Hapkido Difference between Art and Self Defense

Just wait, for the first few belts in my school, almost everything was taught exclusively from a wrist grab or lapel grab. But, as I'm sure you'll be taught later on, those same wrist grab counters can be applied as someone pushes or punches or stabs you. You're just learning the technique, and as you get comfortable flowing from different techniques, then you learn the different contexts in which they can be used. At the same time we did sparring to work on our punches and kicks...so its not like we were useless during the first few belts.

Thats what it was like in my school...however my teacher explained it that way whenever a white belt asked as well.

I meant no offense...but it does take longer to learn locking arts then striking arts!

*bows respectfully*

I think that maybe your teacher itsn't explaining the basics to you. Before you can learn to use any joint manipulation technique in say a punch defense,you must first learn it at its most basic position.If you are not prficient at a technique that ultimatly breaks the elbow, and you try it agains someone, or even better someone else who barley understands it wants to try it against you, whatdo you think is gonna happen. Your teacher should let you know that 98% of your techniques are also punch defenses. But you must first learn them at their most basic positions. This happens to be grabs. As I say to my students, the only difference between a grab and a punch is speed and intention. If you can't do it at a grab, you have no hope of performing it at a punch. As far as Poomse, well most traditional HKD schools do not have them. Those that do are either TKD based, or for what ever reason the instructor feels they are beneficial.
The biggest problem most new students have is this. Let me post a paper we give new students. Our basic techniques "grab defenses" our our foundations. A house can not stand without a foundation, nor can a student without the foundations of their chosen art. Patince, or you will never gain true knowledge.

"THE BEGINNER


One of the most difficult lessons the new student must learn is that progress in Hap Ki Do is slow. Each person beginning instruction wants to begin immediately on advanced techniques, forgetting the basic framework. So it would be wise for each person to consider the following guides when first training:

1. Hap Ki Do is not only a self-defense but also an art form; the art is eventually the ability to control the mind, spirit and body toward a more coordinated being. And, first as the piano student must play notes, then scales, Hap Ki Do students must learn the basics of stance and position before incorporating technique.

2. As the musician must practice everyday, so must the serious student of Hap Ki Do.

3. Not only is it important to practice consistently, but also slowly. The slower the beginner practice, the faster progress will be made. The student is less likely to overlook details so crucial to further development.

4. Never compare yourself to other students. The Subumn is the only one responsible for you. But after all, the belt is only a symbol of accomplishment, not the accomplishment itself.

5. All students begin training at different levels of development. This in not to say that two students may join class at the same time, but one is already advancing. Not all have equal ability; therefore, progression is individual."

Hap Ki Do is a life style, not a fad.

Traz thanks for the advice I think you described my situation down to a tee. Thanks

Thank you for your post, I hope you will contribute more to the TKD/Hapkido forum. We need a fresh perspective on things.

I am a TKD practitioner who is taking hapkido for the first time, it's actually been something I've wanted to do for quite some time. Because I've researched hapkido and have come to the conclusion that it'sa no non-sense martial art. I figure it would compliment my TKD skills, particularly the lack of self defense techniques.

I have a question for you, what do you think about poomse training? I personally think it's a waist of time, and there are other methods of practicing the basics rather than going to some solo pre-arranged pattern that doesn't even have combat application to it. What are you thoughts sir?

Poomse....I learn HKD..but my supplimentry art is karate...many people discredit the Kata..which is just the japanese form of poomse...kata is karate...you must understand the kata...how it applies what it means...each movement is a movement of self defense using the tools of the chosen art...as was said before you must understand the basics before you can apply...each block strike, is applied to different situations..as you grow in MA you will recognise this!

Do not discredit it untill you understand it fully...learning how to kick and punch correctly is one thing..but you do it to apply to poomse/kata!

*bows respectfully*