Hapkido is a Korean martial art whose name is written with the same three Chinese characters as aikido. The art's techniques, however, bear little resemblance to those of aikido. According to the most widely propagated history, hapkido was founded by Choi Yong-sul, a Korean who was taken to Japan to work in the household of daito-ryu aikijujutsu master Sogaku Takeda. Choi claimed to have trained under Takeda from 1913 to 1943.

Hapkido originally focused on pressure-point strikes, joint locks and throws, but now, thanks to the influence of hapkido expert Ji Han-jae, it also includes highly refined kicks and hand strikes. Various weapons are taught, including the cane, staff and belt. Development of the practitioner's ki is also stressed. Hapkido is known more as a method of self-defense than an art for sporting competition.


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