Hapkido, Korean Art of Self-Defense: Tuttle Martial Arts (Tuttle Specials)

Even though I studied and trained mostly in the Japanese martial arts, I have always had great respect for the Korean martial art of Hapkido. Since its development has a history with Daito-ryu Akijujitsu and Jujitsu I am familiar with most of its locks, holds, throws and takedowns. This 96 page volume is a good basic introduction to this self-defense art. The first section explains the history and development of the Korean Martial arts. The second part provides important information on the evolution of Hapkido, mentioning the relationship between Takeda Sokaku, a grandmaster of Daito-ryu Akijujitsu and Choi Yong-Sul, the founder of Hapkido. The third section deals with the importance of Ki development in the art of Hapkido. The four section covers the fundamentals such as the falls, natural stance, defensive attitude and other basics.The final and longest section is five. This is the longest chapter because it demonstrates numerous Hapkido self-defense techniques. For example, defenses against wrist grabs, chokes, joint-locking techniques, throwing techniques, defense against punches, kicks and other counters.In conclusion, like any physical skills and self-defense texts, this small book is best used in conjunction with actual training with a Hapkido instructor. However, this text would be of interest to any martial artist who desires to learn the basic principles of Hapkido.Rating: 4 Stars. Joseph J. Truncale (Author: Shotokan Karate Self-Defense Techniques: Combat Karate for the Street)

This very thin book covers some good variations on locks & throws as well as some interesting self-defense options. The information is a good supplement if you already have a strong foundation in these types martial arts techniques.A very big drawback is that the sequential pictures are not clear at all, contrary to what is stated in the editorial review. Fortunately the instructions of each technique should suffice, but only if you are familiar with the type of technique presented.

The pictures show how to do the techniques but they are in black and white and terrible quality so you can't see much. Wish I went with a better book

It's a great book of Hapkido introduction. After 15 years, I still have it and love the book. I do recommend this book.

It was OK ... weak on techniques.

very helpful diagrams and explanations. Wish he would put it on dvd.

Liked how indepth this is. God pictures and good explanations

Not bad

I have been fascinated with Hapkido for a while and gagging to study this art which will compliment the art I study - Tang Soo Do. This book covers the basic history, origins of Hapkido and some basic defence techniques against attacks (grabs) kicks & punching.There are some useful techniques here which compliment self defence techniques and they are effective. I am aware of Hapkido to be exceptionally effective self defence art. Hapkido also have wonderful kicks like Tae Kwon Do and the use of hand techniques. This book really covers the very basic elements of self defence. It may not basic enough for those who have zero knowledge on self defence techniques, but formthe trained martial artist, these can be grasped easily.I would love to see a more advanced book which explores other self defence techniques which is a follow on from this book. I must say, Tang Soo Do also teaches similar techniques, therefore for me, this is complimentary. We must remember the basic techniques can be adapted and should be adapted to different situations. We are taught the basics, but we need to investigate further and find more depth. This is my continued search.

This book on a whole I believe is better utilised on its own, rather than as an accompaniment to practicing Hapkido in lesson form.The book only covers techniques used to defend against, and to halt attacks on yourself, and does not describe any offensive techniques, such as Hapkido's kicks and punches. Which some may see as a disadvantage.The introductory section giving a brief history of the development of Hapkido and its links to Taekwondo and Aikido, and is enough to satiate a practitioner who wants to know about his art. But by no means is it everything there is to learn.The pictures, though informative, sometimes miss out some details of technique execution, which can cause some trouble when you come to learn from the book.That said, it is still very possible to learn the techniques in the book, even if it means that they are only for a heads up on the street, not for a life long pursuit.

Happy with book, has some inyeresting info on the development of Hapkido. Book is useful with variations on defence techniques. Similar but differant to JuJitsu if you know what i mean ! 🤓

I am always fascinated with martial arts. A quiet useful book, however, some techniques are not clear on photos.

not what I expected