✦ Miembro👤 Entrar
← Compare martial arts

Aikido vs Hapkido: differences explained

Aikido: grappling: throws and locks using the attacker’s force. Hapkido: mixed: locks, throws, kicks and strikes. For self-defence, Hapkido has the stronger focus. Best advice: try one class of each.

AikidoHapkido
Origin and founderJapan · Morihei Ueshiba, 1920s–1940sSouth Korea · Choi Yong-sul, after 1945 (roots in Daito-ryu)
TypeGrappling: throws and locks using the attacker’s forceMixed: locks, throws, kicks and strikes
UniformKeikogi; hakama at higher gradesDobok; colour varies by federation
Belt / ranking systemKyu and dan; many schools use only white and blackColoured belts and dan
Typical techniquesThrows, wrist and arm pins, breakfalls (ukemi), bokken and joWrist locks, throws, low and high kicks, weapons (staff, cane)
Sport / competitionRarely (Aikikai has no competition)Little; mostly demonstrations
Self-defence focusMediumHigh
Olympic statusNoNo
Where to train📍 Aikido clubs📍 Hapkido clubs

Summary written by Wabukan; rules and grading vary by federation and school.

Sources: Wikipedia — Aikido · Wikipedia — Hapkido · olympics.com

⚖ Pick any two arts · Quiz: which art suits you? · How to choose a school

More comparisons