The History and Evolution of Hapkido: From Korea to the World

Hapkido traces its roots to the mid-20th century Korean martial arts renaissance, drawing influence from Japanese Daito-ryu Aiki-jujutsu and indigenous Korean kicking techniques. Grandmaster Choi Yong-Sool is widely regarded as the founder, though the art evolved significantly through contributions from masters like Ji Han-Jae. By the 1970s, Hapkido had spread across Asia, Europe, and the Americas. Today, organizations such as the World All Hapkido Association (WAHA), established in 2011 and headquartered in Seoul, South Korea, carry forward the mission of standardizing and globalizing Hapkido through international seminars, certified gradings, and a network of representatives across more than 30 nations.