From a purely technical perspective, it is very closely related to its parent art, Traditional Hapkido, though it places more emphasis on meditative, philosophical, and Ki development training.

When translated in its entirety, Sin Moo Hapkido[1] therefore means, “The way of using martial arts to harmonize the mind and body to reach a higher more enlightened state of existence.”[2] Sin Moo Hapkido was founded in 1983 in Seoul, South Korea by Dojunim Ji Han-jae (b.

The curriculum was based on Ji's earlier Hapkido programs that he developed from his three teachers and own personal study.

Though formed in Seoul, the first official school for Sin Moo Hapkido was not opened until 1984 in Daly City (very near San Francisco), California, where Ji began teaching his new art.

Additionally, Sin Moo Hapkido formalizes a series of techniques, although at advanced levels students are expected to synthesize their own work.

Sin Moo Hapkido uses holds, joint locks, throws, re-direction, kicks, punches, blocks, pressure points, weapons, and energy flow techniques.

At the 4th dan black belt there is also taught 30 special attack techniques using variations and combinations of basic locks.

Though Sin Moo Hapkido has had a number of different revisions as far as rank structure, this is the current organization used by Ji, Han-jae.

The official uniform (dobok) for "Masters" rank and above, 6th Dan and higher, is white with gold trim as seen in Bruce Lee's "Game of Death" movie.

They are a combination of Buddhist, Confucian, and Taoist exercises and primarily focus on Ki development and opening the "mind's eye."

Sin Moo Hapkido's first exercise is known as Danjeon Breathing and is similar to Chinese Qigong practices.

[3] Physical: Mental: Spiritual: Since 2014, Doju Nim Ji Han-jae has been issuing Kwan certifications : his top students have been given the authorization to develop their own Sin Moo Hapkido styles, by mixing traditional Sin Moo Hapkido with their own martial arts background.

In addition, other Sin Moo Grandmasters such as Frank Croaro (First Generation-Senior Student), Farshad Azad, John Beluschak, Stuart Rosenberg, Sean Bradley, Ian A. Cyrus, and Ramfis Marquez, & Scott Yates continue to preserve the legacy of Sin Moo Hapkido for future generations.