Aikido vs Hapkido: Difference and Comparison

Martial arts are a sign of bravery and valor. They are challenging to master and learn. In spite of the level of difficulty, people practiced martial art in the ancient days, and some are prevalent even to date.

Out of the several martial arts present out there, aikido and hapkido are the two that belong to the category of some popular martial arts.

Key Takeaways

1. Aikido is a Japanese martial art that focuses on using an opponent’s energy against them, while Hapkido is a Korean martial art that incorporates strikes, joint locks, and throws.
2. Aikido emphasizes non-resistance and peaceful conflict resolution, while Hapkido emphasizes aggressive self-defence.
3. Aikido techniques are more fluid and circular, while Hapkido techniques are more linear and direct.

Aikido vs Hapkido

Aikido also emphasizes blending with the opponent’s energy to achieve a peaceful resolution to a conflict, and practitioners use their opponent’s momentum against them. Hapkido practitioners aim to neutralize their opponents efficiently, using their own physical strength to overpower them.

Aikido is a famous Japanese-developed martial art. This comprises moves and techniques related to throwing, joint locking, and striking techniques. It was found during the twentieth century and also involved swords and knives.

It combines the use of both armed and unarmed techniques. The basic moves were inspired by the arts of India and China.

Hapkido is a self-defense-based martial art that was developed in the lands of Korea. It combines kicking and throwing moves with some conventional weapons like swords.

It includes close-range as well as long-range techniques. The control of the opponent is the main goal of the fighter. Footwork and the position of the body play a major role.

Comparison Table

Parameters of Comparison	Aikido	Hapkido
Country of Origin	This form of martial art was curated and developed in the lands of Japan.	This form of martial art has its roots of origin in Korea.
Time of Origin	It was developed by the Japanese much earlier than the development of hapkido.	Hapkido was developed after the origin of aikido.
Techniques	Aikido concentrates on defense. The moves are curated in such a way that instead of focussing and losing energy on the opponent the techniques protect the fighter from being attacked by their opponent.	Hapkido involves more violence and the moves are of high impact and also includes the usage of weapons like swords and ropes that increase the severity.
Kicking styles	Aikido does not involve a lot of kicking techniques as it may be harmful and it is not best suitable for safety and self-defense.	Hapkido encourages a lot of moves with kicking techniques to make the attack severe.
Military Usage	It is highly encouraging to be followed in the military.	It was not used anywhere in the military.

What is Aikido?

The main aim of this art’s development included internal development and integrity. It is also great to tone the physical aspect of the body, tone the muscles and make ourselves fit with the moves of this martial art.

This art is more than defense and attacks. The moves are accurately performed with a lot of compassion and deep and clear insights. It emphasizes the warrior’s valor and power to make an ultimate transcend of a dualistic conflict.

It is mainly developed as art that focuses on various aspects of self-development though it is also highly aimed at safeguarding ourselves from our foes.

It highly promotes positive thoughts along with the character. This training is not only intensely physical but also trains the spiritual part of us to attain a deep and high state.

It is seen as an art that helps shape an individual’s wisdom and character. It is not a competitive martial art, as it focuses on developing one’s own characteristics rather than fighting and winning over someone.

It has a wide variety of versatile attacks and moves. It is considered to be a highly challenging art.

What is Hapkido?

Though it involves using weapons, it is also practiced as an unarmed form of martial arts. It involves a lot of techniques involving circular motions as it is easy to do free-flowing combat, and the different techniques can be merged together seamlessly and can have an efficient impact.

It is a globally accepted and followed martial art. In spite of its low impact and severity, it has its own power. Though it has been inspired by a number of Asian martial art forms, it never failed to leave its profile of uniqueness dropdown.

It allows the fighter to prevent hurting the opponent and focuses on shielding from the opponent and protecting themselves.

More than the usage of brute strength, it follows composure and physical control, which the warriors should be careful with. Security and lawful means use this method to protect the warriors without causing the enemy’s downfall.

However, If necessary, the warrior can cause serious attacks on their opponent. Though it emphasizes more on defense, its offensive techniques are extremely powerful. Hence one must not take it for granted.

Physical control over your body and the positions is important to make sure you have self-control and the moves are smooth.

Main Differences Between Aikido and Hapkido

1. The people of Japan developed Aikido, whereas the people of Korea developed hapkido.
2. Hapkido was introduced later, succeeding in the origin of Aikido.
3. Aikido involves defense techniques, whereas hapkido concentrates on offense.
4. Aikido avoids the usage of several kicks, whereas hapkido revolves around powerful kicks.
5. Aikido was used as a fighting technique in the military, whereas hapkido was avoided.

References 

1. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.2466/22.23.PMS.116.1.30-39
2. http://yadda.icm.edu.pl/yadda/element/bwmeta1.element.desklight-dc17e38a-d3b6-4fed-a13a-d9fc588b1022

Last Updated : 13 July, 2023