Hapkido is a type of Korean martial art which focuses on defense rather than offense, and is designed to neutralize an opponent through a range of techniques. Hapkido is a discipline which is also designed to clarify and calm the spirit, and those who practice Hapkido are also attempting to develop themselves as individuals. While not as widely practiced as some other Asian martial arts, Hapkido in enjoying increasing popularity in the West.

Hapkido developed out of the practice of various martial arts for many, many years. Still, hapkido, as we know it today is considered to be a relatively modern martial art with modern inception dates set around the mid 1900's. Two Grand Masters are credited with shaping the discipline, Han Jae Ji and Yong-Sul Choi. Both men contributed an immense amount to the martial art now known as Hapkido, and are generally credited together for the introduction of the martial art to the West. Some, however, credit Yong-Sul Choi alone. Both Grand Masters came to the United States in the 1980s with the aim of opening Hapkido schools and increasing Western awareness of the martial art, and were followed in later years by other masters who wanted to preserve the teachings of these two men.

Hapkido, in Korean, means the way, or do, of ki, which refers to life energy, and harmony, or hap. Hapkido is designed to be a martial art which harmonizes body energy while maintaining a state of non-aggression. Many martial arts focus on non-aggression, and can be practiced by men and women of all ranges of size and strength. Hapkido is about calculated moves rather than brute force.

Hapkido is governed by three essential principles. The first has to do with a circular nature, that all motions move within a round and that activity while sparring is kept inside a ball of energy, with opponents focusing energy tightly within. Hapkido also incorporates a principal of the river, which involves flowing and easily adapted motion. In Hapkido, energy is conserved for the right moment, like a river breaking out. Finally, Hapkido uses the principle of influence, forcing a would be attacker to adopt defensive movements and leave openings which can be taken advantage of.

Hapkido incorporates weapons, knowledge of nerve points, kicking, throws, joint locks, and hitting techniques into a flowing and beautiful discipline wherein an attacker can be easily neutralized. As a defensive martial art, Hapkido is designed to deflect attack back onto the attacker in a peaceful way. Often Hapkido takes advantage of nerve points in conjunction with joints to immobilize an attacker. This discipline does not require great strength, and as a result, Hapkido is often integrated into self defense classes for weaker individuals.

Hapkido incorporates physical and spiritual discipline to build character as well as self defense skills. The desired end result is a well rounded, peaceful individual who is capable of self defense in situations where it is warranted.