hapkido

[ hop-kee-doh ]

noun

1. a Korean defensive martial art emphasizing the use of circular arm and leg movements to redirect force.

Word History and Origins

Origin of hapkido¹

First recorded in 1960–65; from Korean hap “combination, sum” + ki “energy, spirit” + do “road, path”; aikido ( def )

Example Sentences

O’Brian, a real-life bodybuilder and Hapkido black belt and a former cop, packs more onscreen wow factor than any fantastical CG super suit.

From Los Angeles Times

It may help to understand her to know that Bass earned brown belts in taekwondo and hapkido.

From The Guardian

It’s so he can break out the hapkido — a Korean martial art — and deliver a roundhouse kick to some villain’s head.

From Washington Post

Even as an uncritical teenage movie consumer, I could tell it was not a good film, specifically because Mr. Laughlin did not go all hapkido with elected officials on the Senate floor.

From Washington Post

“He was the best of the best,” said, Frank Huff, former Marine and 9th degree black belt in Tiger Commando Karate and 8th degree in combat Hapkido.

From Washington Times