SPORTS
From Issue #27
Hapkido
By Yanyi Ma

The newest martial art trend is easy to learn and you don’t have to be a muscle-head

With summer upon us, and school out of our heads, it’s time to get active and in shape! Amidst the growing popularity of yoga, Pilates and kickboxing, fitness enthusiasts are looking to a new form of workout that transforms spiritual energy into kick-butt actions. A lesser-known martial art called hapkido uses circular, flowing motion rather than straight angled moves. It’s easy to get
into its spirit of fun and empowerment.

Previous to steadily becoming a North American fitness trend, hapkido was one of the most popular martial arts in Korea. It started in the 1940s and is actually about defence, not offence. (The most popular actor known for training in hapkido—among other martial arts—is Jackie Chan.) The principles of hapkido involve circular energy, flow, and balance. It is all about using the opponent’s power against him- or herself. Its gentle and graceful style and movements are
based on being in harmony with the circular motions of nature. This makes hapkido unique among martial arts because it emphasizes flowing techniques rather than force. Because of this, it is easy to learn, and great for anyone looking for a good workout and self-defence skills without needing to earn a black belt. It also uses a variety of arm and leg joint locks, throws,
kicks, hits, and weapon and nerve pressure techniques.

Hapkido is a growing martial arts form that teaches self-defence and builds self-esteem, discipline, and self-respect, making you happier, healthier, safer, and smarter.

What is it about martial arts? The majority of modern martial arts originated in Asia (some more well-known martial arts include judo, karate, and kung fu), but other popular martial arts include Brazil’s capoeira and American boxing. Martial arts have gained popularity with classic action films featuring Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan, and Jet Li. More recently we are seeing female martial artists, such as Uma Thurman, Ziyi Zhang (Memoirs of a Geisha, Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon), Angelina Jolie, Jennifer Garner (as Sydney Fox, Alias), and Zoe Bell (Grindhouse). Martial arts classes are offered at most fitness club and community centres. Part of their appeal is their multipurpose training: self-defence, self-esteem, self-respect, and better self-image. They are a great workout because they are strenuous but do not require much physical strength. Also, martial arts are a way of pumping up your adrenaline, and exerting the pent-up energy accumulated over the school year. And, did you know that working out produces hormones called endorphins that make people healthier and happier? Experts have also concluded that teens should get at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity each day. Taking up martial arts is a much more interesting and exciting way to burn calories and get in shape than running for an hour on a treadmill (if you can even manage that). Not to mention, exercising in general helps people age better and live longer.

More Fun Workout Ideas

Dance Work up a sweat with moves that you can use at parties. Capoeira Try this mixture of breakdancing and martial arts and learn Halle Berry’s secret for squeezing into that Catwoman outfit. Forza Use a fitness sword to shape the upper and lower body while building strength. (Think Uma Thurman in Kill Bill.) Tai Chi Develop an awareness of balance and relaxation. Strengthen muscles like you do in yoga, minus the flexibility. Hula-Hoop Pilates Old school hula-hoops are back. This hybrid incorporates Pilates with core routines using hoops, fitness balls, bands, and foam tubing.

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