Book Review: "Combat Hapkido: The Martial Art for the Modern Warrior"

Combat Hapkido "Street Self-Defense"

Here's a new Combat Hapkido Video Teaser featuring the new "Street Self-Defense" video from the ICHF. This video is a nice overall addition to your Self-Defense Video Library. In the video you'll see New Techniques as well as many variations on existing techniques providing you with additional options and insight to Combat Hapkido.

Combat Hapkido classes offered on Fairchild Airforce Base in Washington State

This article is by Senior Airman Emerald Ralston 92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

Posted 4/30/2009

Click Link Here to visit original story site.


4/30/2009 - FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- To combine, unite or join internal energy and life force within a system or method -- that is a conceptual translation of Hapkido, a system of martial arts that focuses on self-defense, deflection and discipline. Combat Hapkido classes are offered at the base gym by Staff Sgt. Thomas Locke, 66th Training Squadron military training leader and 3rd Dan International Combat Hapkido Federation, Ground Survival Licensed Instructor, Military Combatives Association and IPDTI Licensed Instructor

"Self defense is for everyone," Sergeant Locke said. "The goal is improving yourself and defending yourself. Combat Hapkido is a very balanced, practical martial art that involves situational self defense and getting out of potentially dangerous situations with an aggressor."

The classes go from 6 to 8 p.m. each Tuesday and Thursday, and generally consist of five to 12 people and start with extensive stretches to ensure the utmost safety of the participants.

Following the stretches, students begin the training scheduled for that evening, which changes from class to class.

"Classes are always different," Sergeant Locke said. "I change things up a lot. Sometimes we focus on weapons defense, ground survival, strikes and kicks, escapes, trapping, balance disruption, pressure point activation, etc. I try to keep things fresh and fun. It's never exactly the same, but the core techniques are the spine of the basic requirements."

Some classes included one-on-one practice, and some include an activity where students form a circle and take turns attacking and defending against one another. This practice provides a heightened sense of intensity to help bring up the students' awareness in less predictable environments.

"The idea is to avoid and control," Sergeant Locke said. "Become part of what the aggressor is doing and take control of the situation. It is very important to stay relaxed, and controlling anger is also paramount. Anger makes you tense but when you're relaxed you tend to make better decisions and focus."

Much of the class is intended to help the student become aware of his or her own body. To understand and learn to manipulate an attacker's body because of the understanding gained over one's own self-awareness and coordination, will increase confidence, and once the student sees what his or her body can do, it creates a greater sense of awareness.

"When most people think of martial arts, they think of striking martial arts," Sergeant Locke said. "Combat Hapkido is a scalable and safe way to manipulate someone else's body. It is one thing to do your kicks and punches, but when it's actually applied toward someone who is attacking you, the difference is clear. It is much easier in those situations to avoid and control attacks, rather than rely on strikes alone to defeat a much larger assailant."

Combat Hapkido's concepts are based on scientific principles of anatomy and physiology, as well as psychological strategy. Men and women of all sizes and physical strength are welcome and can do very well in the class because physical strength and athletic ability are not essential. Men, women, children, people with physical handicaps, older adults and military members are welcome, said Sergeant Locke.

Since the emphasis is on redirecting the assailant's aggression and power back toward them, minimum force is required on the part of the practitioner.

The essence of Combat Hapkido is purely self defense. It is the synthesis of dynamic and varied eclectic concepts, scientific principles, realistic application and plain common sense, all formulated into an easy to follow curriculum.

"What often happens is people think that because it's a martial art, it is very strict and they easily mystify the art based on what they've seen in movies and on TV," Sergeant Locke said. "Combat Hapkido is a simple, practical application. There are no mystical components to this practice. When you mystify it, it becomes unapproachable. Hapkido gives you the tools for defense for everyone, in everyday situations."

The class offered by Sergeant Locke through the Force Support Squadron is a licensed charter of the International Combat Hapkido Federation. ICHF is a large organization with more than 300 schools in more than 20 countries.

To get involved, contact Sergeant Locke at 509-868-0188. Classes are held at the fitness center. The first class is free for those interested in getting involved to see if this dynamic and practical self defense system is right for them. Further instruction costs 45 dollars for 16 hours of class time, to be used at the convenience of the student during regularly scheduled training times.

URBAN Fight - Combat Hapkido URBAN Fight - Combat Hapkido

Combat Hapkido's goals of preparing individuals with Self-Defense Skills needed in today's modern urban environment, can easily be seen in this video where Combat Hapkido's training is realistically practiced by defending against Knife, Gun, and Unarmed attacks while in your car or on the streets. Does your Self-Defense school take these realistic training measures to prepare you?

Great HAPKIDO and KNIFE Fight scenes in the Movies:

1. Taken - Year 2009

This was a great suspense movie. There were multiple scenes where Hapkido was used, along with some great knife fighting scenes.

(http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0936501/)


2. The Bourne Ultimatum - Year 2007

Check out the scene where they’re running on top of the roofs and through the apartments, these are some classic Hapkido techniques.

(http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0440963/)


3. The Bourne Supremacy - Year 2004

(http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0372183/)


4. The Bourne Identity - Year 2002

Check out the scene at the embassy, these are some classic Hapkido techniques.

(http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0258463/)


5. The Hunted - Year 2003

This movie shows a little Hapkido, but what I really like about the movie is the knife fighting scenes

(http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0269347/)


6. Saving Private Ryan - Year 1998

This movie has a Knife fighting scenes near the end of the movie; it's not very long but very memorable. It's a great example of why you should incorporate knife defense from the bottom position.

(http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120815/)


7. Under Siege - Year 1992

This movie has more Akido then Hapkido techniques, but the two are closely related. In two places in the move there are decent Knife fighting scenes.

(http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0105690/)

Know Your Knife Grips

March’s edition continues with “Combat Hapkido - - Blog’s” “2009 year of the knife” topic; this month we’ll be covering knife grips. When it comes to self-defense, knowing knife grips are as important to the attacker as they are to the defender. A defender’s knowledge and understands of the different ways and attacker can grip a knife will prepare the defender to responded appropriately to a knife’s attack angels, distancing, and target acquisition.

There are multiple ways a knife can be held for offensive or defensive use. The two most common are the forward and reverse grips with the edge facing out.

The following are variations of the forward grip:

1. Hammer Grip – The hand with all fingers and thumb are wrapped around the handle as if making a fist.
2. Saber Grip – The hand will all fingers wrapped around the handle and the thumb placed on the top of the handle.
3. Modified Saber Grip – Similar to the saber grip but the thumb is placed on the flat of the blade.
4. Palm Reinforced Grip - pommel rests against the palm of the hand, index finger is placed on top of the handle or blade spine
5. Filipino Grip - hammer grip, but the thumb is along the spine, either floating above the spine, or in contact with it.
6. Forward grip edge up - similar to a saber grip, but with the knife handle rotated along the axis of the forearm, so the edge is facing upward

The following are variations of the reverse grip:

1. "Regular" Reverse Grip - more specifically, "reverse grip edge out,” where the hand is wrapped around the handle as if making a fist with the thumb capping the pommel, edge facing away from the forearm
2. Ice pick grip - more specifically, "reverse grip edge in,” the edge facing the forearm.

Preparing yourself for any encounter against a knife assault will not only take dedicated training on your part but will also require you to research and learn as much as possible about knifes and their use as weapons. Bad guys don’t play by rules, and the likely hood of the bad guys using knifes to rob or hurt you is grater then the bad guys just using their fists to rob or hurt you. Bad guys will always try to get the advantage over their pray, so do your homework and prepare yourself. The first place to start is to acquire the “Combat Hapkido Weapon disarming Knife/Handgun” DVD, and then head off to the library and research as much as you can on knife fighting.

Know your Knife Types

This February’s edition continues with “Combat Hapkido - - Blog’s” “2009 year of the knife” topic from last month, but this month we'll be covering Knife Types instead of Blade Types from last month. The difference between the Knife and a Blade is the Knife is the whole knife and it’s components including the blade, handle, opening, closing, and locking mechanisms, while the Blade is just the sharpened edge component of the knife.

You may be reading this and asking yourself why these details are important, and what do they have to do with self-defense. You may be thinking all you need to study and know is the ICHF “Knife Disarming” curriculum when it comes to knife self-defense, and there is a truth to that thinking, but the truth is a little more complicated. When you as a self-defense practitioner can prepare yourself with more knife knowledge, and actual physical knife familiarity, then you may just conquer the natural human fear that arises when an attacker tries to take their knife and slice it into your stomach. Prepare yourself with the ICHF "Knife Disarming" curriculum, familiarize yourself with kifes and you'll be on your way to being ready for a possible knife attack.

Fixed-Blade Knives

A fixed-blade is a solid piece of steel, anchored to the handle without any folding mechanisms. A fixed-blade is one piece of steel running the length of the knife. When it reaches the handle the metal will taper into a “tail” that is surrounded by the handle or continue as a "tang" that is covered on either side by handle "slabs."

Folding Knives

Folding knives may not be the most durable of knives, but they’re a fine bet for safety and convenience because the knife folds into the handle. There are several configurations to choose from. Locking folders for example, have the durability of a fixed blade but let you close the blade into the handle.

Pocket Knife

Not all pocket knife models lock open, but that’s not critical considering how practical and versatile pocket knives are.

Lockback Knives

A “lockback” works like a fixed-blade with the added benefit of folding into the handle for safety and convenience. The lockback gets its name from the rocking lock plate visible on the back of the handle. Opening the blade causes the rocker to lock against the blade, locking it open. To release the “lock,” simply push down on the rocker at the back of the handle. Closing usually requires two hands, though there are one-hand openers, which are ideal for activities like climbing where only one hand is free.

Liner Locker – One-Hander

A “Liner Lock” is a folding “lockback” knife you can open and close with one hand. A thumb-hole or thumb-stud opens the blade. It locks open using a tensioned metal liner inside the handle. To release the blade, place your thumb on the front part of the liner and push to the left.

Frame Lock – One-Hander

A “Frame Lock” is a one-hand opening knife. Only the lock is a tensioned part of the handle frame with an open channel. When the blade opens, the frame lock moved into the handle opening, locking against the blade. To release, push the liner to the left.

Assisted Opening Knife

This is a one-hand openers. A ‘liner lock’ locks the blade open. To open, release the safety, then push the blade release ridge. After the blade starts opening, the assisted opening mechanism completes the blade opening, which releases the liner to lock the blade open. To close, push left on the front of the liner lock releasing the lock. Close the blade and engage the safety on top of the handle.

Automatic Knife

Automatic knifes are also known as a switchblade, switch, or in British English flick knife. This type of knife with a folding or sliding blade contained in the handle which is opened by a spring when a button or lever on the grip is pressed.

Gravity Knife

This is a knife which opens by the forces of inertia or gravity. Similar to a switchblade, they are made as side folding blades and out-the-front (OTF) or telescoping blades. However, instead of being spring driven, the knife needs to be manually "flipped" or "slid" out of the handle. Filipino Balisong knives are an example of a gravity knife.

Know Your Knife Blade Shapes

In today's modern society the ease of acquiring an edged weapon and the likely hood of someone carrying and edged weapon is on the rise. This creates a need for you as a Combat Hapkido Self-Defense Practitioner to seriously prepare yourself against the possibility that the likely hood of you being assaulted by someone trying to get a one-up advantage against you with an edged weapon might be greater than if they were to assault you unarmed. To prepare yourself not only will the ICHF "Knife Disarming" Curriculum help you to get prepared, but you must also make yourself knowledgeable and familiar with knifes and their capabilities.
"Combat Hapkido - - Blog" will be spending this year of 2009 to include monthly blog articles, along with other subjects as well, to get Combat Hapkido Self-Defense Practitioners aware, prepared, knowledgeable, and motivated to be ready for the real threat that edged weapons pose in this modern age.
Below is the first blog article for this "year of the knife" to allow you to more easily identify the different types of edged blades, enjoy.

BLADE FEATURES

Serrated vs. Non-serrated Blades

Serrated

Serrations create a semi-saw on the sharp side of the blade. Ideal for a more aggressive cutting action like cutting wet line, cable or cord. Very popular depending on the use of the knife. The serrations also retain their ability to cut longer than a standard edge.

Non-serrated

The number one choice for a clean, precision cut. These blades also have a greater initial sharpness.

Partially serrated - #1, #2

A partially serrated blade offers both aggressive cutting action and precision.

Gutting/Skinning Hook - #3

For great performance when field dressing game, a gut or skinning hook is an ideal tool.

BLADE SHAPES

Clip - #4

The clip refers to the length and angle of the concave curve on the non-cutting portion of the point of the blade. A regular ‘clip’ has a short, pronounced curve. A “California clip has a longer, gentler curve. The “Turkish clip” has a very elongated curve.

While the point of the blade is effective for detail work, it’s not as strong as the thicker part of the blade.

Modified Clip - #5

A very popular design with high-tech, one-hand opener knives. Shapes vary.

Drop-Point - #6

This blade has a gentle, sloping convex curve to the point versus the concave curve of the clip blade. Being thicker, this blade point is stronger for heavier tasks. It stands up to abuse well, but isn’t as effective for easy penetration.

Additional Blade Shapes

Sheepsfoot - #7

This blade gets its name from the shape of the point, which resembles sheep’s hoof. The distinctive, flat, straight-line cutting edge and rounded point gives a clean cut, especially on a flat surface.

Spey - #8

Just like it sounds, this blade was originally developed to spey farm animals. The somewhat blunt point avoids poking through a surface and the overall blade configuration is well suited for skinning sweeping knife strokes.

Pen or Spear - #9

Spear points are more popular in Europe, while in America the clip blade is the preferred option. This is an example of a smaller version of the larger “spear point” blade. Typically, you’ll find a “pen” blade on pocket knives. It’s a handy, all purpose blade originally developed to trim quill pens.

Coping - #10

A narrow blade with a sharp, angular point, almost like a miniature sheepsfoot blade. The coping blade is designed to be used for cutting in tight spots or curved patterns, much as you would with a coping saw, only without the teeth.

Tanto - #11

The “tanto” comes from a traditional Japanese design dating back to feudal Japan. The angled grind from the edge to the tip is much heavier and stronger than other blade styles. It is used for piercing hard/tough materials as well as prying or scraping.

On News Stands now is the new January 2009 issue of Black Belt Magazine. The cover features Grand Master John Pellegrini and Master David Rivas. The Feature article in this issue is entitled "5 Combat Hapkido Defenses."
Black Belt Magazine is the World's Leading Magazine of Martial Arts related news and information. The Magazine sells for $5.99 USD. Pick up this magazine now to see what you're missing and to re-enforce your Combat Hapkido Training you're receiving in class.

Product Recommendation 1st Q 2008

"Combat Hapkido - - Blog's" recommended product for the 1st quarter of the new year (2008) is the ICHF's Official "Master" and "Student" Issued Uniforms. These new uniforms provide Combat Hapkido Students, and Instructors with a Official Quality Uniform that has a Large Silkscreen "International Combat Hapkido Federation" logo on the back of the Uniform. The ICHF has made arrangements with "Tiger Claw" to make these uniforms available for sale to the public and ICHF Student and Schools. To order these uniforms you must contact "Tiger Claw" directly at 800-821-5090. Request Johnny Oh or Manny Melendez, and let them know you saw it on "Combat Hapkido - - Blog" first.

"Click on Images Below for Details and Ordering Information:"













There will be more detailed information in the next ICHF Official Newsletter. Up to this point there has not been any mandate from the ICHF Head Quarters Regarding any Required Uniform for Registered ICHF Schools and Students, and all Schools are still able to choose their own uniform design and coloring while including the ICHF Patch on the left of the Uniform Jacket.

New Combat Hapkido YouTube Videos

It's been an exciting last few months for the "Combat Hapkido - - Blog." First the "International Combat Hapkido Federation (ICHF)," and "Defensive Services International, Inc." have deployed their new Website, and secondly the ICHF and their supports have submitted multiple new videos on YouTube. Hopefully these videos will catch the attention of the general public, and showcase Combat Hapkido's Practicality and Relevance for Self-Defense training. Check out these new videos, who's links are provided below:

International Combat Hapkido Federation video clip 1

International Combat Hapkido Federation video clip 2

Video: Combat Hapkido Finland (Seminar)

Video: Combat Hapkido (Ground Defense)

Video: Combat Hapkido Cane

"Combat Hapkido - - Blog" BOOK REVIEW

Books Name:
Put 'em down, Take 'em out!
Knife fighting techniques from Folsom prison.
Books Author:
Don Pentecost
Number of Pages: 54

A Knife Attack is one of those things in life that you never want to be on the receiving end of. The Probability is highly likely that no matter how prepared, or how much training you may have, you're going to get cut and injured, but how badly you're injured, or whether you successfully survive the attack depends on many factors. The author of this book has composed an intriguing collection of views backed by his claimed actual knife encounters while incarcerated for years in the jail system, where stabbing and cutting is part of daily life. The author's approach to successfully surviving an attack is from his actual experience as opposed to technical training. It is with this actual experience that the author hopes to give the reader a realistic approach to surviving a knife attack.

While reviewing this book, the author’s overall scorn for the Martial Arts and its ability to prepare an individual to defend against a knife fight is highly visible, but where I think the author falls short is in his generalizing all Martial Arts into a single group without taking into considerations possibly differences between Traditional Martial Arts, vs. maybe Modern or Combative styles of Self-Defense.
Regardless, the book has some valuable information. It breaks down what actually happens during a knife attack, and offers some sound, basic advise on what to do, and what not to do when defending yourself.

To view this small book, click on the link below. The book will appear in Adobe PDF formant.

Knife fighting techniques from Folsom prison

Exoskeleton turns humans into Terminators

Here's the future of Armed Combat. We've all read it in Comic Books growing up, and seen it in the movies, well now it's a little closer to reality.
After the developers of this "Exoskeleton" make it smaller and more efficient, imagine the implication it would have for Modern Self-Defense and Modern Warfare.
What's great about Combat Hapkido is that it's dynamic and always changing and answering the Self-Defense needs in a Modern Society, I can see a future where Combat Hapkido would address the use and/or defense of the "Exoskeleton".

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE "EXOSKELETON IN ACTION

How to Stay Safe in a Parking Garage

Combat Hapkido addresses many modern Combat Situational Circumstances. One of these circumstances could easily be an unprovoked assault, robbery , or car theft, while leaving late from work, arriving home in the middle of the night, or even in broad day light while in public.
We all hope we never have to deal with these situations, and if we do we hope our Combat Hapkido Training will be sufficient to protect us in these circumstances, but to prevent oneself from becoming a victim, take control of your surroundings and decrease the chances of a possible assault from ever occurring.
Strategies that help an individual take control of their surroundings, include the 9 common sense ones explained below, and when taught along side your Combat Hapkido Techniques, will broad and provide you with true Self-Defense Mastery.

Introduction
Many assaults and rapes are committed in parking garages and parking lots simply because they are often dimly lit, poorly observed and provide countless places to hide. You can protect yourself in these situations with a little planning and common sense ... and these simple steps.

Instructions
Difficulty: Easy


Steps

Step One
Pack everything in a rolling suitcase or shoulder-strap bag, including your briefcase and laptop. Keep your hands free. It’s better to make two trips than to be bogged down with bags which makes you a perfect target. If you have cash or expensive jewelry, hide these on your person or in your biggest piece of luggage—not in your purse, which is easiest to steal.

Step Two
Clip a hands-free cell phone where you can get to it quickly. Program 911 on speed dial and a contact number under the letters ICE (In Case of Emergency). Law enforcement officials are trained to look for this. Program your work number also in a way others can understand. Don’t identify your home number—anyone who sees it can go online and get your address with a reverse phone-directory search.

Step Three
Carry an air horn in your hand or hooked on a belt loop—not in a pocket or purse, or you may not be able to use it in time. These horns make an ear-splitting noise, and they aren't bulky or expensive. A whistle, lauded by many, is not such a great idea as you may not be able to get it into your mouth.

Step Four
Carry a non-folding umbrella with a steel tip on it, if you have no luggage. Use it like a walking stick and walk lively, clacking the tip against the ground. These make pretty good weapons and even if you aren't a fighter, you are still adding complications for the bad guys to overcome.

Step Five
Call ahead to the hotel if you're traveling alone. If valet parking is available, budget it in. If this isn’t an option, ask for an escort from the parking garage to the check-in desk. If they balk, tell them that you or a friend was mugged or raped in a place just like this. Remember, they are being paid to protect you. If they say that no security personnel are available, request a man—anyone—to escort you. Most places will comply with that if you give them a reason for your request.

Step Six
Be aware of your surroundings. Park in the best-lit space closest to your point of entry. Don’t park in a crammed space next to a wall that leaves no exit. Park near other people—there’s safety in numbers.

Step Seven
Note your exact location and avoid wandering around when it's time to leave. Look around the area while driving, parking and before leaving your car. If you have luggage, open the trunk from inside, go to it quickly, grab your things, close the trunk and leave. Don’t hang around.

Step Eight
Make sure you can see and hear and run and scream. No big hats, spiked heels, eating as you walk or music plugged into your ears. Don't wear anything that someone could hold you with. Tuck scarves, long beads, necklaces, long hair, braids and even purses if possible inside your clothing until you’re inside.

Step Nine
Don’t look like a victim. Walk with your head up and shoulders squared, like you belong there are and are well aware of your surroundings. Look around occasionally as you walk, but don't overdo it and look scared. Scared folks are easy targets. With a little planning and a lot of awareness, you can do a lot toward keeping yourself safe from assault.

Distract, Disable, and Destroy

by Floyd Burk

Combat Hapkido’s Low-Line Kicking Guarantees Supremacy on the Street!

“The biggest advantage attackers have over their victims is the element of surprise,” claims Combat Hapkido master John Pellegrini. “Attackers expect their targets to freeze up, allowing them to gain immediate psychological and physical superiority.”

Those are sobering words, to be sure, but if nothing else, they should inspire you to do everything in your power to bolster your defenses and incorporate the element of surprise into your planned responses to attack.

One of the best ways to do that is to arm yourself with Combat Hapkido’s low-line kicking methods, which mesh with any number of joint locks and follow-up strikes for a cool combination of controlled fury.

Against a punch: John Pellegrini (left) assumes the Combat Hapkido awareness position in front of his assailant (1). When the man punches, Pellegrini evades the blow and traps the arm (2), then slams a roundhouse kick into his leg (3). He grasps the attacker’s arm (4) and executes a spinning takedown (5). Once he hits the ground, Pellegrini immobilizes him with his knees (6) and effects a wrist lock (7). Against a grab: When the attacker (left) grasps John Pellegrini’s wrist (1), he responds with a snap kick to the groin (2). He then executes a two-handed wrist-flex (3) and an elbow smash to the face (4). To finish, he leverages him to the ground (5) and hyperextends his arm (6). Against a choke: The opponent reaches for John Pellegrini’s neck, but Pellegrini intercepts the hand and keeps it away from his airway (1). He then drives an angled kick into the closest leg (2), entangles the choking arm (3) and shoots a tiger-mouth strike into the throat (4). Pellegrini follows up with an elbow strike to the solar plexus (5) and a takedown, after which he executes an arm lock and a choke (6). Against a club: John Pellegrini faces an armed attacker (1). The man swings his weapon, and Pellegrini evades the blow while he deflects and traps the assailant’s arm (2). He then twists the limb (3) and sends a front kick into the man’s torso (4). While the aggressor is stunned, Pellegrini applies pressure against the wrist (5) and completes the disarm (6).

GOOD BEGINNING Pellegrini advocates employing low-line kicks as a first line of defense to surprise your opponent, then distract and disable him, thus making it easier for you to destroy him with a follow-up. Such kicks are just one of the components that distinguish Combat Hapkido from other Korean fighting systems. In lieu of the customary jumping and spinning techniques, you need to focus on kicks that lash out at waist level or lower, he says. Low-line kicks are ideal for street fighting, mostly because it’s fairly easy to avoid telegraphing your intentions when doing them. Other key advantages include the ability to generate maximum power, the maintenance of better balance (because your center of gravity stays lower), the ability to ruin your opponent’s mobility (by hammering his leg muscles) and the option of attacking his groin and certain parts of his legs to shock his nervous system and buckle his body. When combined with Combat Hapkido’s awareness position, which the art uses instead of traditional stances, the aforementioned advantages can give you the upper hand and make it easier for you to execute a finishing throw, joint lock or hand strike, Pellegrini says. FIGHTING COMBO NO. 1 An ego-pumped punk says he’s going to pound you into the ground. He lunges at you with a head punch— then finds himself flat on his back with one of your knees on his head and the other against his spine. To top it off, his arm feels as though it’s twisted like a pretzel. The Combat Hapkido solution begins with you facing your attacker with your left foot forward and your forearms vertical at chest level. Your hands are open and ready for action. As he closes the gap and initiates the right-hand strike, step forward and to the outside with your left leg. Simultaneously use your right hand to parry his punch, then grab his wrist. The path is now open to disable him with a roundhouse kick to his right leg. Next, use your left hand to seize the elbow of the arm you just grabbed. Lift the limb, then circle it downward while you pivot counterclockwise.

That will cause him to fall on his left side. Once he does, drop your left knee onto the side of his head and dig your other knee into his lower back while maintaining control of his arm. Complete the immobilization by cranking his wrist. Increase the pressure as needed.

“Martial artists train with other martial artists who are constantly being polite to one another, bowing, helping each other up and that kind of thing,” Pellegrini says. “While this can be a lot of fun, it’s more likely that a lunatic lacking in morals is going to be who you’re defending against. Consequently, you need to do role-playing where you and various partners take turns assuming the role of the lunatic.

Be creative but stay realistic. That way you’ll be mentally prepared for this type of attack, and surprise and fear won’t beat you.”

FIGHTING COMBO NO. 2
A hooligan threatens you, then grabs your arm in an effort to shock you into giving in to his demands. Your foot lashes out in a flash, leaving him with a ruptured groin and, after you fling him to the pavement, a bad case of road rash.

Begin in an awareness position that has your right foot forward. For the drill, your attacker assumes a left-side forward stance before grabbing your right wrist with his right hand. Direct a front snap kick into his groin. The force of the blow will cause him to double over.

You now have the opening you need to reverse his grip and put him into a two-handed wrist-flex (one hand holds his wrist and the other bends his fingers forward). Pull him toward you and lift your right elbow to smash him in the nose. Increase the tension of the wrist-flex and pivot about 20 degrees counterclockwise to throw him to the ground. Drop your left knee onto the side of his head and reposition your hands for a standing armbar that uses your upper leg as a fulcrum. He’ll be as helpless as a baby.

Wise words from Pellegrini: “Whether you are a strong young person or a cagey 60-year-old, don’t overestimate or underestimate your opponent.

By hitting vulnerable targets and vital areas, you can do much damage to an unsuspecting combatant. Even if your physical gifts are limited, you should come out on top.”

FIGHTING COMBO NO. 3
Things are getting ugly fast. Joe Schmo reaches for your throat with the ultimate goal of relieving you of your life, but your quick-kick counterattack and whirling takedown leave him writhing in pain and begging for mercy.

Your self-defense training should prepare you to act instinctively whenever an opponent goes for your neck.

That’s why the Combat Hapkido response to the scenario described above involves immediately grabbing the attacking hand with your right hand.

Yank it down just enough to clear your windpipe, then slam an angled kick into the quadriceps of his lead leg.

Wrap your left arm around his trapped limb so you can free your right hand, which is used to launch a tiger-mouth strike at his throat. Your same-side elbow then smashes into his solar plexus.

Continue your defense with a counterclockwise spinning takedown that lands him flat on his back. Maintain your hold on his Adam’s apple. Finish him with a knee to the neck and an elbow/shoulder dislocation.

“The logical thing to do is protect your windpipe,” Pellegrini advises.

“Most other courses of action can leave you incapacitated. Since you never know what’s coming, it’s best to use what warriors call mushin, or the ‘mind of no mind.’ Don’t form in your mind [an image of] what’s going to happen. Instead, keep it clear so you can react and adapt without hesitation.”

FIGHTING COMBO NO. 4
An enraged gangbanger is intent on cracking your skull with a club. You react instantaneously, making quick work of him with a wrist torque and a boot to the gut. In seconds, he’s reduced to a quivering pile of jelly.

Assume the awareness position in front of your partner. When he swings his training weapon at your head, deflect it as you lean slightly to your left.

Use your right hand to seize the hand he’s using to hold the club, then twist it and the weapon in a semicircle until he can no longer control it. Follow up with a low-line kick to the body, which stuns him long enough for you to slap on a short-duration wrist lock and effect a disarm.

Technical tips: “When defending against a weapon at close quarters, remember that different ones require different disarming techniques.

For bladed weapons, never grab the blade. Grab the hand holding the weapon, then take care of the opponent and the weapon. For gun disarms, seize the gun before executing the takedown or takeaway.

There’s more leeway when it comes to impact weapons, but I prefer to evade and get inside its trajectory, then clamp onto the limb holding the weapon. Then I take it away.”

SIGNS OF SUCCESS
With down-to-earth techniques such as the four described here, it’s no wonder Combat Hapkido and its creator are enjoying unrivaled success in the martial arts community.

Pellegrini reports rising sales of his videos and DVDs, as well as a one year backlog in seminar and training camp appearances. Membership in his organization, the International Combat Hapkido Federation, has climbed to 250 schools located in more than 20 countries.

The reason for that success can be traced directly back to Pellegrini’s efforts to distill his knowledge of the traditional arts down to its most functional essence, then pass it on to any martial artist who shows an interest. The formula certainly seems to be working.


This artical originally appeared in Black Belt Magazine


See Artical Link and click on images for additonal images in technique sequence.

"Karate Kid Fights Intruder"

Reported by AP News on Sept. 12, 07 at 6:37AM

Kenny Partanen of Pompano Beach, Florida was supprised by an intruder in his South Florida Home, but by using his Hapkido Skills he was able to subdue the intruder untill Police arrived. Check out the News Video below for additional details.


VIDEO NO LONGER AVAILABLE 3/24/08
Please follow the below link to read new article on this topic:

http://www.wftv.com/news/14096503/detail.html

INTERNATIONAL COMBAT HAPKIDO FEDERATION

Kwan of the

World Kido Federation

Modern Punch Defenses of Hapkido
Author: Luke Fraser

What is it about defending against punches that oftentimes causes martial artists to question their abilities? If you were to ask the average new student what aspect of self-defense he or she would most like to learn, the majority would respond with punch defenses. Why is this the case? It's simple: Throwing a punch, a slap or any sort of hand attack is one of the first lines of offense or defense that we learn as children, and usually the first method of attack we see when exposed to some form of violence. Children become familiar with hand attacks early in life; whether it is seen in a movie, in a fight on the playground, or in domestic abuse a situation that far too many children are being exposed to today.

As we grow older and the possibility of actually being attacked becomes more realistic, the thought of being struck by a larger individual is one of the most highly feared occurrences for the average person. However, it does differ a bit between the sexes. Men are conventionally those whom concern themselves more with the punching aspect of a street attack whereas women mostly fear a rape or abduction by a larger man. What most women don't always consider is the fact that strikes often accompany a rapist's arsenal when he carries out his assault.

This article will cover the most effective and useful defensive methods that the average man or woman can use to quickly and easily prevent an assailant from achieving his goal of landing that big knockout punch. The style known as Chon Tu Kwan or Combat Hapkido, founded and created by Grandmaster John Pellegrini, has some of the most practical methods for disabling an attacker who has thrown a punch.

Unlike many forms of traditional martial arts, Combat Hapkido employs a unique scientific ideology for defending against a fist. First and foremost, it is paramount to differentiate between the different types of hand attacks. Second, a practitioner of Combat Hapkido must study which attacks are most widely used in a real street attack and; third, how is the attack delivered and from what distance.

Oftentimes, some martial arts instructors will teach punch defense from a traditional front stance and then lunge in with a basic straight punch. While this may seem useful to some, quite simply, it is not practical and will cause a student to develop a false sense of security. Take a moment to think about the fights you may have seen in your lifetime. A punch is almost always thrown in rapid succession no more than an arm's distance away. Self-defense training also must be practiced in a similar fashion to simulate reality.

So what then are the most common types of punching attacks one is most likely to encounter on the street? There are three. Let's explore each one individually.

The Cross or Straight Reverse Punch:
The straight punch, whether with the front or rear hand, will always be the most difficult punch to defend against. As we have all learned, the shortest distance between two points is a straight line. Therefore, it will always be more difficult and we will always have less time to react when this attack is launched.

There are many contributing factors that will determine whether or not you'll be able to defend yourself properly against a cross or straight reverse punch. The first, and possibly most important, is the positioning and placement of the hands. If you are a fan of boxing, you have probably noticed that the majority of knockouts occur when a fighter is hit along the jaw line (area from the ear lobes to the middle of the chin). Knowing this about knockouts should be a practitioner's first clue as to where to position hands when expecting a punch. Combat Hapkido remains consistent about keeping the hands open rather that closed: it is simpler to trap an opponent's arm and construct some sort of counter if the hands remain open. Also, palm strikes, Ki-strikes and other open-hand counters are greatly preferred by the Combat Hapkido stylist.

Once proper hand position is established, the next consideration is to ascertain a rule regarding straight punches. It is this writer's firm belief that the best method of defending against a straight punch is to use your corresponding hand to parry the attack in accordance with "side to side" head movements. Explained a little differently, if an attacker punches with the right hand, do not attempt to cross over and block with your right hand but instead use your left, or corresponding, hand to parry. However, that parry is not enough. Additionally, you must move your head to the outside of your attacker's body in a simultaneous motion with your parry. The combination of those two body movements creates the most efficient method for defending against the straight cross punch. Once the assailant's punch has been redirected, the Combat Hapkido stylist would then proceed to apply one of many joint locks, choke holds or takedowns to finish off his opponent.

The Drunken or Wild Hook Punch:
Unlike the cross punch, a hook punch, although quite intimidating at times, can be defended against with a bit more ease due to the circular motion of the attack. This motion allows a split-second extra time to react and begin an effective counterattack. In a traditional form of Hapkido as well as numerous other styles, it is often stressed that to successfully defend against a hooking type of attack one must continue in the direction of the attack and not meet force with force. In Korean art forms, this is called the "Won" or Circular Principle. Combat Hapkido also employs this principle in many of its punching defense requirements but in accordance with them, it also utilizes various other methods as well.

A drunken or wild hook punch is often dismissed as an ineffective method of attack. This is not only incorrect but also dangerous to even think that it could not cause injury! Although this form of punching may not be as damaging as a properly executed boxing style hook, if it should find its mark on your chin, its effects could be devastating. To remain prepared to defend against this punch, your hand position should not differ from that of the cross-punch. Your hands should remain open, relaxed and be placed in a position that will protect the jaw line.

Defending against the hook is different than the cross in another way: Because you have more reaction time, you may be able to use your cross-hand to parry this attack. However, I highly stress that you find a defensive tactic that will allow use of the corresponding hand rather than attempt to cross over and block. If you must cross the body, it is recommended that you learn to use a two-hand parry rather than simply a hard style block.

The lower half of the body also plays an intricate part in complete defense. Proper footwork used in conjunction with parrying may decide whether or not your defense is successful. In Combat Hapkido, practitioners never use deep traditional stances or commit fully to one body posture. One must keep the feet positioned in close proximity and never place them in a position where they are uncomfortable and can't be easily moved. Proper footwork is a boxer's best friend and as martial artists, we need to adopt the boxer's mind-set as far as leg mobility is concerned. The two most common types of movement when defending against wild hook punches are to side step and dip or to utilize a circular principle counter. Both methods are displayed.

The Uppercut Punch:
The third and most neglected punch that should be studied by all self-defense practitioners is the upper-cut. The previous two punches are taught by most respectable martial arts instructors but oftentimes the uppercut is omitted and never discussed. This is an injustice to serious martial arts students because this form of attack is all too common. Once again, there is a very different approach to this self-defense. Almost 100 percent of the time, an uppercut will be thrown from one position only: when in very close quarters with an attacker who is able to sneak it in underneath your guard. It is because of its elusiveness that the uppercut, if thrown correctly, is sometimes difficult to predict and may cause difficulty.

Combat Hapkido employs two methods of defense when dealing with an uppercut punch attack. First, your ready posture will remain the same but also must protect your mid-section. Simply keeping your elbows close to the body should enable you to keep the punch from squarely hitting its primary targets. What then is the target of an uppercut? There are many. The two most devastating spots to be struck by an uppercut are the chin and the solar plexus. Yes, the ribs and kidneys are also areas where you should be cautious but the chin and solar plexus are an attacker's key focal points. The Combat Hapkido method again is based on simple and effective movements rather than an elaborate strategy of fancy techniques which will probably render you confused and tangled up in your own arms! (Two effective and simple methods for defense are demonstrated.)

Conclusion:
There are many factors to consider when training to defend against punches, all of which can change the outcome of the attack. There is a science behind properly executing a successful counter to a well-thrown punch and the road to its proficiency is a long one. Timing, rhythm and an overall fluidity of motion all come into play. As with all defensive tactics, you must train your body to remain loose and relaxed in order to allow for any of the techniques explained in this article to be effective.

How do you become more proficient? The answer is to begin practicing in a more realistic manner and to ask yourself how you would attack if you were to throw a punch. Then begin drilling with a partner making sure that you remain in a realistic position and with very little distance between you and your training partner. If you train in an impractical way, your chances of defending against a surprise attack are very slim. So, keep it realistic and you'll be on the path to a more practical method to your punch defense arsenal.

This article originally appeared in http://martialarm.blogspot.com/

Product Reveiw & Recommendation 3ed Q 2007

"Combat Hapkido - - Blog's" recommended product for the 3ed quarter of the year is the ICHF's "P3+1 - Tactical Trainer" Training Knife. These training knives are made of stout 1/4 inch thick aluminum with a satin finish. All points and edges are rounded to avoid unnecessary nicks. Handles have a unique style cord wrap for a non-slip grip and are available in 6 handle colors. Overall length is 9 3/4in., with a 4 1/2in. blade length. This newer model is an inch longer than the previous recommended training knife, but with the same quality and usefulness. When ordering remember to say you saw it on "Combat Hapkido - - Blog" first. Also ask about ICHF Logo engraving on the Training Knifes.

"Click on Image Below for Details and Ordering Information:"

Combat Hapkido prides itself on modern realistic self-defense training. To live up to these important standards all Combat Hapkido Schools need to constantly train for self-defense situations that occur in today's modern society. These include self-defense situations against bladed weapons like knives, and that's why "Combat Hapkido - - Blog" recommends that all Combat Hapkido students or any Student studying Self-Defense purchase themselves their own "P3+1 - Tactical Trainer" Training Knife, and start training

Advantage Left-Handers - - in Hand-to-Hand Combat.

New studies have shown that Left Handed Individuals may have certain advantages when it come to Martial-Arts. These Studies state:

-left-handed people can think quicker when carrying out tasks such as playing computer games or playing sport.

-being left-handed could be an advantage in hand-to-hand combat.

NewScientist News, December 8, 2004

ABC News, February 17, 2005

BBC News, July 31, 2007

What does this mean to your Combat Hapkido Training? Well it means you should be dilligent in Training both Left and Right Side Techniques, whether joint lock, or hand and feet strikes, and ensure that your partner when attacking is alternating with left and right side attacks.

Shared Combat Hapkido Principles -

Numerous Hapkido styles are practiced around the World. What differentiate these various styles of Hapkido from each other is they each may Stress Different Aspects, Incorporate New Practices, or Omit Older Ones. “Combat Hapkido,” along with all other styles of Hapkido will generally share 5 Underlining Principles. These Principles Unify all Hapkido styles, and make it a Uniquely Identifiable Martial Art.

* Force Redirection
* Force Blending
* Constant Movement, Varied Rhythm
* Circular Movement
* Live-Hand and Ki-Finger

Force Redirection
In Hapkido, you’ll hardly ever defend against an attacker by using your Strength against the attacker’s Strength. This style of Defense is normally seen in “Hard Styles” of Martial Arts such as Japanese Karate, and Korean Taekwondo. Hapkido maximizes power efficiency by redirecting and avoiding an attacker’s force head-on. Head-on attacks normally waste more energy, and have a greater chance of injury to you.
Redirecting Momentum, Strike Avoidance, and Breaking Balance of the Attacker allows you to use their power to strengthen and increase the efficiency of your own Defense.

Force Blending
Blending with an attacker’s force can be thought of in a sense as dancing with a partner. When dancing you’re matching the speed of the music and moving to the beat of the type of music you’re listing to. You wouldn’t dance fast to a slow song, and you wouldn’t do a Waltz to Hip Hop Music. The same is true when defending yourself; you’ll need to know when to flow with and attacker, using the flowing momentum against your attacker, and then knowing when the time is right to attack.
To accomplish Force Blending you’ll need to utilize footwork, timing, speed, commitment of movement, and versatility, which any Martial Art Practitioner regardless of style needs.

Constant Movement, Varied Rhythm
Hapkido strategy is characterized by a constant, varied flow of striking, blocking, holding, and throwing techniques executed from highly mobile stances. Footwork and body movement is constant and may incorporate circular, spinning, or off axis movements. By constantly varying body position and rhythm of attack, you become much more difficult to target and you are much more likely to disorient and frustrate your opponent.

Circular Movement
Hapkido techniques can be characterized by their circular movements. These circular movements are utilized in strikes, holds, joint locks, chokes, throws, footwork, and overall body movements, and can be either large or small circles, depending upon the technique or the particular Hapkido system. Some Hapkido systems focus on larger movements. Others systems stress smaller circles for more direct application of force. In the hands of skilled masters, many Hapkido techniques like those of “Combat Hapkido” are applied using small circular motions - especially joint locks, but in all Hapkido Styles Circular movement whether small or large are prevalent.

Live-Hand and Ki-Finger
The term Live-Hand and Ki-Finger refers to specific hand formations which when used efficiently use your strength to focus your power into the movement of the hands and arms. This can seemingly increase your strength because of the focused nature of the hand formations, and provide you the power when most needed, such as during a wrist escape or during the application of a joint lock hold. Live-Hand and Ki-Finger techniques involve visualization, breath control, and tensing of the fingers, hands, and arms. Concentration and focus are very important, as is practice. The use of Live-Hand is typically characterized by extending one or more fingers and breathing out as a specific technique is applied.