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| HAIDONG GUMDO |
| Haidong Gumdo (Kumdo), along with Taekwondo, Takeon and hapkido, is one of the purely Korean martial arts systems. Its origins are fairly vague, but have been traced to the Korean military caste system. As a system it has much in common with the Japanese sword art of kenjutsu. Probably due to the Japanese occupation of Korea, many Kendo (bamboo sword) techniques are regularly practiced in most Gumdo dojangs. |
| After 10 years of Karate training, I had come to Korea to try hapkido.I had never heard of Gumdo. Since sword schools in Canada are rare, I seized the chance. My first dojang had a great instructor, but the class was full of children, so not geared for me. I do owe my first Kwangsangnim a lot though. He gave me an excellent introduction and worked hard to help me out. ( my first instructor and I) |
| My new kwansangnim is more experienced and teaches adults as well as kids. He often laments the fact that I can't speak Korean, but he always gets his point across. (present instructor and I following blue belt grading) |
| Using the jukto(shinai in japanese) is very hard on the shoulders, hands and abdominals. The techniques are always offensive. This is the Kendo carry over. My Kwangsangnim trained in Japan for a year and is an excellent kendoka. If you look hard, our kendo armour is in the left corner. |
| Forms are an integral part of Gumdo. There are 12 basic forms before reaching black belt. At the beginner level up to brown belt, we use a mokgum(wooden sword). |
| A smart man should never try crossing swords with his wife, but Ms.Lee could'nt resist making Chris and I pose for the shot. |
| The tires are an excellent jukto training tool. Hard to hit with the right power. |
| Mi-hyun and I are practicing form #4 together. She recently graded for her blue belt. I was allowed to keep the yellow belt I'd earned in my previous dojang. I swear I am not about to cut her!! |
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| JUKTO TRAINING |
| FORMS(GUP) |
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