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Haidong Gumdo

Haidong Gumdo is a sword focused Korean martial Art.

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Unlike many sword based Martial Arts, such as Japanese Kendo, it does not focus on one on one sparring, but rather one-verses-many or battlefield combat.

Haidong Gumbo translates to East Sea Swordsmanship. It dates back to 371-382 AD during the time of the Kokuryo Kingdom. Yet the first recorded training hall was opened to the public in 1982 in Anyang in Kyungki province. In 1989 one of the premier teachers, Na Hanil, played the lead in a Korean TV drama. This help to promote the art considerably.

According to the United States Haidong organization there are 1,200 school located in 51 countries with 31 National associations.

Shimgum is the essence of Haidong Gumdo. Shimgum represents the unification of the mind, body and spirit through the use of the sword. Even though one may be technically perfect they may not necessarily achieve shimgum and, conversely, one can be technically imperfect and not necessarily achieve shimgum.

Students practice basic techniques, forms, step sparring, sparring, energy building exercises and cutting practice. There is a lot of emphasis on sheathing and drawing of the sword.

The first swords used for training were made of bamboo and students moved up to wooden swords. Now due to laws passed down from the federation a plastic/rubber sword must be used in competition.

The principles include:

Spirit

Loyalty
Filial Piety
Courtesy
Faithfulness

Mind

Courage
Judgment
Respect
Temperance

Body

power
Speed
Balance
Sweat

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