Why the USA Hapkido Union Courses are Essential for Every Black Belt 🏆 by Grand Master Richard Hackworth

Why the USA Hapkido Union Courses are Essential for Every Black Belt 🏆 by Grand Master Richard Hackworth

As a graduate of the Hapkido Grand Master’s Course in Korea, I’ve had the immense privilege of delving into the deepest philosophical and practical roots of our art. It’s a journey that reveals a profound truth: the mere collection of techniques, no matter how numerous or complex, is only the surface of Hapkido.

To my fellow Hapkido Black Belts, I urge you to consider where your training is taking you, and why the USA Hapkido Union Courses offer an indispensable path to true mastery.

The 36 Pillars: The Blueprint for Mastery

The very foundation of Hapkido, as taught by the Founder, Dojunim Choi Young Sool, rests upon the concept of the 36 Pillars of Hapkido. This isn’t just a random number; it’s a structural masterpiece that defines our art in its entirety.

These 36 Pillars are composed of three distinct, yet interwoven, elements:

• 12 Principles
• 12 Strategies
• 12 Tactics

Notice the pattern: it’s all based on multiples of three (3). This emphasis on the number three is no accident. It is the core geometric and philosophical structure we share with our predecessor, Jujitsu, which is famously based on the triangle—the strongest shape, with three sides. The triangle symbolizes stability, balance, and the convergence of forces, and you will find its symbol in the logos of many Jujitsu styles, a nod to this fundamental basis.

Moving Beyond the Technique-Based Curriculum

The harsh reality is that to be a true Master of Hapkido, you must fully comprehend and integrate all 36 Pillars.

Why is this so critical? Because these pillars represent the principles behind the techniques. They teach you how to generate force, when to apply a lock, and why one move works where another fails, regardless of the specific technique you are using.

Unfortunately, many of the first-generation students who trained directly under Dojunim Choi Young Sool did not remain with him long enough to absorb the complete curriculum. This created a profound gap. When Hapkido began to proliferate, the various styles that emerged from organizations like the Korea Hapkido Association (later the Korea Hapkido Federation) were forced to adopt a technique-based curriculum. They cataloged the movements they knew but lacked the essential framework of the full 36 Pillars, the underlying principles, to explain and adapt them fully.

This is why, for many of us, our Black Belt rank has only qualified us as technically proficient, not yet as true Masters of the principles.

The USA Hapkido Union is Bridging the Gap

The USA Hapkido Union Courses are not simply another seminar to collect new techniques. They are a dedicated educational effort to restore and transmit the complete, principles-based system as originally intended by the Founder.

By attending these courses, you are committing to move past the memorization of forms and self-defense scenarios and into a deeper, intellectual, and physical understanding of the art. You will learn the true logic and strategy that ties all techniques together.

This is the opportunity to complete your education. It is your chance to step beyond the constraints of a purely technique-based curriculum and grasp the architectural genius of the 36 Pillars. This is what elevates a skilled practitioner to an insightful Master, capable of applying the art effectively in any situation because they understand the why, not just the what.

If you wear the Black Belt of Hapkido, you have proven your dedication to the journey. Now, it is time to dedicate yourself to the truth of the art. I look forward to seeing you on the mats, working together to unlock the full spectrum of Hapkido mastery.

If you are interested in learning this advanced level of Hapkido then I invite you to join the USA Hapkido Union.

About the author: Richard Hackworth is a multi-arts Grand Master who has dedicated his life to the research and development of the martial arts lifestyle. As the Chairman of the Hapkido School Growth Committee he is a Business Coach and Mentor to martial arts school owners and instructors around the world. He is the President of the USA Hapkido Union and author of the book, Be a Life Champion: The Martial Arts Way available on Amazon.

Be sure to follow us on social media.

• Like us at https://www.facebook.com/usahapkidounion
• Subscribe to us at https://www.youtube.com/worldhapkidonews
• Join our group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/koreanmartialarts
• Follow us at https://www.instagram.com/wmamediaofficial