top of page

HAPKIDO 합기도

Born from the root of the samurai combat system of Daito ryu aikijujutsu from japan. Hapkido was formed  by the successful  fusing of daito ryu with the native Korean fighting systems of Korea and in Chinese kung fu.

396102055_274483484985346_5969991436963448946_n_edited.jpg
20190315_164220-scaled_edited.jpg

Choi yong sul Korean born was the supposed adopted son of Takeda Sokaku and studied Daito Ryu Aikijujutsu under him until his death in (1943) after which Choi returned to Korea and began to teach his techniques. With the assistance of masters in native Korean martial arts, the system was expanded - especially in regard to striking. The expanded body of techniques were quite diverse and so an umbrella term was used which ultimately became what is known as Hapkido.

Choi+Yong+Sul_elbow+roll_350x350.jpg
images_edited.jpg

the evolution

ji han jae a star pupil of choi is often attributed of being the prime mover of modern hapkido. it is through ji that the many further developments of hapkido and the over all organization of the system took place. in the turmoil that followed along with the korean war Hapkido found itself implemented by the newly formed south korean military industrial complex. 

Ji Han Jae was instrumental in forming the Korea Hapkido Federation in 1965, which is still today the largest consortium for Hapkido and is officially recognized by the south korean government. 1960's Ji Han Jae experienced the Vietnam war and was the personal bodyguard to South Korean President Park Chung Hee (1962-1979) and has taught many Korean and US government and  organizations including the US Military Special Forces and FBI.

He also worked extensively in Hong Kong and Hollywood cinema as a trainer/actor and fight choreographer. He had appearances in the Lady Kung Fu 1972, Fist of Unicorn 1973, and co-starred with Bruce Lee in his last feature film - The Game of Death 1978.

473721073_1044513374159493_4334480838323395971_n.jpg

©2020 by Okami Hapkido. 

bottom of page