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Comparison to other Martial Arts

Comparison to other Martial Arts

So many martial arts are available these days and it can be very confusing and difficult to compare what is being offered to decide which martial art is best for you. The following comparison will help you understand what is different about Hapkido when compared to other martial arts.

This comparison is not saying that Hapkido is better than other martial arts.

If you are considering starting a martial art we suggest you sample several different styles before you commit to one. The most important criteria to consider when choosing a martial art are:

  • Convenience – if it is hard to get to, you will find it harder to continue in your training.
  • Friendships – you may join because of a particular style or a particular instructor – but you will continue because of the friends you make in that club.
  • Quality and Expertise – you want to learn quality techniques that are effective in the real world.
  • Affordability – if the costs are too high then you will not be able to sustain your involvement, learning a martial art takes years, not months. 

Think carefully, look around, then once you make a choice  commit fully.

AIKIDO

As in Aikido, the attacker is encouraged to over-commit their attack. The attack is received with minimal resistance, it is guided past the target and then the defender’s own force is added to it. The result is to unbalance and throw the opponent. However, opponents do not always attack with large movements. Often short jabs and kicks are delivered with such rapidity that it is very difficult to lead the opponent’s force. In these situations, the close quarter blocking and striking techniques of Hapkido give the Hapkidoist knowledge of how to counter and overcome such attacks.

JUJITSU

 Many of the joint locks and throws of Hapkido are very similar to those of Jujitsu. Painful twisting of the joints and tendons along with the application of painful pressure to vital points, combined with a thorough knowledge of human anatomy help to control any opponent regardless of size or strength. These techniques are fine for close quarter attacks, however because Jujitsu practitioners do not practice their techniques against proficient kickers or punchers, they are vulnerable to such long range attacks. Hapkidoists practice kicks and punches to a high degree of proficiency, thus the familiarity gained through practicing the techniques helps in defending against them. 

TAE KWON DO

Virtually all of the kicking techniques of Tae Kwon Do are identical to those of Hapkido. Spinning kicks, thrusts, circular kicks and sweeps are all used in sparring. Due to the fact that Hapkido is not a tournament orientated style, other techniques like low spinning kicks, low-section kicks and knee strikes are also used. The basic hand techniques of Hapkido are similar to those of Tae Kwon Do, that is mainly linear attacks with fist or knifehand. However in a confined space such as a crowded public bar or a narrow hallway, kicks are limited in their practicality. Self-defence tools such as elbows, knees, head butts and joint attacks are essential for survival in such situations. All these techniques are practised in Hapkido to produce a thorough knowledge of all ranges of attack and defence. 

KUNG FU

In Hapkido, as the student advances past the basic hand techniques, more emphasis is placed on small circular techniques and fast close quarter parrying which resemble the techniques of Kung Fu. Advanced weaponry techniques using the long pole Bo,  cane and the fan are similar to those of Kung Fu.

JUDO

Throwing plays an important role in Hapkido. The basic principles of judo are used in Hapkido, that is, moving your opponent’s centre of balance to a vulnerable position and using your leg or body to topple the opponent. As well, Hapkido uses strikes or pressure points to manoeuvre the opponent with less use of strength. 

KENDO

At advanced stages, students are taught Komdo (The Korean version of Japanese Kendo). Basic strikes and blocks are similar to Kendo, however circular and low section attacks typical of traditional Korean swordsmanship are taught once the basics have been learnt.