HAPKIDO – An Organic Martial Art

Hapkido has made significant progress in breaking out of the shadows over the last decade, and this beautiful and yet incredibly practical discipline is now more generally acknowledged and practised than maybe ever before. But what does the future hold? Writer Nial Adams.

Hapkido has had its fair share of politics and discussion over the beginnings of what is now widely recognised as a relevantly current form. Although many of the technical components are derived from ancient traditions, Choi Young Sul, a single founder, is responsible for the construction of what we see today. Unfortunately, since his death in 1986, aspirants to the throne have been hard at work rewriting history to suit their own, primarily commercial, goals.

As far as giving credit to Japanese elements from the Daito-Ryu school of Aiki-Jujitsu, there is debate, and in rewriting history, some wonderful tales have recently appeared, liberally sprinkled with the usual elements of wandering monks, hidden monasteries, secret books and texts passing on once-forgotten knowledge to the chosen few.

Fred Adams, the founder of the Great Britain Hapkido Association, the first organisation in the United Kingdom to educate art, discusses where art stands today and why it should be appreciated as a practical and organic form without the need for additions. We wondered what he meant when he called his own system Authentic Hapkido.

There is so much nonsense said about the style, and even more nonsense taught, that the general public has no idea whether they are getting the genuine item or not, and unfortunately, the latter is the case in most cases. I use the phrase “authentic” because I want to underline that we’re teaching a pure style that doesn’t include things like hyungs (patterns) or competitive sparring.

But why don’t you consider these to be advantageous? Hapkido is an incredible martial technique that is both difficult and beautiful in its simplicity. Simply put, Hyungs were never included in the initial training programme. We choose for hands-on instruction with a partner. Hapkido is a very direct and practical martial art; it’s combat, self-defense in its simplest form, and it necessitates actual physical contact, whether it’s learning the various locks, throws, holds, and other techniques, or preparing defences against punches and kicks.

How Can Hapkido Work In A Competitive Environment?

It can’t, that’s the point. It’s not Taekwondo and it’s not kickboxing, how on earth can you make moves that are designed to dislocate someone’s shoulder, snap their wrist, or knock them out and apply that, practically in a sporting context? The minute you produce a rule book you destroy the whole concept of the art.

So where does your Hapkido stand in terms of the rest of the martial arts community? We really have no interest in those that wish to dilute and effectively degrade what is fantastic art. Evidently, the kind of people who have experienced a meteoric rise in their standards and grades have a key element missing training time. Hapkido teaches you the basics of art that you can develop organically, for the rest of your life. There’s enough learning to keep you busy for more than a lifetime without adding any artificial ingredients, they’re a poor substitute for learning the real thing, authentic Hapkido.

What does it offer and what kinds of students are attracted to your Authentic Hapkido? Because we teach it from a practical perspective our students come from all walks of life. Everyone should have a right to protect himself or herself, no matter what age, sex, or ability. Because of the practical way we teach in particular we attract people who need effective self-defense, like members of the police, armed forces, bodyguards, medical staff, teachers, door supervisors, etc. It represents a devastatingly effective system of self-defense and doesn’t require great strength or size.

And how do you approach the more esoteric elements in your teaching? Hapkido is a Do, away, and there is much more to the study of the art than simply practice it and training. We find people who take a serious study and grow into the art benefit enormously. We don’t brainwash students with religious, cult-like teaching as some others do but focus on the values of their character and build positive elements like confidence, care, and understanding. It’s a very effective style and so potentially dangerous in the wrong hands and we want to develop students who respect themselves, others around them, and the art.

Where do you see Hapkido going from here? Sadly, like so many other styles there are plenty of people out there looking to profit from people’s ignorance and gullibility, and I will do everything possible to give students with a desire to learn the opportunity to study the genuine article. Ensuring that Hapkido grows and moves forward is essential. As the largest, most widespread, and established organization in the UK we are looking to expand further and let more people have the chance to experience the style.”

Fred Adams is internationally recognized for his pioneering work for the development of Hapkido as well as other styles. Having studied martial arts for over 50 years, now at the age of 71, he still travels to teach, grade his students and promote Authentic Hapkido through seminars and training.