In my opinion, self-defence, i.e., the basic ability to protect yourself and others, effectively, and with a minimum of personal injury, should be placed high on everyone’s agenda. Being able to take on any type of attacker and being able to prevail. It includes physical training, to prepare for any type of attack, mental training (attitude adjustment, fear management skills, deception, etc.), a certain degree of spiritual training (active meditation, spontaneity, quietude, determination, etc), and extensive attribute development. Self-defence is less about technique than about attributes, awareness, and attitude. Primarily, self-defence is what you do to prevent from being attacked. This means, observing safety concepts, being perceptive, developing intuition, deception, and running, amongst others. It is pre-emptive. Once you're under attack, self-defence can get you only so far. Self-defence is probably about 9/10 awareness and 1/10 technique. Self-Defence Concepts *Always be confident and (seemingly) unafraid, but never cocky.
*Be deceptive. *Be pre-emptive - not defensive. *Choose your fights. **Know the environment - know your exits. *Maintain a Safety Zone. *Never underestimate anybody. *Notice people's body language (posturing, breathing, walking, expressions, etc). *Pay attention to your surroundings. *Take up running. Being prepared means having a physical and mental edge over your opponent. Be aware of yourself and your surroundings. During a confrontation do not forget to breathe properly, do not panic and lose your cool. Remember that no amount of money or material goods is worth risking your life or wellbeing for.
What is Hapkido?
Hapkido is a form of self-defence that employs joint locks, kicks, punches, and other striking attacks. There is also the use of traditional weapons, including a sword, rope, cane, short stick, and staff which vary in emphasis depending on the tradition examined. Hapkido contains both long-range and close-range fighting techniques, utilizing jumping kicks and percussive hand strikes at longer ranges and pressure point strikes, joint locks, or throws at closer fighting distances. Hapkido emphasizes circular motion, non-resisting movements, and control of the opponent. Practitioners seek to gain advantage through footwork and body positioning to employ leverage, avoiding the use of strength against strength.
Literally translated, Hap Ki Do means "The Art of Coordinated Power".