Special Lecture on Aikido at My Alma Mater, the Korea National Police University

Today, I conducted a special lecture for 3rd-year Hapkido majors at my alma mater, the Korea National Police University (KNPU). It was the inaugural session of the "Inter-Martial Arts Exchange Lecture" series, hosted at the invitation of Professor Shin.

There is a 29-year seniority gap between my juniors and me. Coincidentally, I began my Aikido journey during my 3rd year of university, making my years of training exactly equal to the gap in our class years. Beyond mere coincidence, I felt a profound sense of mission.

While the university has relocated from Yongin to Asan, the dojo building retains its original name, "Kyungdo-kwan.(A sanctuary where police officers hone their martial arts)" Notably, the copper lettering on the exterior was physically moved from the original sign in Yongin and reinstalled here. Seeing those familiar characters brought back vivid memories of the sweat and effort I gave in the dojo during my undergraduate years.

To introduce the principles of Aikido—a martial art unfamiliar to these Hapkido students—within a two-hour window, I focused on the "intersection of principles" rather than a mere list of techniques or kata. I believed this approach would be the most efficient way to spark their interest and provide practical insights within the limited time.

I opened the lecture with a fundamental question: "Why does the uke grab the tori’s hand?"

Following this, I demonstrated how sword movements translate into empty-hand techniques such as Shiho-nage (four-direction throw), and how to control the opponent's center through the logic of swordsmanship. We concluded by exploring how to integrate and complement their existing Hapkido skills with the core principles of Aikido.

The students engaged with great enthusiasm. In particular, those who had transferred after serving in the field showed remarkable focus, perhaps recognizing the overlap between the lecture and their real-world operational experiences.

I would like to express my gratitude to the professor for organizing this meaningful event and to my juniors for their sincere dedication during the session. I will continue my research to ensure that Aikido serves as a practical strategy for police officers in the field, transcending mere dojo practice.

(Note: Due to university regulations, video recording within the facility is prohibited. These photos, taken by the professor, capture the atmosphere of the session.)