Hapkido Blend: Our Styles

Hapkido
Hapkido is a Korean style, literally translating to “the way of coordinated energy,” and is a balanced blend of Aiki-jiu jitsu, Kungfu, Judo and Tae Kwon Do. Hard styles, like the powerful Tae Kwon Do, are paired with the circular motions and flow of Aiki-jui jitsu (now called Aikido) to create a fluid and sturdy martial art capable of delivering devastating blows and manipulating the energy of an opponent. This unique blend of hard and soft styles allows for Hapkido to incorporate things like Tae Kwon Do kicks and punches, Judo throws, Aikido joint locks and pressure point manipulation, and various weapon styles.
There are three central principles in Hapkido:
- Won (circular motion) is about using the energy of an opponent to deflect their attack instead of meeting it with force.
- Hwa (harmony) refers to creating harmony between your mind and body, yourself and your environment, and yourself and your opponent, in order to gain a free mind.
- Yew (the water principle of softness and adaptability) is the idea of softening the mind and body with hapkido’s constant flow, defensive techniques, and emphasis on adapting positively to any circumstance, leading to the ability to overcome opponents and live a positive life.

Kali
Kali is an ancient Filipino martial art that can be practiced empty-handed, with kali sticks, or with sharp weapons. While there are many interpretations of the word “kali,” some of our favorites include “hand/body motion,” and “secret knowledge.” This martial art was used very successfully for centuries by the islanders of the Philippines to defend against Spanish attacks. Kali is a particularly good practice for enhancing left brain-right brain connections, strengthening memory (and lessening the chances of getting Alzheimer's disease), and learning practical defenses against weapons.

Wing Chun
Wing Chun is a close-range martial art from China, and is said to have been created by a Buddhist nun who was a Shaolin Kung Fu master. It is an efficient and concise art that focuses on simplicity and directness instead of showiness. One of Wing Chun’s unique strengths is that it teaches blocking and striking simultaneously, instead of teaching the alternating dance between the two that many other styles do. This approach, as well as the importance of precise body positioning over that of bodily strength, makes Wing Chun accessible and practical in the modern world. Check out the Ip Man series of movies to see how incredible Wing Chun truly is!

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu focuses on taking down an opponent or holding your own on the ground, eventually forcing your opponent into submission or rendering them harmless. This includes learning leg sweeps and other take down methods, Jiu Jitsu wrestling positions, and various holds and chokes. Because of the nature of Jiu Jitsu, it provides a great full-body workout while also giving one the confidence to adequately defend themselves if they are forced to the ground. While most people are afraid of fighting on the ground, we teach the powerful moves that grappling gives you over an opponent!

Kickboxing
American kickboxing originated in the 1970s and developed on its own (with no Muay Thai influence) as a blend of boxing and karate. This is often one of the more familiar martial arts in America, boasting moves like the traditional jab, cross, hook, side kick, front kick, and roundhouse. Low-leg kicks are typically not practiced, nor are sweeps and take-downs.
Muay Thai is Thailand’s boxing art, and has many similarities to American kickboxing. The two styles differ in several ways, including form (for example, Muay Thai kickboxers kick with a straight leg instead of kicking from a bent knee), and points of contact (Muay Thai’s utilization of more points of contact along the body (earning its title “the art of eight limbs”). Both styles of kickboxing provide a great high-energy workout and effective strikes for self-defense.

Boxing
Boxing is another well-known sport in America, with a focus on punches directed at the upper body. Boxing usually involves wearing thickly padded gloves for safety and is one-on-one in a ring, with strict rules. We believe boxing is an excellent way to practice proper punching form, exercise aerobically, and learn to respond quickly with blocks.
Why Use A Blend?
Each martial art has its own strengths and weaknesses, and situations in which it most shines. By combining multiple styles in our instruction, students get to experience different martial arts from across the world, find styles that they enjoy the most, and learn to switch between styles depending on what is most effective in a particular situation.
