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The three theories of Hapkido are Yoo, Won, and Hwa. Yoo is flowing like water, won is circular, and hwa is harmony or non-resistance.
Yoo: Flowing like water
The Hapkido practitioner wants to flow like water. Water symbolizes adaptability and softness. Water will flow down the path of least resistance. So, the Hapkido practitioner attempts to block an attack without using force, instead he will try to redirect the opponents attack. Water can be soft like a pool, but it can also have great force like when being shot through a fire hose. If water is contained it will find the smallest crack to escape from. Just like the Hapkido practitioner will find the opening in someones defense. If water cannot win the contact, it will not conflict. Instead it will join with its adversary.
Won: Circular Theory
The theory of the circle is the second theory of Hapkido training. Each person has there own circle. Inside this circle is the persons private territory. Each person has the right to defend this personal space. If a persons opponent were to kick or punch and did not trespass into one's circle there is no need to block. If they were to block it would be a waste of energy. Consequently when an attack does penatrate the circle it should be received indirectly. Leading their force in a cicle minimizes its effect. Doing this not only disrupts the opponents force, but also sets them up for a counter attack. The circular theory can also be used during an attack. When attacking the opponent from several angles and directions, it is easier for the attacker to score. It also conserves energy by keeping the momentum going.
Hwa: Harmony or nonresistance
Hapkido practitioners strive to perfect the harmony between their mind, body, and their environment. Harmony is the most important element one should achieve in his training. One should strive to unite the mind and body, so that every technique is perfected to muscle memory, and thought is action. After one achieves harmony with himself, the next requirement is to harmonize with one's opponent. Once this is perfected one should find it easy to figure out an opponents next move. The next stage is to harmonize with ones environment. The final task is to blend the harmony with ones self, his opponent, and the environment.
Yoo: Flowing like water
The Hapkido practitioner wants to flow like water. Water symbolizes adaptability and softness. Water will flow down the path of least resistance. So, the Hapkido practitioner attempts to block an attack without using force, instead he will try to redirect the opponents attack. Water can be soft like a pool, but it can also have great force like when being shot through a fire hose. If water is contained it will find the smallest crack to escape from. Just like the Hapkido practitioner will find the opening in someones defense. If water cannot win the contact, it will not conflict. Instead it will join with its adversary.
Won: Circular Theory
The theory of the circle is the second theory of Hapkido training. Each person has there own circle. Inside this circle is the persons private territory. Each person has the right to defend this personal space. If a persons opponent were to kick or punch and did not trespass into one's circle there is no need to block. If they were to block it would be a waste of energy. Consequently when an attack does penatrate the circle it should be received indirectly. Leading their force in a cicle minimizes its effect. Doing this not only disrupts the opponents force, but also sets them up for a counter attack. The circular theory can also be used during an attack. When attacking the opponent from several angles and directions, it is easier for the attacker to score. It also conserves energy by keeping the momentum going.
Hwa: Harmony or nonresistance
Hapkido practitioners strive to perfect the harmony between their mind, body, and their environment. Harmony is the most important element one should achieve in his training. One should strive to unite the mind and body, so that every technique is perfected to muscle memory, and thought is action. After one achieves harmony with himself, the next requirement is to harmonize with one's opponent. Once this is perfected one should find it easy to figure out an opponents next move. The next stage is to harmonize with ones environment. The final task is to blend the harmony with ones self, his opponent, and the environment.
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