Many times when I ask a martial art related topic on the internet, the remark that usually follows is, "ask your teacher". But thing is, I have. Many times, when I see that remark, I bite my lip. Instead I choose to write long, loving, flowery paragraphs to explain my position better, But not this time. I'm a little offended at the idea that somehow, I'm being disrepectful to my teacher by asking questions, and by the idea that I'm not a serious student of Hapkido by researching what came before it. When you or anyone says things like that, not only does it shut down a good discussion, but is disrespectful.
And the reason I am 'worried', as you say, about the origins of Hapkido is because I am a serious student of Hapkido. I learn what I'm taught, I ask question about what I'm taught and why I'm taught it. And I might like to know more of the history and origins of the art before that knowledge is lost as more students of GM Choi passes away.
I'm not disrespecting my teacher by asking questions outside of his dojang. One would think the hallmark of good student is one that 'asks questions'. The fact is, nobody's teacher has all the answers, and all of my instructors would admit that. That's why we get on message boards like Martial Talk to ask questions, debate, have discussions, and share knowledge. For if not, why are we here?
To often I see people more interested in stroking each others egos rather than healthy debate.
Anyway, thats all I want here, honestly, is healthy discussion on Hapkido. And not to be criticized just for asking questions. Though the offense may not have been intended, it left a bad taste in my mouth regardless.
Is Daito ryu neccessary to study as your learning Hapkido, no, far from it. As we know, Hapkido stands on its own. But, for someone like me, I have question's, I love learning the history of martial arts, all martial arts.
To me, I see nothing wrong with studying the roots of Hapkido because I can only benefit from it. The three things I want to learn is: more of the history/roots of Hapkido, roots of Hapkido techniques, and how they differ from Daito ryu.
For a quick comparison, the Okinawan's who created Karate by blending their native arts with Chinese methods, they would actually travel to southern China to gain a better understand of what aspects of their art comes from, how it differs, and what they can walk away with from what they learned. Also the Okinawans studied a book called the Bubishi (a Chinese book about White Crane, Monk fist, pressure points, and herbal medicines).
Also, I would point out, that there many deciated Aikido practioners who have studied Daito Ryu Aikijujutsu for the same reason as listed above. They often find that Daito ryu is more of a devasting style in the beginning whereas Aikido does nothing like that. And it raises health questions about Aikido, and improves their understanding of Aikido.
Anyway, for anyone still interested in this discussion here are a few points of interest listed below:
I do understand that there are Daito Ryu techniques that seek not to harm your opponent and that Hapkido is more concerned with ending the fight quickly and with devastating results. I love that about Hapkido.
Which also goes into the idea that GM Choi changed Daito Ryu into a more street effective style as concerned with the unarmed techniques as compared to Daito Ryu?
Here are a few interesting questions:
* When Choi developed Hapkido, was he the one that incorparated Judo techniques into the curriculum or was it one of his students that came later?
I've heard it said that his first student was a black belt in Judo, and that the two of them worked out defenses against Judo style throws. But, interesting to note, even if GM Choi never introduce Judo throws into his curriculum, those who presumably added later changed the throws in such a way that it brought back the Judo throws to more of their Jujutsu roots. Example: In many Hapkido Judo style throws the arm that is used as a 'lever' is locked as you throw your opponent, and you don't let go as your opponent hits the ground. Compare that to the same throws in Judo, the arms are often not locked, and you let go of your partner as he falls.
The philosophy as I understand it is this: In Hapkido, after they break and tear you joints to hell, they just discard the body with a judo technique or anther way of looking at it, is if a technique feel to break the joint, you can turn it into a judo throw and since the elbow may already be locked it makes for a more devastating throw.
* I've heard said that GM Choi spoke very little Korean, and when he did he spoke in a Japanese accent. This to me would explain why in many Hapkido schools, techniques are often referred by number and not name.
Also it would explain why no two Hapkido schools have names for their techniques often differ from one another.
To me it is easier to go over techniques with names rather than by number. An example would be if the instructor said do Omote Gyaku. And I would know that is a outside wrist twist. He could call out Omote Gyaku wrist grab, Omote Gyaku from a punch, Omote Gyaku from a clothing grab...etc. To me that is easier for me personally to learn.
* Could 'Break-Aways' be originally intended as defense not just against other Hapkido practictioners, but also against Judo practictioners since Judo often grabs the hand, wrist, and elbow as fulcrum in their throws?
Does Daito Ryu teach break aways as it relates to this debate?
* What were some of the Hand strikes that GM Choi taught?
I know he taught kicks, but not the ones we see today. The kick he taught were aimed at the groin, the feet, the knees, the back of the knees, side of the leg, the thighs, basically the lower half of the body. But, what were the hand strikes? I would be qurious and appreciative for a list.
But anyway, this is but a few question I have concerning Gm Choi and origins of Hapkido.
I just want people to know that the questions I have posed are my theories or opinions and to not get offended.
Its all healthy debate in which two sides share ideas to come to the logical truth.
Also I am a student of the World JunTong Moosul Hapkido, Huek Choo Kwan Hapkido, and Bujinkan Budo Taijutus. The reason I list that so I everyone will have better understanding of what my martial art background is.
Also, I've been training in martial arts for about 10 years now. Personally, I enjoy learning all martial arts. In seeing merit in everything. By asking these questions, I think we all will benefit from it as we might find some answers that we can share with like minded individuals instead of saying, ' I don't know'.
