Hapkido training path

This is where the groundwork for the HKD student is laid: breakfall training, holding eye contact, keeping distance from the opponent, easy-to-learn grip releases and the simple strikes, joint locks and throws that follow from them. The path takes students from the 9th to the 1st Kub.

1. 
   9th Kub

   Basic exercises are still being taught: various contact exercises with different opponents, how to deal with an opponent's force (pulling or pushing) and a wide range of arm and wrist locks.

2. 
   8th Kub

   At this Kub grade the Hapkido student learns to defend against attacks to their clothing from the front.

3. 
   7th Kub

   The focus here is on defending against attackers who grab the body or clothing from behind. The opponent cannot be seen before the attack, so the student learns to react faster.

4. 
   6th Kub

   At this Kub student grade, the greatest attention is given to defending against a punch and following up with strikes, joint locks and throws, while observing all HKD principles.

5. 
   5th Kub

   The next step on the Hap-Ki-Do student's path is learning to defend against a kick, again with strikes, joint locks and throws. Sticking to the principles becomes more and more central.

6. 
   4th Kub

   This student grade focuses on defensive and counter techniques against a wide variety of knife attacks.

7. 
   3th Kub

   Here the advanced Hapkido student learns to defend against attacks aimed at the arm, the body or the clothing with shorter, faster and more efficient techniques.

8. 
   2th Kub

   Defense is still at the heart of it: at this stage the HKD student learns to defend from a poor position (for example sitting on the ground or when attacked from behind).

9. 
   1th Kub

   The last student grade before the 1st Dan consolidates and deepens all the principles and techniques learned so far into one coherent whole.