Hapkido Principles

The circle symbolises natural and continuous movement. In relation to an attackers punch – instead of blocking it with a direct counterblock (meeting force with force), the circular principle is used to deflect or re-direct the force of the punch. Utilising a circle not only disrupts an opponent’s force, but also sets the position for a counterattack. In everyday life the same principle can be applied - if someone makes negative comments then these should not be countered with negative returns but be deflected in a circular way with positive ones.
The circle can also be thought of as an invisible area around oneself – if the attackers punch does not come inside this circle there is no need to block. Circular motion is also important in relation to the education of students. Techniques need to be revisited with the added knowledge acquired from having completed the circle.

At one level the harmony or non-resistance that we are trying to develop is within us – linking mind and body. In simple terms, one should be making sure that the body or senses are not dictating actions.
At other levels we should be trying to be in harmony with our environment and our opponent. In relation to a punch even though the force is directed straight at us, we should not oppose that force but instead go with it. In this way we harmonise with the force becoming one with it. In everyday life we should also be ensuring that there is harmony between mind and body, so that we are following the right path. Closely linked to harmony theory is the concept of "empty mind" - a mind free from impurities.

Two of the characteristics of water are softness and adaptability. Softness in general is linked to life, whereas, hardness or brittleness is linked to death. Softness has the capacity to win against hardness. Hapkido is “soft” and defensive, emphasising throws, twists and pressure point techniques. As compared to some other Martial Arts that are “hard” – which rely on physical power and are offence-oriented. When training in Hapkido both the body and mind should become softer. Adaptability can be described in terms of deflecting an attacker’s punch; we are like water that has been penetrated by a stone: no sooner has the stone divided the water than it flows together again to surround and envelop the stone. Adaptability, constant flow, penetration and softness apply to actions within the do-jang as well as to life in general. For example, adaptability refers to adjusting positively to changing circumstances and finding the best path.