In Hankido the principles of Won (圓, circle), Yu (流, fluidity) and Hwa (和, harmony) are more visible in the application of each technique...
Hankido is based on twelve basic self-defense techniques (Ho Shin Ki, 호신기) which in turn are linked to 24 breathing exercises.
Twelve techniques performed from the defender's point of view which we call 'Heaven Techniques' (Chon Ki Bob, 천기법, 天氣法) and twelve techniques performed from the attacker's point of view called 'Earth Techniques' (Chi Ki Bob, 지기법, 地氣法). In these groups of techniques, heaven and earth are understood as opposite terms, heaven related to positive energy (Yang) and earth to negative energy (Um). Obviously Hankido is formed by many more techniques, not only by the main twelve circular techniques, but they form the solid foundation of any Hankido practitioner. It is better to practice one technique a thousand times than to train a thousand techniques once.
GM Myung Jae Nam began the development of what we know as Hankido in the 1980s. The literal translation of the word hankido is "way of Korean energy" and promotes the integration of three disciplines: HAPKIDO, HANKIDO AND HANKUMDO. Although it is a very modern martial art, since it was only presented to the public in 1980, it is based on very ancient concepts of Korean culture, precisely because it seeks to rescue the traditions that were lost after the Japanese occupation of the Korean peninsula.
Hankido in the HKD is the connecting link of the disciplines practiced within the HKD (Hapkido, Hankido and Hankumdo); as well as a form of cultural expression of the South Korean people.
The teaching of Hankido
There are 8 paths (or directions) on which the IHF HKD bases the teaching of Hankido.
- Ho Shin Do Bob (Self-defense techniques).
- Moo Ye Do Bob (Circular techniques performed in a dance-like manner).
- Su Jok Do Bob (Striking techniques).
- Kyuk Ki Do Bob (Combat techniques).
- Ki Hap Do Bob (Techniques for developing KI -internal energy-).
- Byung Sool Do Bob (Handling of traditional Korean weapons).
- Su Chim Do Bob (Use of pressure points).
- Hwan Sang Do Bob (Visualization techniques and breathing exercises).
