aikido kicking
aikido kicking
Is it better to learn Hapkido or to learn both Tae Kwon Do and Aikido?
My cousin told me that Hapkido is like a cross between TKD and Aikido, it includes kicks similar of TKD and grapples, locks reminiscence of Aikido, I just want to know which is better, to learn Hapkido or learn both TKD and Aikido.
I'd go with Hapkido on this one: Not because Aikido and Tae Kwon Do are bad styles in my opinion (I don't believe that to be true at all), but because of the following:
1. Hapkido is way more than just Tae Kwon Do and Aikido combined. The art itself (As said above) is derived from Daito-Ryu Aikijujutsu. It's a modified version of the art that comes from a Korean man who put his own spin on it. The techniques of Hapkido cover nearly all fighting ranges except for the ground (Combat Hapkido does cover the ground as few other styles do: The major styles do not, however): It shares throws with Judo, joint locks/joint manipulations with Jujutsu, and the striking is reminscent of many styles. The striking is similar to Tae Kwon Do, but the kicks are more defensive: You don't throw a kick out in Hapkido to maim your opponent, but you use it to stop them, so that you can apply another kick, punch/hand strike, give you time to apply a joint lock/manipulation, or to come in for a takedown.
Aikido comes from the same art as Hapkido (Hapkido is the literal translation of Aikido in Korean as well), but they are different. It would be like kickboxing: Muay Thai kickboxing is it's own style, but Yaw Yan (Filipino kickboxing)? They're both kickboxing styles, but there's many techniques/concept differences. They still take place in a ring, and they're still centered around competition, however.
2. You are likely to recieve a monetary and time gain with taking one style instead of two (Unless the school you go to does a 2 for 1 kind of thing). If you are pressed for these two things: It might be a good idea for you to take Hapkido, as it is a solo art.
3. (Subjective) I do not know of your previous Martial Art history, but although these three styles are excellent as base styles (They are some of the best to start a journey with): It might be hard for you to blend those two arts as one. Hapkido would teach you striking, joint locks, throwing, and ground work in some cases in a way that you blend all of them. If you have little to no martial arts background, but you still decide to take the two styles: I suggest that you read the "Tao of Jeet Kune Do," as it will help you with learning to blend the techniques you wish to use to your advantage.
4. (Subjective) Tae Kwon Do almost always has sparring. Certain schools have point sparring (Which doesn't float my boat by itself personally, unless the school I go to does all three types of sparring), but you'll find full contact in some cases (Which is arguably the best for street situations).
Aikido rarely has sparring as curriculum.
Hapkido sparring is usually at least light-contact, but most of the time: It covers nearly everything. It will have striking, sweeps, throws, and in some cases: Joint locking. That combination might be done if you find a good set of schools that teach Tae Kwon Do and Aikido, but Hapkido almost always revolves around that kind of sparring.
In the end, however: It really depends on you. If you like to strike: Find a good school of any striking style. If you like throwing: Find a good school of any throwing style. I'm basing most of this reply around self defense/application of techniques, but I don't know your motivation.
Whatever you decide: Good luck. If you have time, money, and you want to be really well versed: You could take them all. Hehe.. 
Kick Defenses: Intermediate Aikido Techniques : Using Your Leg to redirect a Front Kick: Intermediate Aikido Techniques
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