Is Hapkido very similar to Hwa Rang Do and Kuk Sool Won?
Technical similarities between these Korean arts are obvious to anyone who has observed them. However, each martial art is organized and taught quite differently. Both Hwa Rang Do and Kuk Sool Won tend to emphasize traditional Korean qualities, historical weapons, and healing arts to a greater degree than does Hapkido. Similarities probably result from the fact that all three martial arts developed in close contact, synthesized similar native Korean techniques (particularly kicking skills), and shared similar teachers. Many individuals believe that Joo-Bang Lee (founder of Hwa Rang Do), and In Hyuk Suh (founder of Kuk Sool Won) were both students of Hapkido pioneer Yong-Sul Choi. This has not been verified. In Hyuk Suh states he was never a student of Choi. Lee states he and his brother achieved master-level under Choi in 1955 (the name Hapkido did not yet exist). Lee states he already possessed an extensive background in other traditional Korean martial arts, and points to these earli
