The Water Principle

The water principle has many meanings. First, look how water flows easily down hill. When it comes to an obstacle, like rock, it flows around it. From this we see not to waste time and energy pushing against an obstacle but to simply flow around it. Second, when you put water into a container it does not matter what shape the container is, water simply takes the shape of the container. Like water, let Hapkido fit any situation. Third, when water freezes it becomes hard like stone. When water heats up it disappears (evaporates) only to return later (as rain). The Hapkido practitioner must be able to change states like water, if you meet a strong attack, flow around it and redirect its strength or at times almost disappear and reappear as you adjust and change the situation. Fourth, water always flows down; always flow your spirit down. As you learn more and gain more confidence don't hesitate to come down and help those who need it. As you obtain more strength then gain greater humility.

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