TONG HAP KWAN HAPKIDO by KJN Paul Holley There are not many facts known about the origins of Hapkido. A popular story is that GM Choi was taken to Japan when he was a young boy and learned Japanese martial arts over the years he was there. Hapkido began to form when Choi Yong Sool went back to Korea from Japan and started teaching what he had learned while living there. Originally his art was just a few strikes with some throws and locks. Other techniques and several types of kicks were added by GM Choi and some of his students as the martial arts continued to develop in Korea. Some of his s ..read more

Morality in the Martial Arts by KJN Ronald Stone "The ethical man knows it is wrong to cheat, while the moral man would simply not cheat. (Ducky on NCIS) People demonstrate prosocial and moral behavior when they share, help, co-operate, communicate, sympathize or in otherwise they demonstrate an ability to care about others. While morals tend to be driven by personal beliefs and values, there are certainly some common morals that most people agree on, such as: Always telling the truth. Not destroying the property of others. Being courageous spiritually as well as physically Keeping your ..read more

Self-Knowledge and the Martial Arts by KJN Richard Hackworth Many of you may be wondering what self-knowledge means. Self-knowledge is usually defined as knowing one’s own character, motivations, feelings, etc. In relation to the martial arts, the term suggest both this self-insight and a deeper knowledge. Martial arts philosophy, the self is the individual soul or inner person while the higher self is eternal and inseparable from the universe. One of the goals of advanced martial arts is the union with the higher self, or harmony. Self-knowledge is referred to and literally means knowledge of ..read more

The #1 Self-Defense Technique by Instructor Ma The real irony of learning how to defend yourself is that most people who know how to defend themselves never have to! They have such a powerful sense of environmental awareness and confidence that they don’t attract trouble. Lots of people who wind up having to defend themselves got into that predicament by making a really bad decision. The #1 self-defense skill? Good decision making. This comes from the wisdom gained from martial arts training. As you develop your skills and self-awareness you can achieve a level of clarity that allows you to h ..read more

Hapkido Teaches Flexibility and Strength by KJN Jae Jeannotte In the world of fitness there are many methods of training for flexibility and strength. Today I will share with you some that I have found to be applied uniquely in the art of Hapkido. During my more than forty years of training in Hapkido I have learned that flexibility is the range of movement that you have in your joints. Some say that this definition should only apply if there is no exterior help to move the joint, but I don’t believe this to be correct. If your joints have a greater degree of movement when aided by an external ..read more

Hapkido’s Principle of Non-Resistance I once asked my Hapkido grand master why he preferred Hapkido for self-defense. He explained that he had long ago learned that as much as you try to turn your body into a hard strong mass there will always be someone born genetically bigger, stronger, or faster. He also explained that when two hard objects like shin bones or forearm bones collide, they both get bruised. That was where the principle of non-resistance came into play to make a believer out of him. The idea of nonresistance is to utilize your opponent's force by turning it against himself ..read more

Ki Centers: Your Seven Wheels of Energy by KJN Richard Hackworth “Ki” comes from the Korean term meaning Universal Energy. The Eastern civilization has been utilizing the power of these “7 energy wheels” for centuries. In some healing arts they refer to these as Chakras. These seven powerful energy centers run from the pubic area up to the crown of the head and back down to the tailbone. Having knowledge of each of these amazing centers of energy and how to work with this energy consciously will be an invaluable addition to your understanding of the mind/body energy system enhancing your mart ..read more

Taking A Daily Tea Break to Improve Our Lives by Instructor Ma Living in this busy modern world is really amazing. Many find it difficult to have time to fit in all activities, such as working, taking care of the kids, exercising, attending social functions, plus finding the time to eat healthy meals and snacks! Sometimes slowing down a bit is the only way we can keep ahead of the game. Taking regular tea breaks is the perfect healthy way to relax and unwind; so, sit back, relax and enjoy your cup of Tea, and absorb the environmental elements so as to figure out your life. In Asian culture ..read more

Do Your Hapkido Meditation Outside by KJN Jae Jeannotte As a practitioner of Hapkido I have been particularly interested in the healing aspects of what we do. The specialized training that I have received in Hapkido meditation and Hapkido Ki breathing has been lifechanging. I am confident from the results that I have had that you will find doing these things especially beneficial. It is because of the incredible health improving results that I have witnessed that I would like to encourage you to try it as well. As a Hapkido practitioner have you tried meditating outside? It is something very ..read more

MASTER ERIC LAINO SEMINAR IN NORTH CAROLINA PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: MASTER ERIC LAINO PHONE: (570) 242-4963 E-MAIL: lainoeric@yahoo.com June 2nd, 2022, in Garner, North Carolina, Master Eric Laino, Sparring Coach for the USA Hapkido Union Team USA, conducted a sparring techniques and strategy training seminar. The seminar was hosted at Redfield Martial Arts, owned by Head Instructor, Master Bernard Redfield. Master Laino is a nationally ranked Black Belt competitor in Sparring and Forms. He draws from his years of personal competition experience to create an effective t ..read more