| Frequently Asked Questions |
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What does Hapkido mean?
Translated from Korean as the "Way of
Coordinated Power", Or literally "Coordinated
Internal Energy Way."
Why do we wear black uniforms?
The original instructor for our system, Ki-Duk
Lee, also taught Tae Kwon Do in his school. The
TKD students traditionally wore white, so the
Hapkido students wore black. There's nothing
sinister or "Ninja" about it, though it is a proud
tradition and sets us apart visually from other
arts just as our techniques and attitudes set us
apart from other martial artists. Wear the black
proudly.
Why do we bow?
Bowing shows a respect for our system, our
school, our instructors and our comrades. We
also bow to honor our predecessors in the
martial arts. What you may not realize is that
things we take for granted were at one time
great accomplishments or advances. While many
of our techniques seem simple and
straightforward, they are each the result of
hours and often years of concentrated study
and research by someone whose name we may
never even hear. We owe these people a great
debt, and we acknowledge this by the simple act
of bowing.
Can I also join other clubs, associations, and
federations?
Certainly. This is not only permitted but
encouraged. We want to encourage you to be
well-rounded in your martial arts experience.
Hapkido's flexibility makes it uniquely adaptable
and there's room for you to incorporate
additional techniques into your training.
Which other martial arts compliment Hapkido
training?
Just about all of them will enhance your training
in some way. Here are some suggestions:
What are these USHF seminars all about?
The seminars are workshops where senior
instructors gather to demonstrate various
aspects of our system. They share teaching tips,
self-defense applications, training methods,
insights. It's also a good chance to mix and mingle
with Hapkido (and other systems) students from
other clubs and schools. To make friends and
compare notes. The seminars offer the chance to
study with the brightest and the best of our
system and learn things that you might not have
the chance to experience otherwise. These
seminars are an incredible value. If you don't
believe it, shop around and see what other such
programs charge for admission.
What benefits do I get from being a USHF member?
There are many benefits for United States
Hapkido Federation members. Not the least of
these is discounts on admission to the above-
mentioned seminars. You also become a member of
an organization with members all over the globe.
And, once you're a member, you can keep in touch
with and keep track of former classmates,
teachers and students. The newsletter keeps us
in contact and up to date.
Can I make a lot of money teaching Hapkido?
There's an old adage that it's easy to make a
small fortune teaching martial arts. Simply start
with a LARGE fortune. The truth is that
instructors teach for the love of the art and the
love of teaching. Most of them would teach for
free if circumstances allow. If you want to be
rich, this isn't the way to go.
Any advice for rank test jitters?
First, keep in mind that you've earned the right to
test. If your instructor didn't think you could
pass, he or she wouldn't let you test. You can do
it if you've applied yourself and practiced. Try
thinking of it as an opportunity for review. How
often do you get the uninterrupted attention of
an experienced Hapkidoist who is focusing only
on you and looking for ways to help you improve?
Keep in mind, also, that every single person who
wears the uniform, no matter how imposing or
experienced, started as a white belt just as you
did.
Translated from Korean as the "Way of
Coordinated Power", Or literally "Coordinated
Internal Energy Way."
Why do we wear black uniforms?
The original instructor for our system, Ki-Duk
Lee, also taught Tae Kwon Do in his school. The
TKD students traditionally wore white, so the
Hapkido students wore black. There's nothing
sinister or "Ninja" about it, though it is a proud
tradition and sets us apart visually from other
arts just as our techniques and attitudes set us
apart from other martial artists. Wear the black
proudly.
Why do we bow?
Bowing shows a respect for our system, our
school, our instructors and our comrades. We
also bow to honor our predecessors in the
martial arts. What you may not realize is that
things we take for granted were at one time
great accomplishments or advances. While many
of our techniques seem simple and
straightforward, they are each the result of
hours and often years of concentrated study
and research by someone whose name we may
never even hear. We owe these people a great
debt, and we acknowledge this by the simple act
of bowing.
Can I also join other clubs, associations, and
federations?
Certainly. This is not only permitted but
encouraged. We want to encourage you to be
well-rounded in your martial arts experience.
Hapkido's flexibility makes it uniquely adaptable
and there's room for you to incorporate
additional techniques into your training.
Which other martial arts compliment Hapkido
training?
Just about all of them will enhance your training
in some way. Here are some suggestions:
- Tae Kwon Do (or Karate) will help with kicks.
- T'ai Chi Chuan (Taijiquan) will help with
concentration, body mechanics, flow and
balance. - Judo will help with your falls and grappling.
- Arnis (Philippine stick fighting) for baton
work.
What are these USHF seminars all about?
The seminars are workshops where senior
instructors gather to demonstrate various
aspects of our system. They share teaching tips,
self-defense applications, training methods,
insights. It's also a good chance to mix and mingle
with Hapkido (and other systems) students from
other clubs and schools. To make friends and
compare notes. The seminars offer the chance to
study with the brightest and the best of our
system and learn things that you might not have
the chance to experience otherwise. These
seminars are an incredible value. If you don't
believe it, shop around and see what other such
programs charge for admission.
What benefits do I get from being a USHF member?
There are many benefits for United States
Hapkido Federation members. Not the least of
these is discounts on admission to the above-
mentioned seminars. You also become a member of
an organization with members all over the globe.
And, once you're a member, you can keep in touch
with and keep track of former classmates,
teachers and students. The newsletter keeps us
in contact and up to date.
Can I make a lot of money teaching Hapkido?
There's an old adage that it's easy to make a
small fortune teaching martial arts. Simply start
with a LARGE fortune. The truth is that
instructors teach for the love of the art and the
love of teaching. Most of them would teach for
free if circumstances allow. If you want to be
rich, this isn't the way to go.
Any advice for rank test jitters?
First, keep in mind that you've earned the right to
test. If your instructor didn't think you could
pass, he or she wouldn't let you test. You can do
it if you've applied yourself and practiced. Try
thinking of it as an opportunity for review. How
often do you get the uninterrupted attention of
an experienced Hapkidoist who is focusing only
on you and looking for ways to help you improve?
Keep in mind, also, that every single person who
wears the uniform, no matter how imposing or
experienced, started as a white belt just as you
did.
| Website Designed by J Watson last Updated: September 2009 |
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