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HAPKIDO
Art of Co-ordinated Power
COMPREHENSIVE SELF DEFENCE

Hapkido is a Korean Martial Art that is a comprehensive training program of physical, mental and spiritual development as well as practical and effective self-defence. In Korean, ‘Hap’ means’ harmony ‘or’ co-ordinating,’ ‘Ki’ means ‘universal life force’ or ‘ power ‘, ‘Do’ means ‘ the way’ or ‘art’. Therefore, Hapkido translates as ‘The Art of Co-ordinated Power’ and represents the idea of harmonizing mind, body and spirit with nature.

Hapkido is often referred to as the 'Complete Art of Self-Defence'. It integrates all of the major technical areas found in the martial arts: strikes, kicks, avoiding movements, blocks, holds, joint-locks, pressure-point controls, sweeps, throws and weapons. Hapkido also incorporates internal methods such as breathing techniques, ‘ki’ energy development and meditation.


The Art of Hapkido is graceful and compelling in its relaxed strength and focused power which derive from a combination of soft and hard ‘Ki' technlques. Hapkido ‘soft Ki' techniques involve yielding and harmonizing with an attack, leading the attack in a circle, off-balancing the opponent and taking control of their centre. Hapkido ‘hard Ki' techniques represent the most comprehensive range of hand strikes, kicks and weapons use available in martial arts today.

Training in Hapkido develops physical fitness and mental well-being. Regular practice can achieve: flexibility and strength of the whole body; improved posture, balance and co-ordination; increased circulation and weight control; stress release and emotional balance; clarity, focus and calming of the mind; and greater self-confidence and inner strength.


The philosophy of Hapkido draws from Asian Spiritual Wisdom, including the Buddhist values of non-violence and respect for all life. The long-term aim of training is the cultivation of positive attributes, such as kindness, patience, courage, integrity, perseverance, honouring commitments, taking responsibility for one's actions, appropriate use of force, and harmony with self and others.

Yong-Sul Choi (1904- 1986)

Hapkido is derived from Japanese Daito-ryu-Aikijutsu, combined with a blend of indigenous Korean Martial Arts. Hapkido was founded in Korea around 1946 by Yong-Sul Choi (1904- 1986). Choi was born in Korea but was taken to Japan as a young boy. He was adopted into the household of Takeda Sokaku, head of Daito-Ryu-Aikijutsu. Choi lived and studied with Takeda Sokaku for about 30 years until Sokaku's death in 1943. When World War ll ended Choi returned to Korea and began teaching his art, Hap Ki Yu Sul, which was based on the Daito-Ryu Aikijujitsu he had learned in Japan. Among his most prominent early students was Ji Han Jae. Ji Han-Jae went on to start his own school and added many kicks and strikes from native Korean styles such as Kuk Sul Won, Kung Jun Musul, Sirum and TaeKyeon, creating a new form of

Martial art that he called Hapkido. By 1965 Hapkido was considered a major Korean art, with government recognition and support. Eventually many Korean Hapkido masters emigrated overseas and established the art globally, particularly in North America, South America, Canada, Europe and Australia.

Shirsha Marie with Grandmaster Matthew Sung Su Kim at her successful 4th Dan Grading in December 2001.

BYRON SHIRE HAPKIDO The Byron Shire Hapkido School was established in 1986 by Shirsha Marie, Director and Senior Instructor. Shirsha began her training in Hapkido with Grandmaster Matthew Sung Su Kim who founded the Australian Hapkido Association in 1979. In 1986 she opened a daily program of Hapkido training in Byron Bay. Throughout the next two years Shirsha organized a series of ‘Martial Art

and Meditation' camps in the Byron Shire. At these intensive workshops Grandmaster Kim delivered his powerful and inspirational style of Hapkido along with traditional Korean meditation techniques. Through this fusion of martial arts and meditation, the Byron Shire Hapkido Centre was firmly established as a Dojang where training for deepening one's meditation and cultivating self mastery are the primary goals.

From 1991 to 1993 Shirsha lived in Seoul, South Korea. Through full-time training she expanded her skills in the practical applications of Hapkido, and learned more about the Asian philosophy that forms the essence of the martial arts. It was in Korea that Shirsha furthered her understanding of the use of soft and hard ‘Ki' techniques and the harmonizing of Yin and Yang in martial arts. Circular yielding, sensitivity, fluidity and grace are aspects that she emphasizes in her dynamic style of Hapkido. While in Korea, Shirsha attained her 2nd Dan Black Belt in Hapkido and also Black Belts in Soo Bahk Do and Wu Shu. She received 4th Dan in Hapkido from Grandmaster Sung Su Kim, in 2001.

 

The Byron Shire Hapkido School is today a lively and enthusiastic family of committed Hapkido practitioners. The atmosphere of the Dojang is friendly and supportive with students and instructors pursuing their art with dedication and a spirit of true inquiry. Shirsha welcomes all sincere students to come and enjoy the many benefits of Hapkido training at Byron Living Tao Centre.

BYRON BAY HAPKIYUSUL

Shirsha's current training includes a daily practice of the art of Hapkiyusul, the root of modern Hapkido. In 2003 she met her Korean teacher, Grandmaster Kim Yun Sang, 9th Dan Dojonim of Hapkiyusul. Kim Dojonim trained with Choi Yong Sul everyday from 1973 until Choi's death in 1986. He is said to be the only student to have learned everything from Choi. At over 75 years of age and training on the mat twice per day, Kim Dojonim is a living proof of the power of the Internal Style Martial Arts.

Shirsha attained her Black Belt in Hapkiyusul with Grandmaster Kim Dojonim on October 15 th 2007, at the International Hapkiyusul Headquarters in Geumsan, South Korea.

Kim Yun Sang Dojonim	Shirsha receiving her black belt

She leads a dedicated group of Hapkiyusul students through the traditional Hapkiyusul system as directed by Kim Dojonim.

Byron Bay Hapkiyusul training group with Kim Dojonim and his assistants during their visit to Australia in July 2007

 

self mastery through a warrior tradition Byron Living Tao 144 Jonson St. Byron Bay Australia Post: P.O. Box 819 Byron Bay N.S.W. 2481 Australia Tel: 02 66858181 Mobile: 0400 558181 www.byronlivingtao.com.au