“Hundreds of different styles and specialties of the martial arts exist, but they were segregated into relatively small groups of techniques until I formed Tai Chuan Do. I took the best techniques from each style and incorporated them into one style along with philosophical teachings dating back to the late 1500s.”
Grand Master Ken Champ
8th Degree Black Belt

Styles of Origin:

Aikido – (Japan) “The way of harmony of self with nature” One of the softest styles, adapted in the early 1900s by its founder, Morihei Ueshiba, from Aiki-Jujitsu, a style mostly based on throws and joint locks from Jujitsu but eliminating all kicks and punches and comprised of circular techniques that can be utilized by anyone regardless of their muscular strength and was intended to not seriously injure the attacker by redirecting their force against them.

“A”Kido – (Korea) “The way of adapting self to surroundings” This style is very similar to Hapkido (see below) and it is believed that the two styles were once the same and at some point split off from each other. Neither style includes sparring. The Korean government recognizes and supports Tae Kwon Do and Judo as sports. A different organization was deemed necessary and the government formed the Kido Association in 1963 to provide recognition and support for the 31 original styles of Korean martial arts. Then, in 1966 the U.S. Headquarters for the Korea Kido Federation was established in San Francisco which unites all Korean martial arts taught by masters and instructors outside of Korea. In order to understand the movements and techniques of Hapkido, Kido and other Korean martial arts one must study and practice the theories of Yu (flowing like water), Won (circular theory) and Hwa (non-resistance or harmony). Also note some similarities to the Japanese style of Aikido (see above).

Hapkido – (Korea) “The way of coordinated power” Blends striking and grappling styles, and is adapted from Aiki Jujitsu (Aikido’s predecessor), to include throws, joint locks, and pressure points as well as strikes and blocks. Hapkido is intended to immobilize the attacker as quickly as possible by countering in the opposite manner of an attack such as by countering a linear attack with a circular technique and vice-versa.