What is Sinmoo Hapkido?

신무합기도

신	"Sin" or "Shen"	Higher mind, spirit, or sometimes translated as God. The concept is basically placing a stronger emphasis on the non-physical aspects of martial arts. The focus on perfection, personal and spiritual growth, making yourself a better person, and not simply self defense or fighting. This is the chinese character that is often used and has a meaning similar to the one on the left. This is the same character as Spirit associated with the heart or fire in Traditional Chinese Medicine. This is much more common. It can also mean ghost or spirit which is not the meaning that Dojunim Ji uses for Sinmoo Hapkido. This is a much older character and is very rarely used. A similar character is found in the Samilsingo and more accurately conveys the meaning in Sinmoo Hapkido. Bringing the three parts of a person into one cohesive self is the essence of what Dojunim means in his art of Sinmoo Hapkido.
무	"Moo" or "Wu"	Martial Art
합	"Hap" or "He"	Together or to bring together. This means bringing together all parts of a person; mind, body, and spirit. In the same context of the Samilsingo...three making one.
기	"Ki" or "Qi"	Qi or Energy. This is another complicated concept that does not have a direct English translation. One of the more common translations is simply Mind and Body, but this is oversimplifying the concept. In Sinmoo Hapkido, Ki, in this instance has to do with the Mind, Body, and Spirit and the three aspects that make up a complete person.
도	"Do" or "Dao"	The Way or a way of life. Sinmoo Hapkido is not simply a group of techniques that are used for self defense. The philosophy and rules that serve as the foundation of Sinmoo Hapkido make it a way of life that will permeate everything that a practitioner does. Diet, Meditation, Exercise, Sex, etc...Sinmoo Hapkido touches on all aspects of life and is not just something that a person can practice once or twice a week.

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