There are two categories of Martial Arts, Hard and Soft.

A hard martial art involves meeting force with force. If you are attacked, you attack back with equal or greater force. An example of a hard martial art is Taekwondo.

A soft martial art involves redirecting an attacker’s energy in a way that expends little energy to the defender.  Soft martial arts are based on defense rather than attack.

The three general principles of Hapkido training are:

1. Nonresistance:  Remaining relaxed and not directly opposing an attacker’s strength.

2. Circular Movement:  Using circular motion or movement to control your attacker. Circling helps you gain the momentum you need to execute your own techniques.

3. Water Principle:  Can be thought as soft, adaptable strength that does not rely on force alone, much like water is soft to the touch.

Hapkido techniques make it a fully comprehensive fighting style.  Hapkido uses techniques which involve ranges of fighting from standing to groundwork.  Joint locks, twists, sweeps, Judo throws, pressure points and weapons defense

Hapkido training is just as vigorous as other martial arts. It carries the same physical and mental benefits, with the additional benefit of superior self-defense skills. If you’re interested in a comprehensive Hapkido training program, contact Black Tiger Martial Arts today.