Hapkido - Training

Training

Hapkido training takes place in a dojang. While training methods vary, a typical training session will contain technique practice (striking techniques as well as defensive throws and grappling), break falling (nakbop; 낙법; 落法), sparring, meditation and exercises to develop internal energy (ki; 기; 氣).

Although hapkido is in some respects a "soft" art, training is very vigorous and demanding. The practitioner could benefit in training by being lean and muscular. However, strength is not a prerequisite of hapkido; what strength and fitness is necessary to perform the techniques develops naturally as a result of training.

Example Curriculum

The following is an example of the Korea Hapkido Association technical requirements from 1st degree to 5th degree Black Belt as recorded by He-Young Kimm in 1991, created in association with Ji Han Jae. These techniques are now considered pre-dan level.

1st Degree Black Belt

• Single Kicks
• Wrist Seize Defense
• Clothing Seize Defense
• Punch Defense
• Kick Defense
• Combination Kicks
• Jumping Kicks
• Throw Defense
• Knife Defense
• Attacking Techniques / Taking the Initiative

2nd Degree Black Belt

• Advanced Wrist Grab Defense
• Advanced Clothing Grab Defense
• Advanced Punch Defense
• Advanced Kick Defense
• Choke Defense
• Advanced Attacking Techniques / Taking the Initiative
• Special Kicks
• Defense From A Sitting Or Lying Posture

3rd Degree Black Belt

• Joint locking Counters
• Short Stick Techniques
• Staff Techniques

4th Degree Black Belt

• Cane Techniques
• Sword Techniques
• Defense Against Multiple Attackers

5th Degree Black Belt

• Techniques Using Opponent's Force
• Rope Techniques
• Knife Throwing Techniques
• Revival Techniques