Hapkido is a Korean martial art known for its dynamic and comprehensive self-defense techniques, blending joint locks, throws, kicks, and strikes. Its origins trace back to the mid-20th century and are often linked to

Choi Yong-Sool, who is widely credited as the founder of Hapkido. Choi's martial journey began when he was taken to Japan during the Japanese occupation of Korea. There, he reportedly studied

Daitō-ryū Aiki-jūjutsu

under Sokaku Takeda, a prominent Japanese martial arts master. Upon returning to Korea around 1945, Choi began teaching a system influenced heavily by Daitō-ryū, blended with native Korean kicking techniques and Chinese martial elements.

Choi’s teachings evolved as his students began incorporating additional techniques, creating their own interpretations and schools. One of his prominent students,

Ji Han-Jae, played a crucial role in formalizing and expanding the art, introducing spiritual and philosophical elements and more advanced kicking techniques, which were influenced by traditional Korean arts like Taekkyeon. Ji Han-Jae is often associated with coining the term "Hapkido," which means "The Way of Coordinated Power" or "The Way of Harmony with Energy."

Over the decades, Hapkido diversified, leading to the formation of various schools and organizations. Despite these variations, the core philosophy remains rooted in using an opponent’s energy against them, emphasizing fluid motion, redirection, and the balance of soft and hard techniques.