I'm trying to decide whether to do Hapkido or Taekwondo. I have studied many things but I have studied Taekwondo the most. I'm switching classes and they offer either one. Should I try Hapkido or stick with Taekwondo?

What do you want out of your classes?

TKD has a reputation, unfortunately well earned by a lot of its instructors, of being mostly for sports. That means distorted technique useless for anything other than scoring points in their particular competitive venue, poor self defense applicability, and a focus on belts and tournaments. Some people like that, though, and that's what they came for. They do do lots of competitions and the like, and you can find TKD anywhere, so those can be plusses depending on what you want to achieve.

Hapkido doesn't do the competition thing really, but they do a lot more throws and takedowns and self defense work.

If you can, try them both and go with the one you like most.

ok. I just wasn't quite sure what Hapkido was and the main focus was. I'll try to look into trying them both. I'm really enjoying TKD and am already experienced in it so do you it would be better to continue it to gain more knowledge in it and get more experienced?

Do you like TKD because you like TKD, or do you like it because it's familiar?

Hapkido is basically TKD-like kicks, punches, throws, joint locks, and tinkering with weapons - no tournaments. I'm thinking that your TKD skills would carry over pretty well.

TKD is basically lots and lots of fast kicking and a tournament focus. You've already done this so obviously your experience would carry over.

The other folks here with more experience and knowledge on those arts would be able to sort out the specifics for you. As well as, you know, the magic of Google.

Which do you see yourself doing?

From the TKD angle it'll depend on the style too. Its a generic term really, like saying "Karate". The term encompasses many different schools and systems. Like Shotokan is not the same as Goju Ryu which is not the same as Kyokushin etc. the different TKD styles vary too. Maybe its not so obvious to the outsider but within TKD it all seems very different. You wouldn't happen to know the substyle tkdkid123?

If you really enjoy the TKD, stick with it. Can always branch out when you're more experienced. Plus you're more likely to stick with it if you enjoy it. Having said that, you may find you like Hapkido so I'd give each class a go and see which I'd want to stick with.

I really enjoy TKD so I think I'll stick with it. but I think I'll give Hapkido a shot too. and then I'll decide which one I want to take the most.

From the aspect of a Hapkidoist, I would say give Hapkido a try. It is not a sport so there are techniques that can prove to be vital in the street. Ofcourse if your heart is with Taekwondo then go with it. But don't turn your back on Hapkido without looking into it. It changed my life for the better.

Not to mention if you'd struggle doing well when having to get "really" close to someone, Hapkido may not be for you. It's something you can develop over time, but just know most of the techniques only work correctly when you're right up close to your opponent.

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Edited June 26, 201115 yr by jassling

Some forms of Hapkido emphasize the TKD way of kicking, but also focus on the joint manipulations. Depending on the type of school you attend, it may incorporate both.