of people who there for the same purpose tried to take his place in line, a fight ensued. Choi was able to manage his attackers with relative ease. This incident was witnessed by Suh who was observing from the second floor office loft of the brewery. Suh hurried down to intercept Choi before he left because he was impressed by the unusual martial arts skill displayed by him. Suh brought Choi back to his office at the brewery where he had Judo Tatami’s (mats) arranged for practice. When Suh inquired about what kind of martial art Choi was doing, he invited him to attack him. When he did, he was deftly defeated. In return for instruction, Suh provided Choi with free chaff and payment for his lessons. Suh first lesson was supposedly the next day. Suh became the first Korean to achieve dan ranking in what Choi was calling Yawara which can be roughly translated as wrestling. What Choi taught went through several name changes such as Dae Dong Ryu Hapki Yu Kwon Sool, Yu Kwon Sool, Yu Sool, and eventually, Hapkido. The name Dae Dong Ryu Hapki Yu Sool is a transliteration of Daito Ryu Aiki Jujutsu (Great Eastern School/Style of Harmonious Energy Soft Skills). This was what Choi supposedly learned from his mentor, Takeda. On February 12, 1951, three years after their initial meeting, Suh now a 1st Dan and Choi opened their first public school naming it Dae Han Yu Kwon Sool Hapki Dojang (Korean Soft Fist Style Coordinating Energy School). Suh’s influence on the development of Hapkido can be seen in the wide variety of clothing seizures and defenses against throws. Some of Choi’s early and most influential students includes, Ji Han Jae (began in 1949), Mu Hyun (Woong) Kim, Joo Bang Lee, Joo Sang Lee, Suh, In Hyuk, Seo, Kim Jong Yong, Won Wha Kwang and others. There are other anecdotal events that took place involving Suh but, in my opinion, they are not historically relevant.
Is Hapkido definitive?
The history of Hapkido presented is by no means definitive. It is a work in progress. Therefore it will be updated as more information becomes available.
When was Hapkido founded?
Brief History of Hapkido. It is generally accepted that the nucleus of the martial arts was formed when Bodhidharma (480-528, the 1st patriarch of Zen and the 28th patriarch of Buddhism) made an epic trek across the Himalayas and arrived at the Song Shan Shaolin Temple. He introduced Zen to the temple in the year 520.
Who is the father of Hapkido?
Grand Master Bong Soo Han was the world's foremost practitioner of Hapkido and is referred to as the “Father of Hapkido” in the western world. As one of the original senior students to the Founder of Hapkido, Yong Sool Choi, he led a dedicated effort in the development of Hapkido.
Where did Jujitsu originate?
Daito-Ryu Aiki Jujitsu, itself, originated from the united Silla Dynasty of Korea. Sam Lang, Won Eui Guang, a Korean bureaucratic official, taught this art to Japan's Minamoto Shogunate, the ruling family of Japan during the Kamakura feudal era in the mid 900’s.
What was the name of the king who created the Hwarang warrior?
In the year 540 a new monarch by the name of King Chin-Heung came to power in Silla. During this time it was felt that the security of many lay in the strength of a select few. One of the most significant acts by the King was the creation of the Hwarang warrior. To accomplish this, he called upon a famous Buddhist Priest, Won Kwang Bopsa. Along with a group of elite young noblemen, he developed a system of martial arts and a “way of life”. This Way was based upon adherence to a strict code of ethics and a disciplined lifestyle dedicated to living in harmony with the natural laws of the universe. Based on the concept of unity (um/yang), empty hand fighting techniques were developed and were known for their blending of the soft and hard hand techniques and for their linear and circular foot techniques. This group came to be known as Hwarangdo.
Who was the boy who lived with the Japanese?
During the Japanese occupation a young boy, Yong Sool Choi, was sent to Japan. By age 9, Yong Sool Choi was alone and living with a group of monks in a Buddhist temple. Shortly thereafter, it became apparent to the monks that Yong Sool Choi was not suited for monastic life.
Who was Takeda's personal manservant?
The young Choi served as Master Takeda's personal manservant and, in that capacity, was privy to the lessons Takeda provided to all levels of students of his style of unarmed combat; including the most senior students of Daito-Ryu Aiki Jujitsu.
Is Tae Kyon related to Hapkido?
The kicks found in Tae-Kyon can be directly related to the Hapkido kicks we study today. Grand Master Han was one of the first five Hapkido instructors allowed to incorporate these kicks into the Hapkido curriculum and teach this unique art, which some have called the first “mixed martial art”.
When did Hapkido start?
The Birth of Hapkido. From the late 1800s to 1945, Korea was involved in conflict with China and Japan. During this period, many Koreans learned extensively about martial arts being practiced in these countries. In 1910, Japan annexed Korea abolished the Korean monarchy and outlawed all Korean martial arts.
Where did Hapkido originate?
When we seek to understand the evolution of Hapkido, we must begin on the history in Korea. Korea was first inhabited around 30,000 years ago.
How many countries practice Hapkido?
Today Hapkido is practiced in over 100 countries and continues to expand. The art's dynamic appearance has impacted Hollywood and Hong Kong cinema and its devastating effectiveness influences law enforcement and military training as well as self defence to the general public throughout the world.
How did martial arts evolve?
As east met west and the martial arts became practiced by different cultures, so did the evolution of new movements occur resulting in varied techniques. Japanese people use linear movements as seen in Karate, Kendo and Judo, Chinese use alot of exaggerated circles as seen in Kung Fu. Koreans tend to move more like a circular wave as seen in their folk dancing called Ch' um, this impacted their martial arts like Taekwondo and Hapkido. When these martial arts were introduced to the western world alot of the movements were substituted with muscle as westerners use more muscle vs muscle as found in western wrestling styles. Different cultures produce different movements, ultimately leading to new evolution in martial art techniques. Although there are many styles of martial arts today, the techniques found in all the arts are very similar if not the same, what differs are the philosophies which determine the arts range of techniques and the art's cultural heritage.
Who studied kicking in Hapkido?
Ji Han Jae and Kim Moo Hong, previous to Hapkido had studied native Korean arts such as Taekkyon and contributed additional kicking innovations, greatly expanding Hapkido's foundation. Kim Moo Hong was promoted to 4th Degree by Suh Buk Sub before he left to live in isolation in a monastery where he spent years perfecting his kicking techniques. He then travelled to Seoul in 1961 and finalised the kicking curriculum with Ji Han Jae.
Where are empty handed martial arts found?
Paintings and statues of warriors displaying fighting techniques are found throughout the royal tombs of Koguryo. The term "Soo Bak" was used to describe empty handed fighting techniques. Ssirum was a system of wrestling and grappling (pictured right) which still exists today as a Korean national sport.
Who is Hapkido's father?
Known as the father of Hapkido, Yong Sul Choi (pictured right) was taken to Japan around 1912 as a child laborer. He was arranged to be cared for in a Buddhist temple in Kyoto under the care of a monk Kintaro Wadanabi. Kintaro was a good friend of a grandmaster Sokaku Takeda who was the head of a Japanese Jujutsu (soft art) called Daito-Ryu Aiki-Jujutsu (great eastern school art of softness). It is the oldest of all Jujutsu systems in Japan. Takeda described this art as: "the perfect self defence art where you avoid being cut, hit or kicked while at the same time you dont hit, kick or cut. As the attack comes you handle it expediently using the power of your opponent, so even women and children can practice these techniques" (Tokyo Asahi Newspaper, 1930).
What is the origin of Hapkido?
Many of the basic sleeve grabs, shoulder grabs, and throws, used in Hapkido, can trace their origin to Judo. The initial name of the system of self defense Choi taught was, Dae Dong Ryu Yu Sool. This is the Korean translation for Daito Ryu Jujitsu.
When was the term "Hapkido" invented?
Ji states that he combined the techniques of his two teachers and invented the term Hapkido in 1959 . Original students of Choi, Yong Sool say, however, that the term Hapkido was first used by Choi before Ji decided to use the name. Thus, this issue may never be fully resolved as to who first used the name.
What is the largest Hapkido Federation?
Today, The Korea Hapkido Federation is the largest, wholly Hapkido, governing body for Hapkido in the world — made up of predominately South Korean born students and instructors or those individuals who have directly trained in South Korea.
Why was Park in favor of the Hapkido Association?
The reason President Park was so in favor of this new organization was, in no small part, due to the fact that Park, Jong Kyu, a student of Ji, Han Jae and head of the Presidential Protective Forces, was an instrumental element in its formation. In 1973 Ji, Han Jae resigned from this organization, with the hopes of taking many of its members with him and bringing them to a new organization he was instrumental in creating: The Republic of Korea Hapkido Association.
How old was Takeda when he was a boy?
Takeda was forty-four years old at the time Choi, a seven year old boy, came to his service. Choi was given the Japanese name Yoshida, Asao. The first or given name Tatujutu which was originally propagated as being the name Choi used in Japan in the August 1965 issue of Black Belt Magazine is not a valid Japanese name.
How long did Choi stay in Takeda's house?
Choi remained in the employ of Takeda for thirty years until April 25, 1943 when Takeda died. At that point he took his leave from the house of Takeda and shortly thereafter returned to Taegue, Korea.
Where was Hapkido born?
Choi, Yong Sool (alternative spelling Yong Shul Choi), the founder of Hapkido, was born in the town of Yong Dong, Choong Chung Province, relatively near Taegue, South Korea in 1904. In 1909 Korea came under Japanese occupation. It is believed that Japanese troops took Choi from his homeland at the age ...
