Articles
The Eagle Symbol in Hapkido
This article was provided by Aaron Hochwimmer, 2nd Dan. Aaron is an instructor at Kingsland Martial Arts.
The dobok patches worn by KHFNZ members feature a sea eagle in flight. The eagle, called Dok-Soo-Ri in Korean, is shown swooping down towards its target while grasping an arrow in its talons.
Variations of this eagle symbol are used by many different hapkido groups and organisations around the world. In this article the meaning and origin of this symbol is discussed with particular reference to hapkido. Some alternative symbols seen in hapkido are also discussed and interpreted.
The image below shows the eagle symbol worn on the rear of the KHFNZ dobok.
 | Hokkaido sea eagle with arrow. The korean hang ul (script) immediately above the eagle means Do or "the way". |
The Eagle - General Interpretation
Throughout history the eagle has been associated with sun, fire, air, life, sky, and sun gods. With the advent of Christianity the eagle has become an image of prophecy and prayer. The eagle is sometimes referred to as the "lion of the air" that is the king of birds as the lion is the king of animals.
As the eagle is a high-flying bird it has come to represent success, power, triumph, royalty (imperialism) or social status, and omniscience. Consequently the eagle has been used as the national emblem of both ancient (e.g. Ancient Roman Empire) and modern (e.g. United States of America) civilisations.
The Eagle - Interpretation to Hapkido
This "royal" symbolism mentioned is interesting because Hapkido is sometimes referred to as the "royal martial art". Hapkido as it is known today is an eclectic martial art (based on Daito Ryu AikiJujutsu). It was introduced to Korea by Choi, Young-Sul and extended by Ji, Han Jae in the later half of the 20th century. However the origins of some elements of Hapkido (e.g. native Korean kicking and striking techniques) go back at least 2000 years and were practiced by a group called the Hwarang (the flower of youth).
The Hwarang were a warrior elite comparable to the knights of medieval Europe. They were reputed to have established a high moral code of conduct (c.f. chivalry). These elements of hapkido were also practiced by Buddhist monks and taught to the Korean royal family as a means of personal protection.
The eagle-with-arrow symbol can be interpreted with regards to hapkido's techniques and training. Firstly the eagle circles around its prey prior to attacking. Likewise hapkido can be thought of as a circular art with pivoting techniques (such as the "pivot exercise"), throws, arm-bars, and redirections.
An eagle uses its open talons to capture it's prey. A good strong grab is likewise very important in hapkido - that is grabbing with the little finger first before the other fingers/thumb. Once grabbed a throw, strike or takedown can be initiated.
Finger-tip pushups are a common drill in kukjae hapkido - these are pushups with the first knuckle bent on all fingers but especially the thumb. This important "eagle-claw" exercise, which seems to be distinctly "kukjae" amongst hapkido styles, strengthens the joints and is designed to aid in finding pressure points through soft tissue. Finger-tip pushups are also practiced for similar reasons in other martial arts specifically some karate and kung-fu styles (e.g. eagle claw Kung Fu).
 | Finger-tip pushup training - first knuckle is bent on all fingers (especially thumb) for conditioning and strength. |
Pressure points are another important component in hapkido for distraction, submission, or aiding a technique such as a throw or takedown. A successful pressure point application can also dissuade your opponent from any thoughts of (further) aggression.
The "eagle-claw" hand position can be seen in the Tan Jon breathing exercises in Kukjae Hapkido.
 | The "eagle-claw" hand position used in Tan Jon breathing techniques. It is important to curl your fingers back in a "claw" like position (as opposed to an open palm). This is good practice for the application of Tan Jon breathing techniques to a palm strike or strike-to-grab technique. |
Interpretation - The Arrow
The arrow can be interrelated on different levels. On one hand it represents justice and/or power (similar to its use in imperial or military designs). However the arrow also represents an attack that an aggressor might initiate against you. The claws of the eagle represent how fast you can defend the attackers weapon (the arrow) whether it takes the form of a punch, kick, weapon or whatever.
Many hapkido blocking techniques are "soft" redirections leading into a strong grab or hold. The eagle grabbing the arrow represents this.
Origins of the Eagle Motif in Hapkido
According to Lee, Jae Whan (Executive Director of the Korea Hapkido Federation), the origin of the logo design is disputed. Several hapkido Grandmasters have claimed to have designed it (including Ji, Han Jae and Suh, Bok Sup (Jung Moo Kwan Dojang)). The logo was probably introduced in August 1967.
As has been discussed the eagle has been used throughout history by many cultures as a symbol of power, and royalty. Historically the ancient korean arts derived various techniques from observation of different animals, particular the tiger (Ho-Rang-Ee), and eagle (Duk-Soo-Ri). The use of animal imagery was also apparent in the Republic of Korea armed forces in the Vietnam War (e.g. 25th Infantry Division (Tiger Division) of Korea).
The sea eagle was a relatively common bird in the Japanese Island of Hokkaido where Daito-Ryu Aikujujutsu master Sogaku Takeda (1859-1943) lived. The founder of Hapkido: Choi, Young Sul (1904-1986), studied Daito-Ryu Aikijujutsu under Takeda (the level of training is subject to debate), to form the basis of Hapkido as it is known today.
The choice of sea eagle (regardless of who discovered it) in the hapkido motif elegantly reflects the roots of Hapkido. That is both the connection to Daito-Ryu AikiJuJitsu and the native "royal" korean martial arts.
Sin Moo Hapkido founded by Ji, Han Jae in 1980 also features the eagle with arrow motif.
 | The Sin Moo Hapkido Eagle Symbol |
It is interesting to note that the International Yoshinkan Aikido Federation in Japan also uses an eagle symbol (although it is depicted without an arrow). Both Aikido and Hapkido share some common background through Daito-Ryu AikiJuJitsu.
 | The International Yoshinkan Aikido Federation Eagle Symbol. |
Other Symbols in Hapkido
The original symbol for hapkido (prior to the introduction of the eagle in 1967) was reportedly a "ki finger" design. This design was used for Hapkido founder Choi, Young-Sul and was designed by his first student Suh, Bok Sup.
In this design the outer white circle represents the universe which contains man. The blue and red circle is a traditional Korean Taeguk symbol symbolising the balance between 'Yin' and 'Yang'. The angles intersecting the circle on both sides (with the thumb and finger) indicates the hapkidoist's ability to attack and defend and to mix soft techniques with the hard. The intersecting angles also represent ki (power) and uom & yeang (yin and yang or opposites). The underlying meaning here is that balance between opposites produces harmony. The spreading of thumb and index finger can also be thought of as 'sky' and 'earth' which can also be thought of as opposites.
 | In 1984 the Korea Hapkido Federation (was Korea Hapkido Association) introduced this "Ki Finger" logo replacing the eagle in their organisation. |
Modern line art versions of this "Ki Finger" design were later introduced by independent organizations such as the Dae Han Kido Hae Association and the World Hapkido Federation. Both of these organisations were founded by former students of Choi, Young-Sul.
 | The Dae Han Kido Hae Association symbol. |
 | The World Hapkido Federation symbol. |
It is interesting to note that this shape also forms the basis of the Tiger Mouth (Ho-goo) Hand technique in Hapkido. The interpretation on this level is similar to that discussed above for the eagle - that is the importance of a good grip in Hapkido.
 | This technique is normally used as a strike to the throat followed by a grab (by applying pressure to windpipe with thumb and fingers). The analogy here is of a tiger gripping its prey. It can also be used as a strike to the groin area. See pg 288 of "Hapkido - Traditions, Philosophy, Technique" by Marc Tedeschi copyright 2000 for further information. |
Most hapkido groups today either feature the eagle with arrow symbol (as is the case for the Kukjae Hapkido Federation of New Zealand) or a "ki finger" based design.