hapkido

[neit]

hapkido - anybody study it? i am coinsidering taking a look at a hapkido school so i'd like to hear form people who have taken it. i have read all about it on websites but never heard from actual people. - thanks

[chen zhen]

If you like high kicks, spinning kicks, etc, you might like it.
I guess it's better than TKD, as they also have grappling (aikido-like grappling). But I would'nt count much on it.

[Former castleva]

I don´t study but at least I know something about it.

When it comes to what zhen said,I am not very comfortable commenting on.
Good hapkido is supposed to be effective and natural,"scientific" in application,not flashy woo-woo.

Founder´s direct follower/student did add a lot of a kicking into the art (which there are numerous sub-styles ranging as far as new styles!) which may or may not remind you of TKD or related material.

Overall,it´s very well-rounded.

[chen zhen]

I'm sorry if I'm wrong, the HKD I've seen is very flashy, w. high kicks. it is korean, so it's only natural;)

The american grandmaster is pretty good though, don't remember his name. He has a funny accent and starred in that ETD parody "fistful of yen"

[neit]

hmmm, i'm not too jazzed up about fancy kicks. i studied tkd for 3 years but decided it was not for me.

[Former castleva]

Yep.

Well,if it´s good at all,kicking is only one part of the comprehensive game from pressure points to regular belts.
Of course,ultimately it´s up to school and all this.

Do you know what style that school of yours teaches?

BTW,Did you know Jackie Chan (HKD BB) and Sammo Hung derive a lot of their kicking from hapkido?

[neit]

former - yes, the guy who taught them has several hapkido schools in canada.

i actually have no idea what style this school is. there was a small listing in the yellow pages that only says hapkido and gives a number. it may be a new school since they have never been listed before. chances are that it is not near my home and that will probably be a diciding factor.