What Are the Differences Between Aikido and Hapkido?

Aikido and Hapkido are two martial arts that, while similar in name, have distinct differences in their origins, philosophies, and techniques. This article aims to highlight these differences and provide a deeper understanding of these two martial arts.

Origins

Aikido was founded by Morihei Ueshiba around the 1920s in Japan. It is based on the foundational principles of Daito Ryu Aiki Jujutsu, a traditional Japanese martial art revived in the early 20th century.

On the other hand, Hapkido was founded by Choi Yong-Sool in the early 1900s in Korea1. Choi Yongsool created Hapkido after returning to Korea from Japan, where he had spent 30 years studying Daito Ryu Aiki Jujutsu. Hapkido is heavily influenced by this style and incorporates moves from Taekkyon and Tang Soo Do, as well as various Judo throws and ground fighting techniques.

Philosophies

Aikido is more spiritual and defensive. It emphasizes defense moves with a few attack styles. The attacking styles are considered inadequate due to their spiritual origin, conveying a lesser form of violence than other combat sports. The philosophy of Aikido is to receive blows from the opponent in a non-aggravation technique, take advantage of the momentum, and turn it against them.

Hapkido, however, is more aggressive and offensive. It focuses on utilizing both physical and mental energy during the fight. Hapkido is considered a self-defense martial art rather than an attacking style. The philosophy is to be able to defend yourself adequately against an attacker rather than being an aggressor.

Techniques

Aikido focuses on joint manipulations and throws. It employs pressure and joint-locking against the opponent. Aikido also applies the principle of Tae Kwon Do to achieve the ideal form of flexibility.

Hapkido incorporates kicks, punches, grappling, jumping kicks, punches, and other hand strikes. It uses a lot of kicking and striking, making it more inclined as a fighting art. Hapkido teaches both close and long-range fighting moves and focuses on circular movement, redirecting an opponent’s strikes, and controlling the attacker.

Weapons

Both Aikido and Hapkido use weapons. Aikido follows the forms of Kenjutsu, while Hapkido uses traditional weapons such as knives, swords, nunchaku (ssang-chul-bong in Korean), short-stick (dan-bong), cane (ji pang ee), medium-length staff (joong-bong), gun (similar to the Japanese Long staff or bo – bong in Korean).

Training and Practice

The training and practice methods in Aikido and Hapkido also differ. Aikido training typically involves a lot of practice in forms (kata) and joint manipulation, with a focus on achieving fluid motion, proper form, and timing. On the other hand, Hapkido training is more dynamic and includes a wider range of techniques, including kicks, punches, and weapon techniques.

Effectiveness in Self-Defense

When it comes to self-defense, both Aikido and Hapkido have their strengths. Aikido’s philosophy of harmony and non-resistance can be effective in situations where one needs to control an opponent without causing harm. However, Hapkido’s more aggressive techniques and its emphasis on practical self-defense can be more effective in a real-world confrontation.

Popularity

While both Aikido and Hapkido are practiced worldwide, Aikido is generally more well-known. This could be due to the influence of its founder, Morihei Ueshiba, and the spread of the art by his students. Hapkido, while less known, has also spread globally and is recognized for its comprehensive and dynamic techniques.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both Aikido and Hapkido offer unique approaches to martial arts. They each provide different benefits and challenges to their practitioners. The choice between the two would depend on individual preferences regarding philosophy, techniques, and training methods.