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All martial arts are defined by specific philisophical ideas that determine the manner in which the art is practiced. Hapkido is defined by three fundamental concepts:
Harmony Theory
Water Theory
Circle Theory
Harmony Theory (Hwa)
The harmonizing of body, mind and spirit within one's enviroment is a fundamental long-term goal of Hapkido training. When all these elements act in harmony, technique becomes fluid, continuous, and instinctive. Every action becomes purposeful, perfectly linked to the moment of its of its existence. The martial artist no longer responds in the mundane sense (think, then react)-thought and action merge into a single, purposeful act. This state of harmony is not just for fighting, but should pervade all aspects of life. If you are trul in harmony with yourself and the world, then it is likely you may never need to fight, physically or otherwise.
Water Theory (Yu)
Water Theory relates ones actions in life to the qualities of flowing water. The ancients observed the way water was a powerful force in nature. As defined by the characteristics of water, Hapkido also follows these principles:
Constant pressure refers to constantly stiving toward your goals. In terms of slef defence, this means putting constant physical and psychological pressure on your oppenents, never allowing them to recover once you have the advantage. Penetration mwans breaking down or passing through obstacles that prevent you from attaining your goals, seizing the smallest opportunity. Persistance means constantly directing resources against an obstacle until it crumbles, never giving up, no matter how long it takes. Adaptibility means adjusting postively to the changing circumstances of life, and finding the optimum path, whule always maintaining your true nature. COnstant Flow means maintaining a continuous flow of energy as you engage an obstacle. Softness means cultivating the loving, gentle way; and blending with the greater flows of energy you may encounter.
Circle Theory (Won)
Hapkido's ranking system is cyclical in nature. The student begins as a white belt and progresses through the coloured ranks to 10th Dan black belt, at which time the Grandmaster again wears a white belt, symbolic of a new cycle of learning.
The circle has great relevance in Hapkido's martial techniques as well. Ancient martial artists believed that circular techniques and movements were effective because they harmonize one with one's oppenent, one's self and the universe. If one was not in harmony when fighting, you will most likely lose as you will not only be fighting an oppenent, but one's self and the universe.
Very cool post Sir!!!
In the front of my student manual, the 3 priciples are reffered to in a slightly different way,
1 Circular Motion
2 Non Resistance (which seems in essence to be the same as Harmony theory)
3 Water Theory
When I have the time in the near future, I'll post it for you to have a look at.
The breakdown of the water theory given here in particular helps me to put in words something I already knew, but had difficulty articulating to others. People often ask me why I chose the style of Hapkido, & also why, as a Christian I'm even involved in Martial Arts at all. These simple theories, which I find to be in line with EVERY Biblical principle I've learned in my 20+ years on the "Faith journey" have helped me to overcome many obstacles.
Cum Sah Hum Nee Dah (Insert Big Bow Here!!!!)
Thanks again,
Greg
__________________
Blessed be the Lord my Rock, Who trains my hands for war & my fingers for battle
Psalm 144;4
Very cool post Sir!!!
In the front of my student manual, the 3 priciples are reffered to in a slightly different way,
1 Circular Motion
2 Non Resistance (which seems in essence to be the same as Harmony theory)
3 Water Theory
When I have the time in the near future, I'll post it for you to have a look at.
The breakdown of the water theory given here in particular helps me to put in words something I already knew, but had difficulty articulating to others. People often ask me why I chose the style of Hapkido, & also why, as a Christian I'm even involved in Martial Arts at all. These simple theories, which I find to be in line with EVERY Biblical principle I've learned in my 20+ years on the "Faith journey" have helped me to overcome many obstacles.
Cum Sah Hum Nee Dah (Insert Big Bow Here!!!!)
Thanks again,
Greg
Okay, I gotta pipe in on this just because I can't resists.
All Asian based martial arts systems are STEEPED in buddhist/taoist principles. Strictly technically speaking, and this is being very strict in principles, one could not belive in the Christitan concepts as well as the founding principles of most Asian based martial arts. They are nearly diametrically opposed.
But, of course, you guys always find ways around this of course.
We call that "rationalizing".
__________________ And who knows, he might could tap me. BUT I have enough confidence in my game to say he can't.
- Jade Dragon
Okay, I gotta pipe in on this just because I can't resists.
All Asian based martial arts systems are STEEPED in buddhist/taoist principles. Strictly technically speaking, and this is being very strict in principles, one could not belive in the Christitan concepts as well as the founding principles of most Asian based martial arts. They are nearly diametrically opposed.
But, of course, you guys always find ways around this of course.
We call that "rationalizing".
Um... You guys?
OK. If you say so. As far as the rationalizing comment...Is it really rationalizing, or developing a deeper understanding of my beliefs & my training? In the style of HKD I train, we are NOT taught any Taoist/Bhuddist stuff. We simply learn the techniques on our syllabus & grade to our next belt level when we're ready. Personally I believe that it would be grossly irresponsible of me to be unable to defend myself & my loved ones if (God forbid), the situation ever arises. Case in point 1 Timothy 5;8"If anyone does not take care of his own relatives, especially his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever." I only quote the bible because it's the core of my belief system.
As always, J man,
It's been a pleasure!!!
G
__________________
Blessed be the Lord my Rock, Who trains my hands for war & my fingers for battle
Psalm 144;4
By you guys, I mean religious fundamentalists. Or fanatics, but that term is a bit harsh but in your case it would seem appropriate in that you seem to want to bring it up in many of your posts.
But it's completely taking this thread off topic.
But I do stand by my original post that not all Martial Arts have a philosophical basis. Some are simply a sport, some are merely self defense.
__________________ And who knows, he might could tap me. BUT I have enough confidence in my game to say he can't.
- Jade Dragon
Styles: appr. 9 months Tang Soo Do; Gracie Jiu Jitsu
Posts: 519
Home Country:
Come on guys, take it to the religion forum. There's no need to break out the 8 oz. gloves in the Hapkido forum. Not that I dislike conflict...
__________________ Study strategy over the years and achieve the spirit of the warrior. Today is victory over yourself of yesterday; tomorrow is your victory over lesser men.
-Miyamoto Musashi
We do not rise to the occasion in combat. We fall back on our training.
You will never learn if you are unwilling to see what you are doing wrong.
Come on guys, take it to the religion forum. There's no need to break out the 8 oz. gloves in the Hapkido forum. Not that I dislike conflict...
Agreed, it's not the proper thread for it but Hapkidude seems to take every opportunity he can to spill his religion into every conversation. It's annoying, I could care less if you're Christian or not.
__________________ And who knows, he might could tap me. BUT I have enough confidence in my game to say he can't.
- Jade Dragon
About the philisophical remark joe, i unerstand what you mean however it is true, your examples are self defence and sport however all of those type of arts still have philisophical ideas e.g. TKD revolves around ideas of linear movements, and for example your BJJ is one idea of it is to win with minimal effort. Now in a way are they not modernised philisophical ideas, as philisopical does not necceserally mean spiritual.
Also about the religion part with Hapkido, Hapkido is one of the main arts in which it is believed anyone can train as you are taught the techniques but not taught the spiritual side, therefore it is up to the practitioner to delve into this part
Very cool post Sir!!!
In the front of my student manual, the 3 priciples are reffered to in a slightly different way,
1 Circular Motion
2 Non Resistance (which seems in essence to be the same as Harmony theory)
3 Water Theory
When I have the time in the near future, I'll post it for you to have a look at.
The breakdown of the water theory given here in particular helps me to put in words something I already knew, but had difficulty articulating to others. People often ask me why I chose the style of Hapkido, & also why, as a Christian I'm even involved in Martial Arts at all. These simple theories, which I find to be in line with EVERY Biblical principle I've learned in my 20+ years on the "Faith journey" have helped me to overcome many obstacles.
Cum Sah Hum Nee Dah (Insert Big Bow Here!!!!)
Thanks again,
Greg
By you guys, I mean religious fundamentalists. Or fanatics, but that term is a bit harsh but in your case it would seem appropriate in that you seem to want to bring it up in many of your posts.
But it's completely taking this thread off topic.
But I do stand by my original post that not all Martial Arts have a philosophical basis. Some are simply a sport, some are merely self defense.
Fair point, & it was never my intent to be annoying. Sorry about that. I'll leave it at that,
G
__________________
Blessed be the Lord my Rock, Who trains my hands for war & my fingers for battle
Psalm 144;4
Styles: appr. 9 months Tang Soo Do; Gracie Jiu Jitsu
Posts: 519
Home Country:
Quote:
Originally Posted by 03youngd
About the philisophical remark joe, i unerstand what you mean however it is true, your examples are self defence and sport however all of those type of arts still have philisophical ideas e.g. TKD revolves around ideas of linear movements, and for example your BJJ is one idea of it is to win with minimal effort. Now in a way are they not modernised philisophical ideas, as philisopical does not necceserally mean spiritual.
---
He's right. Any martial art that has a system to fighting has a philosophy. It could be called that anyway. Semantically speaking, "creed" might be better...
__________________ Study strategy over the years and achieve the spirit of the warrior. Today is victory over yourself of yesterday; tomorrow is your victory over lesser men.
-Miyamoto Musashi
We do not rise to the occasion in combat. We fall back on our training.
You will never learn if you are unwilling to see what you are doing wrong.
Last edited by Basho; 06-08-2009 at 02:39 PM.
Reason: quote correction
He's right. Any martial art that has a system to fighting has a philosophy. It could be called that anyway. Semantically speaking, "creed" might be better...
[quote=Joemoplata;117311]Agreed, it's not the proper thread for it but Hapkidude seems to take every opportunity he can to spill his religion into every conversation. It's annoying, I could care less if you're Christian or not.[/quote]
Be annoyed no longer, I've posted an apology in the philosopy forum & this will not happen again.
Styles: Currently:MT, BJJ (No)Gi, Kali/JKD, West Boxing, PK/freerun JunFan Gung Fu Previously:WC Ninjutsu,
Posts: 2,034
Home Country:
Speaking of this MA/beliefs. Looked into my local church, and Christian Karate was in there, and on the flyer it had something friendly self-defense. Karate was origonaly taught to disable and even kill your opponent. Wich is against there beliefs, isn't it? Should we be starting a new thread?
Hapkido and the three principles
Linear Mode
