Hankinjok Hapkido holds 4th national preservation seminar in Donghae

The Hankinjok Hapkido Martial Arts Association recently held the fourth session of its "2026 Grand Master Seo In-seon Original Technique Preservation National Touring Seminar" at Biryong Hapkido Gymnasium in Donghae, Gangwon Province.

A total of 45 hapkido instructors and students from across the country took part in the seminar, which was designed to preserve the original techniques established by Grand Master Seo In-seon and strengthen the instructional capabilities of its leaders. Association President Seo Seong-il led the training directly.

The curriculum was divided into three levels based on participants' rank and experience. All attendees practiced danjeon breathing, basic stances, foundational forms and self-defense techniques. Instructor-level training covered applied techniques including rear-grab defenses, escort techniques, seated techniques and ground techniques, as well as principles of force concentration and dispersion. The head-instructor course focused on advanced skills such as foundational forms, angle methods and flat-water techniques.

The association said it currently operates more than 400 branch schools across 45 countries. Domestic seminars have been held in Daegu, Busan and Gwangju in Gyeonggi Province, while overseas sessions have taken place in Chicago, Austin and Los Angeles.

"Carrying on the original techniques that embody Grand Master Seo In-seon's philosophy and spirit goes beyond simply passing down skills — it is about preserving the value of the martial art itself," President Seo said. He added that the association would work to establish a shared understanding of and training framework for the original techniques at its domestic and overseas branches, and to promote the authenticity of Hankinjok Hapkido worldwide.

Upcoming sessions include a global seminar in Sweden on Oct. 31 and a domestic seminar in Gimhae, South Gyeongsang Province, on Nov. 28.