About this ebook
Unlike any other martial art, Hapkido blends ancient traditions with modern practicality. This comprehensive guide traces the evolution of Korea's defensive martial art, from its roots in Taekkyeon and Subak to its global influence today.
Inside this complete history, you'll discover:
Ancient Korean Martial Arts – Taekkyeon's fluid movements and Subak's striking techniques from the Three Kingdoms period (57 BC - 668 AD)
Japanese Influences – How Daito-ryu Aiki-jujutsu shaped Hapkido's joint locks and energy redirection
Founder Choi Yong-Sool – The man who created Hapkido after training in Japan, blending Korean and Japanese traditions
Key Masters – Ji Han-Jae (who systematized and spread Hapkido globally) and Kim Moo-Hong (pragmatic self-defense focus)
Philosophical Principles – Harmony (Hap), energy (Ki), the way (Do), the circle, flow, yin-yang balance, and redirecting force
Key Techniques – Joint locks (wrist, elbow, shoulder), throws, sweeps, takedowns, pressure points, strikes, kicks, and weapons (cane, short stick, sword)
Soft vs. Hard Schools – The divergence between fluid/yielding styles and aggressive/direct styles
Global Expansion (1960s-1980s) – How Hapkido spread to the United States, Canada, Europe, Brazil, and worldwide
Military & Law Enforcement – Hapkido's adoption by South Korean military, special forces, and police
Popular Culture – Hapkido in films, Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan, and Ji Han-Jae on screen
Glossary, Timeline & Organizations – Key terms, historical events, and major Hapkido federations worldwide
Perfect for: Hapkido practitioners (all levels) • Korean martial arts enthusiasts • Self-defense students • Martial arts historians • Taekwondo, Judo, and Aikido practitioners • Law enforcement and military personnel
Hapkido teaches that true power lies not in overpowering an opponent, but in controlling the flow of energy, adapting, and remaining calm under pressure.
Scroll up and click "Buy Now" to explore the complete history of Korea's defensive martial art.
Target Audience
Hapkido practitioners (all levels), Korean martial arts enthusiasts, self-defense students, martial arts historians, Taekwondo and Judo practitioners, law enforcement/military personnel
Unique Points
Complete from ancient Korea to present day
Detailed founder biography (Choi Yong-Sool)
Daito-ryu Aiki-jujutsu connection explained
Philosophical principles (harmony, circle, flow, ki)
Soft vs. hard school divergence
Global spread and popular culture appearances
Military and law enforcement applications
Glossary, timeline, and organizations included
Key Topics Covered
Ancient Korean martial arts (Taekkyeon, Subak), Chinese and Japanese influences, Daito-ryu Aiki-jujutsu, Choi Yong-Sool biography, creation of Hapkido, Ji Han-Jae and Kim Moo-Hong, philosophical principles (harmony, circle, flow, ki), key techniques (joint locks, throws, strikes, pressure points, weapons), soft vs. hard schools, global expansion (1960s-1980s), military and police adoption, popular culture (films, Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan, Ji Han-Jae movies), modern innovations, preserving traditional values, future of Hapkido, glossary, timeline, organizations
About the author
Donald Guangyao Baumgartner, a 70-year-old martial artist, has spent a lifetime honing his craft and passing on his knowledge in Beijing, China, where he resides with his family. Known for his calm demeanor and deep wisdom, Anthony is a master of traditional martial arts forms, blending the physical disciplines of kung fu and martial art history with the mental focus of Tai Chi.
Born in a small town, Donald's martial arts journey began in his early teens when he stumbled on an old training manual in a dusty corner of his local library. Fascinated, he devoted himself to learning, starting with basic exercises before seeking out skilled teachers who helped shape his practice. Over decades of dedicated training, Anthony immersed himself in various martial arts styles, becoming especially skilled in movements emphasizing fluidity, balance, and internal energy.
In his thirties, Anthony relocated to Beijing to study with some of the most respected martial arts instructors. There, he refined his understanding of martial arts as a way of life—more than a series of techniques, it became a path of discipline, self-awareness, and harmony.
Now retired from competitive practice, Donald focuses on teaching and mentoring. He runs small, intimate classes in local parks and community centers, where he emphasizes precision and mindfulness over raw strength. His students, ranging from children to older adults, admire his patient guidance and ability to explain even the most complex movements in simple, approachable terms.
When not teaching, Donald enjoys quiet evenings with his family, exploring Beijing’s cultural treasures, and practicing calligraphy—a skill he believes complements his martial arts by cultivating focus and a steady hand.
