About Hapkido

Hapkido is a practical Korean self-defence martial art that combines striking, kicking, locking, throwing, and control skills into a complete system for long-term martial arts training.

This makes it a martial art that is both practical to begin and deep enough to study for life. 

What makes Hapkido different

A defining feature of Hapkido is its use of circular motion, positional control, and the redirection of force. Instead of meeting force head-on, practitioners learn to use footwork, body positioning, balance breaking, and control to respond more efficiently.

Hapkido is also broad in range. It includes long-range kicking and striking, close-range knees and elbows, and close-quarter skills such as locking, throwing, takedowns, and control techniques.

This gives students a practical and adaptable self-defence system, while also developing confidence, coordination, discipline, and resilience over time.

Hapkido at our Academy

At the Upper Hutt Martial Arts Academy, we teach Hapkido through a blend of traditional structure and modern training methods.

Our approach focuses on practical self-defence, intelligent movement, and steady long-term development. We want students to build real skill in a safe, supportive, and disciplined environment.

For us, Hapkido is not just about learning techniques. It is about developing capable, confident people through consistent training.

Hapkido in New Zealand

Hapkido in New Zealand has been shaped by strong leadership, long-term commitment, and direct links to respected international teachers.

Our Academy is part of that wider story. Through decades of training, teaching, and leadership, we have helped support and develop Hapkido both locally and nationally.

That includes not only teaching students here in Upper Hutt, but also contributing to the wider growth of Hapkido in New Zealand.

Lineage and connection

Our Hapkido background is rooted in traditional teaching and supported by ongoing national and international connections.

This gives students the benefit of learning within a system that values both authenticity and continued development. It also reflects our belief that martial arts should remain connected to their deeper principles while continuing to grow in practical relevance.

Why people choose to train

People come to Hapkido for different reasons.

-- Some want practical self-defence.
-- Some want to improve fitness, mobility, and coordination.
-- Some want greater confidence and resilience.
-- Some are looking for a long-term martial arts path with real depth.

Hapkido offers all of these.

It is a martial art that can help students become harder to intimidate, more physically capable, and more confident in themselves, while giving them a structured path of growth over many years.

A martial art for life

Students can begin developing useful self-defence skills early, but Hapkido also has real depth. It is a system that continues to reveal more over time.

That is one of the reasons so many people stay with it for years.

Hapkido is not just something to try for a short period. For many, it becomes a lifelong path of learning, development, and personal growth.