A Comprehensive Martial Arts System, Hanminjok Hapkido is a systematic study of all of the traditional fighting arts, which together comprise the martial arts history of Korea. As a martial arts system, it is extremely well-organized; and seeks to integrate and explore the entire spectrum of established Asian fighting arts and body conditioning techniques, as well as mental development and traditional weapons training. The following list includes some, but by no means all, of the elements of our arts.
STRIKING HAND AND LEG TECHNIQUES
Closed and open hand striking methods, including: palm, fist, wrist, finger, and specialised hand training techniques. Pressure point striking. Striking with arm and shoulder. Blocking and parrying. Fundamental kicks, including: front, inside, outside. Advanced kicks, including: jumping, spinning, combination and double leg kicks. Pressure point kicking.
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JOINT LOCKING AND GRAPPLING TECHNIQUES
Throws include: body throws, projection throws, hip throws, leg throws. pressure point grappling. Grappling defence. Wrestling techniques and ground fighting. Restraining methods. Joint breaking techniques. Combination joint locking. Control and redirection techniques. Arresting and pain-compliance techniques.
BODY CONDITIONING, FALLING AND ACROBATICS
Body conditioning and agility techniques. Body protection techniques. Acrobatics for defence and offence. Overall stretching and flexibility training. Cardiovascular conditioning. Muscle toning. Ligament and tendon strengthening. Joint flexibility and bone conditioning.
TRADITIONAL KOREAN WEAPONS
Sword (short, long, single or double, straight or inverted). Staff (short, middle & long, single or double). Jointed Staff (flail). Spear. Cane. Rope. Fan. Bow and Arrow.
There are 24 different traditional Korean Royal Court weapons in the curriculum of Hanminjok.
MARTIAL ART HEALING METHODS, MEDITATION AND BREATHING
Acupressure. Acupuncture. Internal energy systems. Herbal medicine. Various breath control techniques. Meditation and breathing postures. Concentration techniques.
As you can see, Hanminjok Hapkido covers an extensive variety of martial art techniques. But it is not merely concerned with methods of attack and defense, it also includes the study of healing techniques and the development of internal power, in addition to the physical training. Mental development is of equal importance and helps to instil self-confidence and self-discipline, a calm self-assurance, and the psychological and spiritual values which are traditionally associated with the character of a martial artist.
Although Hanminjok Hapkido, as it is practiced today is relatively new, its roots stretch far and deep to the very beginnings of the Korean people. This early history and the ancient traditions upon which this art is founded should be viewed as important as the physical techniques themselves, for it is only from the understanding and appreciation of these classical roots that one is able to grow as a student of the martial arts.
