Book review: Hapkido by Tedeschi

[Sho-ju]

For anyone that has never seen the book titled, "Hapkido: Traditions*Philosoply*Technique" this is a huge book.

 

Over 1100 pages huge. Hapkido is an eclectic martial art, meaning it includes many aspects of many different martial arts. With over 9000 photos this book is a must for anyone wanting to expand their knowledge of martial arts in general.

 

In Shotokan we sometimes have bunkai that exists in kata that is not part of our normal training. Wristlocks, standing arm bars, throws, etc. This book helped me to refine some of the bunkai techniques that I had known existed but didn’t perform properly. I found this book to be a great buy on amazon.com and suggest it to anyone wanting a massive missive on martial training.

 

Sho-ju

[Sho-ju]

I just recieved the following email from Mr. Tedeschi:

 

Mr. Tedeschi, What style of hapkido do you teach?

 

I teach Hapkido in its entirety, as outlined in the Preface of my book, and reflected in the book's content. My Hapkido books are not based on any particular style of Hapkido, but are intended to represent Hapkido as a whole. I do not teach not any particular style, nor have I given a name to my own particular teaching methodology and innovations. Most Hapkido "styles" are not really unique anyway, except in name.

 

Which governing body do you recommend?

 

I am no longer affiliated with any of the numerous competing Hapkido associations, since I wish to remain impartial. I continue to support the development of Hapkido as a whole; I do not advocate any particular association above all others.

 

I live in Canada and "good" hapkido is hard to find, it seems all Koreans are masters or grandmasters of both TKD and hapkido.

 

As I live in California, I am not very familiar with Hapkido tojangs in your area. As you already seem to know, there are many schools that claim to teach Hapkido, but really do not. My suggestion is that you continue to visit various schools, searching for the needle in the haystack. If you know what you are looking for, the right place will be quite obvious to you after you observe a class or two. There are probably people out there, you just have to look hard. The most important thing is to find a good teacher, who is open, honest, and communicative. Whether they are Korean or Canadian is not important. Regarding your remark ["it seems all Koreans are masters or grandmasters of both TKD and hapkido"], the text below is extracted from my new book, Taekwondo: Traditions, Philosophy, Technique.

 

Good luck in your search and training.

 

Sincerely,

 

Marc Tedeschi

 

 

 

EXCERPT FROM "TAEKWONDO"

 

What is a master?

 

Historically, the term “master” was used to signify someone, who after long years of dedicated practice and service, has reached a comprehensive understanding of the traditions, philosophy, and techniques that define their martial art; is able to demonstrate exceptional technical virtuosity; and consistently embodies the highest ideals in their actions in all areas of life. In a sense, no one is promoted to master; it is a state of being that one arrives at, signified by the deep respect one is accorded by students and peers. Today, the title of “master” has become devalued in most martial arts, due to the large numbers who have assumed this rank without embodying the ideals that it historically signifies. The current glut of masters is mostly a result of excessive promotions by governing associations attempting to increase their sphere of influence and enrich their monetary foundation. The term “grandmaster” is a relatively modern invention designed to raise the bar. Unfortunately, this rank has also become devalued.

 

Is it possible to be a master in both Taekwondo and Hapkido?

 

Theoretically this is possible but very unlikely, although given the rather large number of individuals who make this claim, you might think it was as easy as growing weeds. It is possible that a dedicated individual might obtain master level in one art, then take up the other art, and after a long period of time, obtain master-level in the second art as well. However, by the time they obtain master-level in the second art, they will likely have lost their fluency in the first art, and therefore, are no longer a master. To attempt to achieve master level in both Taekwondo and Hapkido concurrently is very difficult for the simple reason that both arts are technically and philosophically at opposite ends of the spectrum. To internalize within one’s body and psyche two completely different philosophies of engagement, along with their corresponding technical repertoires, is akin to cultivating schizophrenia. Mastering technique in any martial art, including Taekwondo, is a process of decades. In Hapkido’s case, we are speaking of an art that consists of thousands of skills spanning all martial categories—strikes, holds, throws, weapons, and internal skills. This means the Hapkidoist must throw as proficiently as a throwing specialist, execute holds as well as a grappling specialist, and strike as formidably as the Taekwondoist. This would appear to be a lifetime endeavor in and of itself.