Hapkido is a Korean martial art that translates as "the way of coordinating energy." People who practice Hapkido techniques use Hapkido hand techniques, joint locks, pressure points, throws, Hapkido kicks and other strikes. These are used primarily for self-defense.

Hapkido focuses on using your own energy and that of your opponent. It involves circular motion, non-resistive movements and the movements of your opponent. People who use Hapkido use techniques to gain advantage of their opponents, as opposed to fighting strength with more strength.

The goal of Hapkido fighters is to use technique to get close enough to an opponent for a strike, throw or lock. If an opponent is attempting to push a Hapkido fighter, the Hapkido fighter would move away and throw his opponent in the direction of his opponent's push, using his opponent's own momentum to throw him as opposed to meeting the push with more physical force.

Another way to use your opponent's own strength against him is to use circular motion. If an opponent throws a punch at you, redirect his force, adding his strength and motion to yours to force him into a position where you could strike a blow of your own, or use a throw or hold to subdue the attacker.

In addition to throws, punches, kicks, weapons and holds, Hapkido also takes advantage of over 700 pressure points. When all of these methods are combined, you have Hapkido, an extremely focused form of self-defense and physical fitness.