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International Hapkido | |
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Hapkido History Hapkido is a martial art that originated in Japan, but developed in Korea. Grandmaster Yong Sool Choi helped spread Hapkido by teaching in Korea. Many people have heard of Hapkido, but not many know that it has the oldest traceable lineage out of any other martial art. The original Hapkido was derived from ancient Japanese Aikijutsu (similar to Aikido). In 1946 Young Sool Choi brought his knowledge of Aikijutsu from Japan to Korea. Grandmaster Yong Sool Choi blended Aikijutsu with other martial arts like Korean Karate and created Hapkido. Aikijutsu is a combination of bending, twisting and pressure point applications to various parts of the body. Using these techniques, various throws and locks can be achieved. As seen in Aikido today, the throws usually were created from the older Aikijutsu techniques. Korean Karate also added in its dynamic kicks and powerful strikes. It was with these strengths from several martial arts combined that the Original Hapkido was created, producing a dynamic balance of several martial art forms. For an insightful look at how Grandmaster Yong Sool Choi began teaching Hapkido in Korea, I recommend reading an interview between Master Bok Sup Suh and Master Mike Wollmershauser. **Master Bok Sup Suh was Grandmaster Yong Sool Choi's first student. |