HapKi

HapKi-Do for Adults

( Classes available for students over 12 only, Privates for Adults and Seniors )

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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 defenders 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 ( boxing ) and kicks are delivered with such rapidity that it is very difficult to lead the opponents force. In these situations, the close quarter blocking, kicking and striking techniques of HapKi-Do give the student knowledge of how to counter and overcome such attacks.

Many of the joint locks, ground fighting and throws of HapKi-Do are very similar to those of Jiu-jitsu. Even so, HapKi-Do places more emphasis on painful twisting of the large and small joints and tendons along with the application of painful pressure to vital points combined with a thorough knowledge of human anatomy which helps to control any opponent regardless of size or strength. These techniques are fine for close quarter attacks, however because Jiu-jitsu practitioners do not normally practice their techniques against proficient kickers or punchers, they are vulnerable to such long range attacks. Students practice kicks and punches to a high degree of proficiency, thus the familiarity gained through practicing the techniques helps in defending against them.

HapKi-Do, like TaeKwon-Do, also has spinning kicks, thrusts and circular kicks. However, HapKi-Do has more emphasis on low kicks and sweeps. Due to the fact that HapKi-Do 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 HapKi-Do are similar to those of TaeKwon-Do and Karate, that is, mainly linear attacks with fist or knife hand. However in a confined space such as a crowded public bar or a narrow hallway, kicks are limited in their practicality. Self-defense tools such as punches, elbows, knees, head butts, pressure points, eye gouging and joint locking attacks are essential for survival in such situations. All these techniques are practiced in HapKi-Do to produce a thorough knowledge of all ranges of attack and combat defense.

In HapKi-Do, as the student advances past the basic hand techniques, more emphasis is placed on small circular techniques and fast close quarter parrying, which resembles the techniques of many Kung Fu's. Advanced weaponry techniques using the long staff, short sticks, sword and the fan are similar to those of Kung Fu. In HapKi-Do stances are shorter, so it becomes more effective in free sparring and self defense.

Throwing and ground self defense plays an important role in HapKi-Do. The basic principles of Judo and Jiu-Jitsu are used in HapKi-Do, that is, moving your opponent's center of balance to a vulnerable position and using your leg or body to topple or turnover the opponent. HapKi-Do also uses strikes, arm and leg locks, small joint locks, chokes and pressure points to maneuver and subdue the opponent with less use of strength.

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