Is it possible to say that dance is a martial art? Many will immediately remember Brazilian capoeira, but not everyone knows that this is not the only dance with elements of struggle. There is also the so-called combat hopak. It is often compared with capoeira, in fact, in philosophy, it is closer to a style such as kung fu.
Combat hopak is the art of combat, combining throws and punches with the plastic of the hopak dance. Very often in this technique grabs and blocks are used, blows are applied both with legs and hands.
Not everyone knows that hopak as a military philosophy and national martial art has been developing for 20 years. Today, fighting dances are very popular among young people involved in sports. About 7 thousand children regularly study at military hopak schools in Ukraine. The coaches really hope that in the future they will turn out to be a great generation of defenders of the fatherland.
Views on this martial art
The first one says that the combat hopak is the Ukrainian combat system that arose in the Zaporizhzhya Sich, where schools taught this art of combat along with diploma and playing musical instruments. But the revolution broke the tradition of fighting hopak, and only in 1985 Vladimir Pilat from Lvov decided to restore it. There is evidence that the man lived in the East for many years and, returning to Ukraine, was already a master of sports in karate. Pilate, who had extensive experience behind him, had a desire to establish his own martial arts school. However, he was advised to return home and try to do it in Ukraine. For the basis of the future art of combat, Vladimir decided to take the movements of such a folk dance as hopak. He coined the term "combat hopak." So, the first version says that this is Ukrainian ancient martial art, which was revived with the support of the state by enthusiasts of their craft. It is an integral part of the national culture of Ukraine. V. Pilate, the founder of the school, speaks of a military hopak as an authorial style.
A second look at the hopak, painted in ultra-nationalist tones, suggests that the roots of martial art go back to the Aryans or ancient Ukrainians. But it should be said that some modern Russian martial arts are also considered descended from the Aryans or Hyperboreans. In all these arguments there is little sport, but a lot of patriotism.
The last look represents the Ukrainian military hopak as a modern compilation of various elements of the oriental martial arts with the movements of the dance of hopak and folklore of Ukraine. At the same time, the philosophy of oriental martial arts is very similar to the philosophy of Ukrainian combat dance, but includes a bit of a national supplement. Life, perceived as a battlefield, is given for the sake of the struggle for justice, ideals of honor, the Ukrainian state.
Combat duel
A duel is usually held in a circled circle with a certain musical accompaniment that sets the overall emotional background of the competition. Only someone who already has masterful degrees can use weapons in a dance-duel (this can be a sickle, two-handed sword, etc.). As a rule, all competitions are held in national costumes of the Cossacks. Thus, they gain enormous entertainment and popularity among ordinary people who are not even familiar with the technique of battle.
Types
The fighting hopak has several types. It is possible to go sparring or show single exercises. When an athlete performs alone, it is more like a dance to music, in which they place great emphasis on demonstrating fighting techniques. Sparring can take place both in a light form, when strikes are only implied, and in a more risky one, in which the battle is in full force.
Skill levels
All martial arts have degrees of mastery. The combat hopak has seven. Three students - beginner (Zheltjak), third rank (Falcon), second rank (Hawk). There is an intermediate degree - Jura (first rank). And three workshops - Kozak (MS), Characterist (MSMK) and Magus (honored MS). Each degree has its own coat of arms.
The development of a military hopak in the capital of Ukraine
In Kiev, the formation of a military hopak begins in the mid-90s. With the active assistance of students in 1997, the School of Combat Hopak began to operate, the basis of which was Kiev National University. T. G. Shevchenko.
For the first time in Kiev at the beginning of 2001, the All-Ukrainian Battle Hopak educational seminar was held.
In the same year, a presentation of Ukraine was held in South Korea with the help of representatives of the Kiev school, which were included in the national team of the International Combat Hopak Federation. They entered the top three winners and received a medal for third place. Also in 2001, a demonstration performance by students of the School of Combat Hopak was organized in Kiev, which impressed all spectators.
The long-standing Cossack martial art was increasingly gaining popularity among young people. Therefore, in the spring of 2002, a branch at the school named after Chornovola.
Since 2004, the military hopak was introduced in the curriculum of the Ukraine University. The same year was the year of the organization of the Art Center of the Hopak Art Show, which operates jointly with the Kiev Combat Hopak Federation. He is involved in the organization and conduct of show programs, as well as demonstrations, not only in his own country, but also abroad.
Development directions
Depending on the nature and individual abilities, everyone who wants to learn martial hopak can try his hand in various areas of martial art. Let's consider them in more detail.
• Wellness. This direction is very well suited for calm and peaceful people or for those who have health deficiencies, wants to come to harmony of mind and body.
• Folk art. It focuses on people who love creativity, want to take an active part in presentations, festivals, and other demonstrations.
• Sports. Being the direction of persistent and active people, it seeks to affirm and revive the Cossack daring at various competitions, to affirm the glory of Ukrainian knighthood and nobility.
In general, each of the directions gives its follower good physical preparation, knowledge of military equipment, and the ability to behave in any situations. The growth of mastery increases the requirements for determination, self-discipline and perseverance of the student. Only a few out of hundreds usually go to the combat level.
When training combat hopak, great attention is paid to the comprehensive development of personality. Together with the battle technique, the Hopakites study music and singing, traditions and history of the Ukrainian people, the basics of chivalry.