This ground-breaking work is the first to comprehensively document the
traditions, philosophy, and techniques of one of the world's most
varied, exciting, and practical martial arts--Hapkido. More than 9,000
photographs introduce over 2,000 martial techniques, including strikes,
kicks, blocks, avoiding movements, holds, joint locks, chokes, throws,
falls, tumbling, ground fighting, and weapons. Numerous closeups show
precise grips, leverage methods, pressure points, hitting surfaces, and
direction of force.
In addition to self-defense techniques, chapters are included on East
Asian philosophy, martial arts history, anatomy, meditation, healing,
and pressure point fighting, as well as in-depth, previously unpublished
interviews with the world's preeminent Hapkido Grandmasters and renowned
Grandmasters of related martial arts. Because of similarities between
Hapkido and many other martial arts, including Taekwondo, Jujutsu,
Aikido, Judo, and Tai Chi Chuan, this book is a useful reference for
practitioners of all martial arts styles, from novices to masters. This
unique work of exceptional quality is the definitive text on Hapkido,
and destined to become a classic of martial arts literature.
