Han Moo Do

Han Moo Do (also Hanmoodo) is a Korean-style martial art founded in Finland. It is mainly practiced in the Nordic countries. Hanmoodo contains almost all sectors of traditional martial arts and its exponents may participate in full-contact competition. Han Moo Do should not be confused with the martial art of Han Mu Do.

History

Han Moo Do was created by Young Suk (Yoon Soon Hwang) (8 dan) in 1989, when the first club was established in Kauhava, Finland. In the last few years, it has been spreading to other Nordic countries, such as Sweden, Norway and Denmark.

Hanmoodo is descended from other Korean styles, such as Hoi Jeon Moo Sool and Tae Kwon Do, so Hanmoodo resembles these styles as well as Hapkido in many areas. Hanmoodo's techniques include joint-locking techniques, kicks, punches, chokes, throws, takedowns and grappling techniques.

Techniques

Joint locks mainly target the wrist and elbow but there are also leg locks. Chokes are performed mostly with forearm and wrist. Throws and takedowns resemble Judo and wrestling techniques but are done more elegantly. Kicks are mostly aimed at ribs or head and punches to the abdomen. Punches can be targeted to the body only.

The art contains three weapon styles: nunchaku; long staff (bong) eg. Japanese staff (bo); and sword (gum/kum) (eg. Japanese katana).

Hanmoodo exponents are also encouraged to engage in exhibitions where a practiced choreography is presented to an audience. These choreographies feature several practitioners performing self-defence techniques on each other.

Competition Rules

Hanmoodo rules permit kicks above the waistline and punches between the waistline and the head. All strikes must hit the front of the body and other kinds of strikes are prohibited. Competitors may also grapple by throwing or taking down their opponent and controlling him/her on the mat but striking is prohibited when either competitor has a hold on the other or is considered to be on the ground.

External links

* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-K3bS8xio6w Video from Han Moo Do demonstrations and competitions]

References