합기도 Hapkido / Aikido

Hap means “United.” Ki means “Energy.” Do means “Way.” Ai means “Harmony.” Ki means “Energy.” Do means “Way.” Therefore, Hap Ki Do translates to “United Energy Way” and Ai Ki Do means “Harmony Energy Way.”

In Hap Ki Do, movements are hard and soft. Target areas include joints, pressure points, and nerves, and close proximity to the opponent is most beneficial. Hands and feet are used equally for offensive and defensive, and strikes are in all directions with mostly angles rather than circles.

Similarly, in Ai Ki Do, movements are hard and soft, the target areas are the joints, pressure points, and nerves. However, hands are usually used more than feet. Offensive and defensive movements are applied in all directions, angles, and curves, and utilize a very strong hand grip. The practitioner will gain skills in defending against grabs from the front, side, and back.

Ai Ki Do develops tremendous strength and flexibility in the hands, wrists, elbows, and forearms. This arm strength leads to an explosive punch. Practice prevents maladies in the fingers, hands, wrists, forearms, and elbows such as arthritis, rheumatism, and carpal tunnel syndrome