The people of the orient have studied the body's vital points or "hyul" for nearly three thousand years. They use this knowledge for healing via acupuncture and acupressure, and also to increase the effectiveness of a very effective fighting system. There are roughly 700 pressure points on the body and in Hapkido we will use 365 of these points. Roughly 200 of these points are used in pain-compliance and the remainder are used in the healing techniques of acupressure. Hapkido uses the accumulated knowledge of the body and it's functions to enhance an already effective method of defense and attack.

A vital point may be located on the body were there is an exposed nerve without heavy protection from bone or muscle tissue, a joint formed by two bones, or a point on the body where an organ may be easily damaged. Striking a vital point will cause pain, unconsciousness or death depending on the point struck, development of the point, and the force of the blow.

If an untrained person strikes an overweight person in the stomach there would be little damage; but if a trained person struck the solar plexus with a focused blow, the opponent would become unconscious or die. With the use of attacking vital points and 'ki' power, the blow can be made up-to seven times more effective.

In Hapkido, vital points are not only attacked by striking or kicking, but also by grabbing or pressing in on the hyul to control the opponent.

The following charts will help locate the pressure points needed for the student to effectively perform the required techniques.