Hapkido Principle

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.