Competition

All our activities are aimed at promoting and developing Hapkido in this continent

 

Competition

 

About WHMAF Hapkido Competitions especially in SEAHU

The World Hapkido Martial Arts Federation (WHMAF) regularly organizes national and regional Hapkido competitions in SEAHU Members to promote technical excellence, cultural exchange, and martial arts unity.

These tournaments are conducted under WHMAF international standards and often supported by the Southeast Asia Hapkido Union (SEAHU).

Participants compete in three primary divisions:

  1. the WHMAF Member Division (exclusive to officially registered athletes),
  2. the Open Martial Arts Division (welcoming / invitation practitioners from other Hapkido Organization members such as Yong Moo Do and Taekwondo under WHMAF rules and recommendation from WHMAF)
  3. the Festival & Demonstration Division (featuring team performances and creative showcases).

Competition classes include Hyung (Forms), Daeryun (Sparring), and Hoshinsul (Self-defense), each judged on precision, control, realism, and martial spirit. These events serve not only as a platform for athletic achievement but also as a celebration of Hapkido’s values

Competition Categories and Classes – WHMAF

The professionalism of Hapkido in managing championships is reflected in the classification system applied, which strictly follows WHMAF regulations while adapting to national needs. The following categories and classes will be used for the 2nd SEAHU/WHMAF Championship 2025 in Yogyakarta.

 

A. Age Categories

Age-based classification ensures safety, fairness, and a clear pathway of achievement. Three main pillars are adopted from WHMAF global rules and tested in national members and regional championships:

Code

Category

Age
Range

Notes

Cr
(Cadet)

9–12
years

Separated
Male and Female

 

Jr
(Junior)

13–17
years

Separated
Male and Female

 

Sr
(Senior)

18–35
years

Separated
Male and Female

 

Note: In many international events, “Masters” or “Veteran” categories are introduced for ages 35+, but for SEAHU 2025 the Senior division is focused on 18–35 years to highlight peak performance and productive age representation.

 

Analysis:

This division considers not only physical growth (based on WHO growth curves and National Ministry of Health guidelines) but also psychological development, technical skills, and mental endurance. In practice, Cadet emphasizes education and socialization, while Junior and Senior focus on competitive achievement.

B. Weight Categories

In Daeryun (sparring), body weight is a decisive factor for fairness. The weight class system follows WHMAF regulations and is applied in Indonesia, including SEAHU 2025.

Category 

Sr ( Senior )

Male Division

Female Division

FIN

-54 kg

-47 kg

FLY

54–58 kg

47–51 kg

BANTAM

58–62 kg

51–55 kg

FEATHER

62–67 kg

55–59 kg

LIGHT

67–72 kg

59–63 kg

WELTER

+72 kg

+63 kg

MIDDLE

+78 kg

…

HEAVY

+84 kg

…

Note: In some events, heavier classes may be expanded (e.g., +78 kg, +84 kg) depending on participant numbers.

 

Explanation:

  • Official weigh-in is held one day before competition, with no tolerance allowed.
  • Male and female divisions are mandatory for Daeryun, while artistic divisions (Hyung, Hoshinsul, Mugisul) have individual, pair and team, and also mixed gender

  • The system also considers WHO and Ministry of Health standards for ideal weight and height, ensuring fairness and safety for athletes.

C. Belt Rank Categories (Geup/Dan)

Belt rank is a hallmark of Korean martial arts culture, including Hapkido. In WHMAF and Hapkido championships, belt level directly determines athlete eligibility.

Geup/Dan

Belt Color

Level

Note

Geup 10

White

Beginner

No Competition yet

Geup 9

Yellow

Basic 1

Geup 8

Yellow w/ green stripe

Basic 2

Geup 7

Green

Intermediate 1

Beginner player level

Geup 6

Green w/ blue stripe

Intermediate 2

Geup 5

Blue

Middle 1

Geup 4

Blue w/ red stripe

Middle 2

Intermediate Level

Geup 3

Red

Advanced 1

Geup 2

Red w/ black stripe

Advanced 2

Geup 1

Brown / Red-black

Pre-Dan

Advanced Level

Dan 1+

Black

Dan

Rules:

  • Minimum green belt (Geup 7) required for Daeryun and artistic divisions.
  • White and Yellow belts may not compete in events.
  • Black belts (Dan) are restricted to senior/high-level divisions.
  • Belt certificates from Hapkido National Association / WHMAF must be submitted at registration.
  • Belt rank also affects seeding, eligibility, and technical requirements.

D. Gender Categories

Most Hapkido events, especially Daeryun, separate male and female athletes for safety and fairness. However, artistic divisions may allow mixed or unisex participation.

Division

Gender Classification

Daeryun

Male and Female

Hyung

Individual Male/Female

Pairs (Male, Female, and Mixed)

Team (Male and Female)

Hoshinsul

Pairs (Male, Female, or Mixed)

Mugisul & Nakbop

General (Unisex), Male/Female

E. Summary Matrix – WHMAF/SEAHU Hapkido Championship

Code

Event

Age

Male Weight

Female Weight

Gender

Belt Rank

Cr

Daeryun Cadet

9–12

Follows entry

Follows entry

Male/Female

Min. Green

Jr

Daeryun Junior

13–17

WHMAF table

WHMAF table

Male/Female

Min. Blue

Sr

Daeryun Senior

18–35

WHMAF table

WHMAF table

Male/Female

Min. Red

HY

Hyung

All

–

–

Male/Female

Min. Green

HO

Hoshinsul

15+

–

–

Mixed pairs

Min. Blue

NB

Nakbop

All

–

–

Unisex

Min. Green

MG

Mugisul

All

–

–

Unisex

Min. Red

2. Event-Specific Rules

Daeryun (Sparring)

  • Core event of Hapkido competition.
  • Single elimination system with ranking points.
  • Divided by age and weight class.
  • Match duration: 3 × 1.5 – 2 minutes (1-minute rest).
  • Victory by points, knockout, or referee decision.
  • Scoring: Valid techniques to body/head, Throw and Sweep by digital scoring per WHMAF standards.

Hyung (Forms)

  • Tests mastery and Presentation of WHMAF curriculum forms.
  • Categories: Individual Male/Female, pair and Team.
  • Forms: From Hapki 3 Mu (intermediate) to Hapki 3 Do (advanced).
  • Judging: Technique, power, rhythm, accuracy.
  • Minimum belt: Green or Blue depending the competition level

Hoshinsul (Self-Defense)

  • Performed in pairs (male, female, or mixed).
  • Minimum 5 or 6 until 10 techniques from WHMAF syllabus.
  • Time limit: 1.5 minutes.
  • Judging: Cooperation, timing, realism, and execution.
  • Eligibility: Age 13+, minimum Blue belt.

Mugisul & Nakbop

  • Mugisul: Traditional weapon skills (staff, nunchaku, wooden sword, etc.).
  • Nakbop: Breakfall, high jump, or long jump techniques.
  • Open to all, but regulated by age, gender, and belt rank.