Hapkido's Greatest Strength & Weakness
Hapkido’s Greatest Strength and Weakness
The systematic set of defense and attack techniques in Hapkido, which inherently promotes versatility and adaptability, is a strength that makes Hapkido one of the most comprehensive martial art systems. But, that very strength is also one of its greatest weaknesses. Because it can be varied according to need and circumstance, it is also prone to individual bias and strengths, both student and instructor. This has led to various curriculums (including “modern”, “realistic”, “tactical”), and a plethora of organizations based on personal tastes and agendas.
The late GM Myung, was perhaps one of the greatest technicians of Hapkido, especially in regards to categorizing and systematically organizing techniques. The late master taught the technique as he learned it. GM Myung, having had over half a century of training, teaching, and researching, transmitted that knowledge intact, without personal bias or agenda. His collection of books and videos is a testament to his life’s work.
However, GM Myung did not dictate that there was only application of a technique. I believe he understood very well, that scenarios, environments, physiques, etc., vary. Having that foresight and understanding, GM Myung taught the techniques, intact. I believe GM Myung left open the possibilities of application knowing full well that the combinations of scenario, environment, physique, etc., were in substance, infinite. The GM taught theory and expected that we use our training, mental abilities, to apply them. This, to me, was the hallmark of a great teacher, passing on the knowledge and giving the student the freedom to express and apply.
There should be no confusion on the matter of changing or eliminating techniques. GM Myung, with his decades of study and research, categorized and developed 10 Basic Techniques which serve as a good representation of some of the more frequently utilized techniques in Hapkido. They serve to instill a base, but those techniques in themselves, do not contain many of the nuances and finesse inherent within specific defensive tactics. The GM developed them as a representation of Hapkido techniques, but he did not cut or eliminate techniques based on his personal preferences or opinions.
Some practitioners advocate change, innovation, perhaps even “reality” techniques. Given the variety and versatility of Hapkido techniques, it may be tempting to eliminate some techniques under the auspices of change and innovation. Some techniques are perceived as ineffective and impractical and hastily discarded. However eliminating or changing can lead to unwanted or unintended effects.
One of the most easily recognized, and unfortunately, often incorrectly performed techniques in Hapkido, is the knife arm defense against a same side wrist grab. Executed correctly, the technique teaches the student the principles of:
· Body positioning
· Leveraging the opponent’s power against them
· Grab release principle
· Attack of pressure points and weaknesses of the human body
It also demonstrates the utilitarian approach of Hapkido techniques, the systematic and deliberate attack against the opponent with each movement within the technique - nothing put to waste.
Elimination of a technique, or set of techniques, can lead to losing the structural components that are inherent within techniques. Modifying or changing, can lead to subsequent variations which at some point, may not resemble the original technique nor be effective under the original scenario.
Teaching a common set of techniques allows for diversity and the ability to transfer that knowledge to many. At the same time, it allows the individual to apply and adapt to their body structure, situation, and environment.
