HAPKIDO HISTORY

Hapkido practitioners consistently report enhancements in physical well-being and increased self-confidence, among various other psychological benefits derived from their training (Boudreau, 1995). The act of mastering specific techniques with the body becomes a medium through which hapkidoists refine their personal character and attitude (Cerny, 1981, 47). Hapkido instills motivation, discipline, and catalyzes transformative change in both adult and adolescent practitioners (Brownridge, 1975, 56). In a society grappling with soaring rates of physical inactivity and extreme obesity, So Won Sool emerges as a beacon promoting physical fitness while centering on mind-body training. Our training offers an engaging alternative to conventional exercise routines and presents a unique avenue for acquiring self-defense and martial skills.

The physical training regimen of So Won Sool delivers significant health benefits, effectively reducing morbidity and mortality. While martial arts are often associated with youth, the advantages of So Won Sool extend across all age groups. Participants, regardless of age, experience notable enhancements in aerobic capacity, balance, strength, and reductions in body fat percentage. Our approach to training not only improves pre-motor skills but also enhances visual spatial awareness and motor reaction time. Through So Won Sool, practitioners gain proficiency in addressing a wide spectrum of aggression, spanning from stand-up confrontations to ground-based combat. Our training encompasses kicking, striking, trapping, takedowns, grappling techniques, as well as the use of blunt and bladed weapons. Beyond physical prowess, So Won Sool imparts the ability to relax and center the body, deepening the mind-body connection for comprehensive growth and well-being.

Ji Han Jae, known as Dojunim (Founder), was born in 1936 in Andong, Korea, marking the beginning of a remarkable journey that would shape the world of martial arts. His martial arts odyssey commenced at the age of 13 when he embarked on his training in Yawara under the tutelage of Choi, Yung Sul. During this early phase, he delved into the realms of joint locks, throws, low kicks, and sword techniques, laying the foundation for his martial journey. Ji's dedicated training alongside Grandmaster Choi continued for a full three years, cementing his fundamentals.

As Ji approached the age of eighteen, he embarked on a new chapter of his martial arts journey by training with a revered figure he referred to as Taoist Lee Dosa. Though "Taoist" was the closest term Ji could find to describe Lee, it's important to note that Lee was more than a mere Taoist; he was a wise man with extraordinary martial skills, following ascetic practices. Under Lee's guidance, Ji ventured into the realms of mediation, Jang-Bong (6' staff) usage, Dan-Bong (short stick) techniques, and Korean Taek-Kyun kicking. Lee's mentorship not only enriched Ji's martial arsenal with various kicking and jumping techniques but also initiated him into mental and spiritual training. Lee introduced Ji to a plethora of meditation and breathing exercises, a practice that would become an integral part of his martial journey.

Ji's extensive training with Lee spanned nearly five years, a period during which he honed his martial skills and delved into the depths of meditation and spiritual growth. Subsequently, Ji continued his training under the guidance of Lee's instructor, the revered "Grandma" (Halmeoni). Ji spent extensive hours at a temple, which also served as a healing sanctuary for the terminally ill. Over the course of three years, Grandma became Ji's spiritual mentor, imparting invaluable wisdom and insight. This profound training under Grandma continued until Ji's departure from Korea.

At the age of 23, Ji, Han Jae embarked on his journey as an instructor by establishing his first dojang in Andong. He named his new school "Moo Kwan" and focused on teaching Yu Kwan Sool. After a brief nine-month stint, he relocated his dojang to Seoul in September 1957, where he named it "Sung Moo Kwan." Notably, Hwang, Duk Kyu, became his first student at this esteemed dojang.

In April 1960, a pivotal moment unfolded in Ji's martial arts journey as he masterfully combined Grandmaster Choi's Yoo Sool teachings with the meditative methods, Taek-Kyun kicking techniques, and weapon skills acquired from Lee. This fusion, enriched by spiritual insights gleaned from Grandma, resulted in the birth of "Hapkido." Ji initially contemplated naming it "Hapki-Yoo-Kwan-Sool," but he eventually opted for the term 'Do,' signifying a path to follow or a way of life, over 'sool,' which implies mere techniques. This transformation marked the philosophical essence of Hapkido, transcending it from a set of techniques to a holistic way of living.

In a significant turn of events, Ji found himself teaching Hapkido at the Korean military academy when General Park Chung Hee became the President of Korea in May 1961. With a demonstration and the support of Major Lee Dong Nam, Ji obtained permission to instruct the military Supreme Council in Hapkido techniques. Ji also secured a government position teaching Hapkido to the President's security forces, known as the Blue House—a role he held until President Park's passing in 1979.

In 1963, Ji, Han Jae, Grandmaster Choi Yong Sool, and Kwon Jang established the Korea Kido Association. However, by 1965, Ji left the Korea Kido Association and founded the Korea Hapkido Association, marking a significant juncture in Hapkido's institutional development.

The next five years saw the emergence of three prominent Hapkido organizations: the Korea Hapkido Association (founded in 1965 by Han-Jae Ji), the Korea Hapkido Association (founded in 1969 by Jae-Nam Myung), and the Korean Hapkido Association (founded in 1971 by Kim Moo Woong). Ultimately, in 1973, leaders from these organizations convened and reached an agreement to unify their associations under the banner of the "Dae Han Min Kuk Hapkido Hyub Hwe," which translates to the Republic of Korea Hapkido Association.

Between 1967 and 1969, Ji embarked on a mission to Vietnam alongside some of his students, where he imparted Hapkido training to U.S., Vietnamese, and Korean soldiers engaged in the conflict. Additionally, Ji's journey took him to the United States as part of an exchange program with President Richard Nixon's security forces. Here, he shared his expertise, teaching Hapkido to distinguished agencies such as the U.S. Secret Service, Special Forces, OSI, FBI, and CIA.

During his stay at Andrews Air Force Base, Ji's path crossed with Taekwondo Grandmaster Jhoon Rhee, who introduced him to the legendary Bruce Lee. Impressed by Ji's techniques, Bruce Lee became his student, setting the stage for an extraordinary martial arts collaboration. Ji not only taught Bruce Lee but also ventured to Hong Kong to contribute to the choreography of martial arts films and even starred in a few of them. His list of pupils extended to include renowned movie stars like Jin Pal Kim, Angela Mao, Samo Hong, and many others. Ji made appearances in three films: "Hapkido" (

Yong Sul Choi (1904-1986) stands as a luminary figure in the realm of Korean martial arts, leaving an indelible mark on its history. Born in 1904 in Choong Buk province, his early life was marked by adversity, as he tragically lost both his parents during his formative years. However, fate had more in store for Choi than a tale of hardship.

During his childhood, Choi experienced a life-altering event when he was kidnapped and taken to Japan. It was in the land of the rising sun that his martial journey took flight as he studied Daito Ryu Aiki Jujutsu. Under the expert guidance of Sokaku Takeda (1859-1943), the renowned head of the Daito Ryu Aiki-jujutsu school, Choi commenced his studies at the tender age of nine.

Choi's education in Japan was a transformative experience, honing his martial skills and instilling in him a deep understanding of the martial arts. Yet, his return to the mainstream world coincided with Korea's liberation from colonial Japanese rule in 1945. On his journey back to Korea, fate dealt him a harsh blow when one of his bags, containing not only his money but also the certificates attesting to his martial arts training in Japan, was lost during the trip.

Undeterred by this setback, Choi had originally intended to return to his hometown in Choong Buk province. However, circumstances dictated a different path, as he decided to stay in Tae Gu due to his financial constraints. With determination and resilience, Choi took on the role of a bread salesman, earning his livelihood one loaf at a time. His ultimate goal was to save enough money to realize his plans.

Every morning, Choi would rise early and make his way to the Suh Brewery. There, he received free grain chaff, a byproduct of the brewing process, which he used to feed the pigs he was raising. It was during one such morning that a remarkable incident occurred, one that would change the course of Choi's life forever.

Suh Bok-sub, the President of the brewery, witnessed a confrontation among the people lined up to receive the free grain chaff. In this tumultuous situation, one man effortlessly defended himself against multiple attackers with astounding efficiency. Intrigued by the spectacle, Suh summoned Choi to his office to inquire about the techniques he had used.

When Choi asked about Suh's interest, the President revealed his desire to learn these techniques for an upcoming martial arts tournament. Impressed by Choi's skills, Suh was eager to become his student. He offered not only to continue providing free grain chaff but also to pay for Choi's martial arts instruction. Given this proposition, Choi agreed to become Suh's teacher.

Under Suh's patronage, a dojang (training hall) was constructed at the brewery, where Choi began teaching the art of Yu Sool to students. As time passed, "Yu Sool" underwent a transformation, evolving into "Yu Kwon Sool." While Yu Sool focused primarily on joint locks and throws, Yu Kwon Sool expanded its repertoire to encompass punches and kicks, offering a more comprehensive martial education.

Suh's dedication to Yu Kwon Sool led him to demonstrate the art to the public, causing it to gain widespread popularity. Eventually, he sold his brewery and established a Yu Kwon Sool school in Tae Gu. In 1965, he extended his martial legacy by opening a school in Seoul.

Throughout this journey, Choi diligently passed on the techniques he had acquired to a select group of disciples. It wasn't until 1957, during the Korean conflict, that Hapkido first reached the common person. Choi's students played a pivotal role in spreading and popularizing Hapkido, ensuring its enduring presence in the martial arts landscape.