Hapkido - the most harmonious Korean martial art("Hap" - union, "Ki" - energy, inner strength, "Do" - the way, science) based on the techniques of the Japanese Imperial Guard School Daytoryu Aiki Jujutsu, a Korean traditional unarmed combat martial art Subak as well as special exercises aimed on developing the inner strength Dan Jeon Ho Hup,  inherent  in Chinese domestic  Wushu and Qigong schools.

The basic principle of  Hapkido is using enemy's force to achieve full control of the aggressor.

Hapkido arsenal consists of hitting and throwing techniques, usual to Taekwondo and Jujutsu, as well as techniques of impact on enemy's joints typical to Aikido, both for defense and attack. Also there are "a police section" -  arrest and escort techniques and also binding technique using rope, belt or handcuffs.

The fairly extensive section of cold and improvised weapons (knife, stick, chain, a traditional sword, hock, etc.) handling skills are also part of Hapkido training.

Choi Yong Sul is traditionally considered as The founder of Hapkido. He was the student of the Imperial and Aiki Jujutsu School Daytoryu Sokaku Takeda, who brought this art in Korea, by founding Yavara school.

Later on one of his disciples, Ji Han Jae, added Subak and Dan Jeon Ho Hup techniques to Yavara technique, and also gave the world the name Hapkido.

"... Choi Yong Sul lit a match, and Ji Han Jae made the fire!".

Since Ji Han Jae was the bodyguards executive of President of Korea,  Hapkido has been widespread among special forces of law enforcement.

Nowadays there are a large number of federations which develop this unique martial art in Korea and abroad .