Freestyle Hapkido

I hope to give a brief introduction to both Hapkido and Freestyle Hapkido, by way of asking a question and then answering it. Because of the large area the topics I feel it is best to explain things as I would to a beginner who has just entered my class for the first time

What is Hapkido?

This is by far the most common question I get asked by new members, seemingly they think this is an easy question to answer. But like many simple questions it has no single answer. Instead there are many simple answers that do not answer the whole question. The simple fact is the only way to know what Hapkido is, is to do Hapkido. Whilst taking this into account the points I try to make are:

• Hapkido is a Korean martial art.
• Literally Hapkido means the way of co-ordinated Power. The protectors of the Korean Royal Family started Hapkido over a thousand years ago.
• Hapkido is a circular art that uses an opponent’s own momentum against them.
• Hapkido is a soft art, which uses your inner power where other arts depend solely on physical strength.
• Hapkido also offers physical and spiritual benefits as well as helping to improve co-ordination, self-confidence, respect and improved mental focus.

Though I understand that this is short list that only covers very basic and simple topics, I only use it as a general introduction to Hapkido. However have found that many students especially beginners are often overwhelmed by the complexities of all aspects of Hapkido and so I try to teach by action and example rather than just verbal communication.

Why Hapkido

When people ask me, “Why should I do Hapkido?” I always tell them why I personally chose to do Hapkido.

After trying several different arts, I finally decided to follow the Hapkido way, because it had a lot more to offer than the other styles that I had tried. Whereas some arts offered hand and foot techniques, others offered grappling and throwing, Hapkido combines them into one. As a beginner I noticed that compared to some of the other martial arts I had tried, Hapkido made more sense from a usable form of defence which allowed me to not only understand what I was doing, but why, and what it could be used for (Self defence, and it was made clear to me that it is only to be used as such).

As I began to progress within Freestyle Hapkido I noticed that we used a more circular movement allowing us to use our adversaries force and momentum against them as opposed to trying to beat it meaning that you don’t have to be stronger than an attacker to defend yourself

About Anthony Hughes

Martial Arts History

1982 – At age 14 began to look into various types of Martial Arts.
1983 – Studied Freestyle Hapkido under Mr. N. Kalpakos.
1990 – Achieved First Degree Black Belt. Also began to teach under the supervision of Mr. Kalpakos.
1991 – Began to teach local school children as part of sports program. (Katoomba & Springwood High)
1992 – Achieved Second Degree Black Belt. Mr. Kalpakos moved interstate, leaving existing students to be instructed by Master Hughes.
1993 – Opened third branch of Freestyle Hapkido Training Centres within the Blue Mountains. Obtained security license, began to teach Lithgow correctional centre staff. Met Master Michael Crim and expanded on His Hapkido training.
1995 – Achieved Third Degree Black Belt under Master Crim
2000 – Achieved Fourth Degree (Master) Graded by Master J.H.Kim (8th degree)
- Level one coaching certificate (Australian coaching council).
2001 – Affiliated with International Hapkido Federation South Korea
- Level two coaching certificate (Australian coaching council).
2005 – Master Hughes, leaves the International Hapkido Federation South Korea to continue customise a more modern Hapkido style. Also during this time Master Hughes achieved Fifth Degree Blackbelt
2010 – Master Hughes received his Sixth Degree Blackbelt

Master Hughes has also studied the following styles of fighting & martial arts:

• Boxing (Western)
• Karate (Zen Chi Ru & Buddha Khan)
• Muay Thai (Kick Boxing)
• Rhee Taekwondo
• Kendo
• Shoda Kan
• Tai Chi
• Kung Fu (Freestyle) – White Crane
• Kenpo (Amercan Kenpo Karate)
• Kido Martial Arts

“I have developed my art using a combination of techniques from various forms or martial arts. My aim is to install confidence in your ability to defend yourself, plus gain greater flexibility, increase fitness, develop personal ki and spiritual awareness. Freestyle Hapkido is an easy style to learn which I have adapted to modern day needs. Our classes are not gung-ho or aggressive. Martial arts is about movement and balance and is an excellent exercise, great for losing weight and staying in shape! I believe you will become more positive about yourself, be less afraid of mistakes and have greater confidence. Naturally, your safety is my number one requirement. We all wear protective equipment, and only light sparring is allowed, i.e. no full contact, which is also required by law”

“Hope to see you all tonight”

-Master Anthony Hughes