"Hap Ki Do"

"Harmony, Energy, Way"

합 - Hap (Harmony) = Together or the harmony of body and spirit.

기 - Ki (Energy) = Life and body energy.

도 - Do (Way) = Way of life or way of learning.

I studied the traditional Korean self-defense martial art known as Hapkido during my visit to Korea.  It was an amazing experience.  It helped change my inside and my outside.  I'd recommend it to anyone who's looking for a traditional style martial art that anyone can learn.  Learn more at Hapkido-Info or Wikipedia.
 

"Hwa Won Ryu"

"Influence, Circle, River"

Three Principles of Hapkido

1. Hwa (Influence) = The principle of influence.

By lightning fast subtle movements, which hardly can be noticed, the aggressor is arranged to reflex counter movements, which then are used in a subsequent technique.

2. Won (Circle) = The principle of the circle.

All movements are circular. The Hapkido fighter moves as if he were inside a ball. Influencing forces are rerouted from the outside and neutralized at the surface of the "ball".

3. Ryu (River) = The principle of the river.

Like the river, which adapts extremely flexibly to the landscape and in the moment, and with the buildup developing an enormous strength, the Hapkido fighter also sensitively reacts to his opponent, in order to let his pent-up "Ki" flow by the technique into the opponent at the crucial moment.

My Gwan Jang Nim and I visited his grave on April 20, 2007.
Click here for more info and my Hapkido Family Tree