Hapkido is a Korean martial art. It is a form of self-defense that employs joint locks, grappling, throwing techniques, kicks, punches, and other striking attacks. It also teaches the use of traditional weapons, including knife, sword, rope, nunchaku, cane, short stick, and middle-length staff, gun, and bō (Japanese), which vary in emphasis depending on the particular tradition examined.
Master Choi Yong-Sool (circa 1954)
Retouched photograph of the master of Daito Ryu Aiki-jujutsu Takeda Sōkaku (circa 1888)
Grand Master Han-young Choi in his first gym in El Paso (1980)
Grand Master Ji Han-Jae (left) and Hapkido founder Choi Yong-Sul (right).
Korean martial arts are fighting practices and methods which have their place in the history of Korea but have been adapted for use by both military and non-military personnel as a method of personal growth or recreation. The history of Korean martial arts can be traced as far back as the prehistoric era.
Taekwondo at the 2014 Asian Games
"Siege of Dongrae" Japanese army dual wielding swords while attacking the town of Dongrae. All Korean Soldiers are armed with the composite bow.
Korean Army under Gwon Yul attacking the Japanese Castle at Ulsan, commanded by Katō Kiyomasa. Note that the entire formation is archers, as painted by the Japanese.
Heon Kim using a modern Korean composite bow
