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Discover Hapkido The Korea Hapkido Federation
Discover Hapkido
Korea Hapkido Federation Singapore Seminar by Grandmaster Anthony Low

What is Hapkido?

In Singapore, when one thinks of Korean martial arts, Taekwondo usually comes to mind. However, in South Korea, there is another martial art that is equally popular—Hapkido, the Korean martial art of self-defence. Hapkido encompasses a diverse array of techniques, including joint locks, grappling, kicks, strikes, pressure point techniques, and proficiency with various weapons such as the short stick, rope, cane, and more—all strategically employed to neutralize opponents.

Hapkido Grandmaster Hwang In-Shik training with Bruce Lee off the movie set
Bruce Lee executing “outward circle” kick with Grandmaster Hwang In-Shik holding the kicking pad

Hapkido in Movies

Hapkido was heavily involved in the 1970s when the Hong Kong film industry bloomed. Bruce Lee who was influenced by Hapkido through Hapkido Grandmaster Hwang In-Shik introduced various kicks to his movies. Later in the 1980s, martial arts movie actors like Jackie Chan and Sammo Hung also learned and incorporated Hapkido into their films. The famous fight scene between Jackie Chan and GM Hwang in the movie The Young Master and Dragon Lord was Hapkido in action.

Grandmaster Hwang In-Shik showcasing the myriad Hapkido (not Chinese Kungfu) techniques in The Young Master

Hapkido in the Forces

The effectiveness of Hapkido has made it a trusted choice for professionals in high-stakes environments. It’s used by Korean police forces, military units, and presidential bodyguards. In Singapore, Hapkido has also been taught by GM Anthony Low to the Navy and various specialised police forces due to its effectiveness in arrest and enforcement situations.

Korea based American military Hapkido school with Grandmaster Kim Beom Chul

Hapkido doesn’t rely on brute strength. Instead, it utilises the power of your opponent against them, harnessing the mechanics of the human body through the use of small circles, triangles, and precise angles. You’ll learn powerful hand strikes, unique leg kicks, and myriads of locking techniques that can quickly and effectively subdue an opponent. This makes it especially suitable for anyone looking for a practical means of self-defense. Hapkido teaches you how to protect yourself confidently and effectively, regardless of your size or strength.

This video provides an overview of Hapkido with strikes, locks, throws and weapons.

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Hapkido Competitions Hapkido Seminar International Korea Hapkido Federation The Korea Hapkido Federation
International Korea Hapkido Federation – Referee Seminar 2024

We are thrilled to welcome home GM Anthony from Seoul with new credentials! He is now a certified referee for Hapkido Games and Competitions under the newly formed International Korea Hapkido Federation whose mission is to promote real Hapkido techniques and foster camaraderie through competitions and games.

GM Anthony doing the hand signals for refereeing Hapkido competition.
GM Bae awarding GM Anthony the Referee certificate.
GM Kim has always been a great host to team Singapore.
The trip would not be complete without Korean food.

Hapkido competitions and games has generally been held within Korea but will now be going international. Train hard, train real Hapkido and we hope to see you on the mat soon.

Stay tuned for upcoming events and training sessions. Hapki!

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Hapkido Training Camp Seoul The Korea Hapkido Federation
Hapkido Training in Seoul – March 2024
Grandmaster Kim Beom Chul, vice-president of The Korea Hapkido Federation.

Stepping into Seoul, the vibrant heart of South Korea, my companions and I embarked on a journey deeply rooted in the martial arts legacy of the country. Guided by Grandmaster Anthony Low, we were introduced to the Vice President of The Korea Hapkido Federation, Grandmaster Kim Beom Chul. Our adventure unfolded in the crisp winter air, amidst the bustling streets and towering skyscrapers of this dynamic city.

As we set foot in Seoul, we found ourselves in the birthplace of Hapkido, a martial art founded by the legendary Choi Yong-Sool. Eager to delve into its rich tradition and techniques, we embraced the opportunity to train in the very city where it all began. Arriving towards the end of winter, Seoul greeted us with temperatures hovering between 1-5 degrees Celsius. Despite the chill in the air, our spirits remained high as we prepared to immerse ourselves in the art of Hapkido under the guidance of Grandmaster Anthony and Grandmaster Kim.

Our training sessions took place at the original Eulji Kwan, nestled near the popular CoEx Mall. It was a privilege to train in such a historic location, steeped in the legacy of Hapkido. Under the watchful eye of Grandmaster Kim, we eagerly absorbed the wisdom and techniques passed down through generations.

Grandmaster Kim Hyeong-Sang, the owner of Eulji Kwan, is a living legend of Hapkido. We are truly honored to have the chance to meet him.

On the first day of training, Grandmaster Kim led us through the fundamentals of Hapkido, beginning with the essential grip release techniques. With patience and precision, he imparted invaluable insights into the art, emphasizing the importance of fluidity and efficiency in movement. As the days progressed, we delved deeper into the intricacies of Hapkido, learning how to seamlessly counter opponents who may be larger or stronger than ourselves. Grandmaster Kim demonstrated various Hapkido’s techniques, empowering us to overcome challenges with skill and precision. From joint-locking to kicks and throws, Grandmaster Kim provided comprehensive instruction, guiding us through each technique with meticulous attention to detail. With each session, we honed our abilities and deepened our understanding of this art.

One of the trip’s highlights was a surprise visit arranged by Grandmaster Kim to the National Police University of Korea. Here, we witnessed firsthand the rigorous training regimen of law enforcement officers, gaining invaluable insights into the practical application of Hapkido techniques in real-world scenarios.

Every training session concluded with a hearty Korean dinner, a testament to the warm hospitality and camaraderie shared among practitioners. Gathering around the table, we forged bonds that transcended language barriers, united by our passion for Hapkido.

As our time in Seoul drew to a close, we were honored to receive our Dan certificates from Grandmaster Kim. It was a moment of pride and accomplishment, celebrating the dedication and hard work of each individual who had undergone the rigorous training and grading process. With hearts full of gratitude and memories to last a lifetime, we bid farewell to Seoul and our esteemed mentor, Grandmaster Kim Beom Chul. Though our journey had come to an end, the lessons learned and friendships forged during our time in Korea would forever remain with us, inspiring us to continue our pursuit of excellence in the art of Hapkido. Until we meet again, 감사합니다 (Thank you), Seoul.

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Hapkido Training Camp The Korea Hapkido Federation
Korea Hapkido Training Camp: Seoul, 11-20 Mar 2024


We are embarking on a trip this March to the heart of Hapkido’s birthplace, Seoul, Korea. Join us and experience firsthand training with renowned Korean Grandmasters at one of the oldest dojang, Eulji-Kwan, in Seoul.

Training Details: Delve deep into the art of Hapkido with a four-day intensive training program and learn from the true masters of this martial art. Additionally, pay a visit to the headquarters of the KHF, where, if you qualify, you can grade and apply for your KHF black belt certification from the birthplace of Hapkido itself.

Cultural Experience: Beyond the dojo, savor the sensory delights of Korea. Immerse yourself in the vibrant sights, invigorating smells, and delectable tastes of this captivating country. Experience the unique blend of tradition and modernity that defines Seoul, creating memories that extend beyond the martial arts training.

Join Us! Embark on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure to deepen your understanding of Hapkido, surrounded by its origins and guided by the expertise of Korean Grandmasters. Immerse yourself not only in the art but also in the vibrant culture of Seoul, creating lasting memories and forging connections with fellow martial arts enthusiasts. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this extraordinary Hapkido training camp!

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Hapkido Seminar The Korea Hapkido Federation
Singapore Hapkido Seminar 2023

Singapore, November 4th, 9 am to 1 pm – the date and time were marked on the calendars of a select few who were about to embark on a martial arts journey like no other. The exclusive Singapore Hapkido Seminar had arrived, bringing with it a unique opportunity for invite-only participants to delve into the rich world of Hapkido.

As the clock struck 9 am, eager participants gathered at the venue, their excitement palpable. Dressed in their traditional martial arts attire, they were ready for the teaching of Grandmaster Anthony, 7 dan black belt director of The Korea Hapkido Federation and chairman of Eulji-Kwan Singapore.

What made this seminar especially noteworthy was the diversity of its participants. They came from various martial arts backgrounds, each bringing a unique set of skills and experiences to the table. This diversity, often seen as a hallmark of Hapkido itself, created an environment where martial artists could learn and grow together.

The seminar began with Grandmaster Anthony introducing the core philosophy and theory of Hapkido, setting the stage for what was to follow. Hapkido is not just about physical techniques but also a way of life. The participants were encouraged to understand the underlying principles that make Hapkido such a powerful and versatile martial art.

Then came the highlight of the day – Grandmaster Anthony’s live demonstrations of various Hapkido techniques. With grace and precision, he showcased a series of strikes, joint locks, throws, and self-defense maneuvers.

But what truly set this seminar apart was the hands-on experience. Participants had the unique opportunity to practice these techniques themselves. They partnered up and, under the watchful guidance of Grandmaster Anthony, they executed the techniques they had just witnessed. The satisfaction of applying these methods and feeling the power of Hapkido firsthand was a revelation for many.

Furthermore, Grandmaster Anthony unveiled some rarely seen Hapkido ground techniques, adding a layer of complexity and versatility to the participants’ martial arts arsenal. These ground techniques demonstrated that Hapkido is not confined to standing combat but can be equally effective on the ground, enhancing the practitioner’s overall self-defense capabilities.

The Singapore Hapkido Seminar was a true celebration of martial arts, an event that brought together practitioners from diverse backgrounds to explore the richness of Hapkido. Under the expert guidance of Grandmaster Anthony, participants not only expanded their knowledge but also deepened their appreciation for the philosophy, theory, and techniques that make Hapkido an exceptional martial art.

As the clock neared 1 pm, the seminar concluded, leaving participants inspired and motivated to continue their martial arts journeys. The Singapore Hapkido Seminar was not just a learning experience; it was an exploration of the art’s depth and a testament to the enduring appeal of Hapkido.

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