Hapkimudo
Hapkimudo was developed by Gran master Lee Eun Jong 9th Dan, and President of the World Hapkimudo Federation and former Hapkido technical adviser to the Fédération Francaise de Taekwondo et Disciplines Associés (FFTDA). Hapkimudo is a traditional school of Hapkido where the notion of mudo is essential. It is an effective martial practice (mu means warrior) allowing an important place to the mind (Do). Currently, it is Gran master Kang Lee Jong 8th Dan, student and 1st assistant of Gran master Lee Eun Jong who took over to develop and promote Hapkimudo in Europe, in the position of technical director.
Hapkimudo means:
- Hap: Harmony between the body and mind, balanced life = health maintenance
- Ki: internal and external energy (muscular) = body fortified
- Mu: fight, martial art = efficacy, technicality
- Do: voice, philosophy, reflexion = open minded
Therefore, Hapkimudo is interpreted as the “Martial way of unified energies”.
Hapkimudo intends to preserve the roots of the original Hapkido while aiming to prioritize the technical efficiency and rigor. The Hapkimudo philosophy is based on its method of teaching: it relies on the Korean tradition, with notably the relation between teacher and student, the salutation, the vocabulary, the notions of the “ki”, but it also is universal through its redesigned pedagogy in accordance with the evolution of the western society.
The three major Hapkido principles are:
- Yu: Water – the ability to adapt to the context, knowing how to change in a timely manner, by proving fluidity and relaxation
- Won: circle – absorb, redirect and use the strength of the adversary, working in a rounded and smoothly way
- Hwa: harmony – anticipate and feel the adversary’s actions, which implies the non-resistance
To summarize, these concepts are based on the use of strength and the adversary’s power against himself, on the good control of the energy and breathing require the adaptation of the practitioner against all types of situations.
To these three principles could also be added the idea of kang ‘강’ which means hard. It aims to break the circle or harmony in order to obtain a more dynamic or a more brittle action.
In brief, Hapkimudo favours mind openness. Hapkimudo is simply an approach of Hapkido that emphasis on all forms of fighting, the rich technique, the pragmatism and mostly on the build of a student with a strong body and mind but who is above all lucid and modest about his own practice.
Finally, Hapkimudo intends to be a style that does not belong only to Koreans. It should on the other hand be considered as a universal heritage in order to share its values to the greatest number, at least to those who are motivated enough to accept a harsh and difficult education. But such is the case for all martial art that requires time, patience, efforts and a strong desire. It is the principle of the “DO”.
Hapkimudo’s motto is MUDO JONGSHIN, martial art righteous spirit.
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