Hapkido has roots as a 14th Century martial art handed down through the Korean Royal Family. Today, students of all backgrounds, ages, and physiques practice Hapkido. Literally translated, Hapkido means the way (do) of power (ki) and coordination (hap). Hapkido is a comprehensive martial art, emphasizing kicking and punching as well as joint locks, throws, chokes, take downs, and the use of pressure points. A common comparison is to that of flowing water because Hapkido allows the defender to flow around and through an aggressor's attack while manipulating their power to his or her own advantage. Hapkido is unique in that it allows the defender to have complete control of the situation with a minimal amount of effort and without unnecessary aggression or injuries to the defender or attacker.

Many of the joint locks and throws of Hapkido are very similar to those of Jujitsu. Painful twisting of the joints and tendons along with the application of painful pressure to vital points provides tools to control any opponent regardless of size or strength. When combined with a thorough knowledge of human anatomy, the effectiveness of Hapkido is magnified.

The basic hand techniques of Hapkido are similar to those of Taekwondo, which are mainly linear attacks with the fist or knife hand. It is very much a complete art, for it includes Karate style punches, Taekwondo style kicks, and Aikido style throws and locks: Perhaps the Korean corollary of Jujitsu.

Hapkido, "The Art of Coordinated Power", is technically a "soft" art, though it resembles a "hard" style in many ways. It is here where numerous similarities exist between Hapkido and Aikido. "Soft" refers to the fact that much of the movement inherent in Hapkido is circular in nature, redirecting attacker's energy, as opposed to "hard" styles, which move linearly, meeting force with force.