Methods
of Haidong Gumdo
Haidong Gumdo is the Korean term for a martial art form that
can be translated to mean “Korean way of the sword.” This method of martial
arts quickly sprang into existence during a fine April in the year 1983, making
it one of the most recent martial art forms. Haidong Gumdo quickly grew in
popularity and is now practiced in countries all around the world, including
the United States, Canada, Spain, Japan, China, Germany, Mexico, and Australia.
In fact, there are more than 2,000 schools teaching the practice of Haidong Gumdo
in Korea alone with over 500 dojangs planted throughout a global scene. Many
people consider this recent and popular martial arts phenomenon a
reconstruction of more historical martial art forms, and it is now one of the
key players in the large community of Korean martial arts.
Curriculum
Haidong Gumdo curriculum was influenced by many versions of
martial art forms, but is most readily associated with the Japanese art forms
of Kenjutsu, Battodo, and Laido. The weapon of choice for Haidong Gumdo is the
two-hand sabre, which is referred to as Ssangsoodo; this weapon is very similar
to the Katana of Japan. Sword methodology and sword techniques are very similar
to typical Laido sword techniques, because the two share very similar methods
of drawing weapons and returning weapons to the sheath.
Curriculum content also covers a wide variety of
psychological exercises, which center on the healthy interaction of the mind
and body. Many Haidong Gumdo masters teach their students to master breathing
exercises and a variety of other helpful habits that serve to strengthen both
the mind and body. If you are interested in a martial art form that includes
overall health-improving methodologies, then Haidong Gumdo may be the perfect
martial art form choice for you. If you are interested in learning more about
the health benefits associated with this martial art system, read the
information located beneath the “philosophy” header below.
Discipline
Haidong Gumdo disciplines include a ranking within the
Haidong Gumdo martial arts system. If you are familiar with martial arts at
all, you are aware that many kinds of Korean and Japanese martial art forms
rank martial artists according to their skill level. As is the case with most
of these Korean and Japanese martial art forms, skill level is indicated by the
color of the martial artist’s belt. It is also important for Haidong Gumdo
students to wear the appropriate training attire. Students who sign up for
classes often wear a keikogi accompanied by a hakama.
Weapons
The weapons used in this martial art form are varied
depending on the type of practice taking place. The mokgum, translated as
“wooden sword,” is commonly used during basic practice and training sessions.
Wooden swords and other non-lethal weapons allow individuals to practice
martial arts without putting themselves or others at risk, as is the case when
sharpened objects are used during practice and training sessions. Plastic or
rubber swords may also be utilized during training or practice sessions in order
to ensure the safety of those involved. Many schools also encourage students to
wear a great deal of padding, protective clothing, and even light forms of body
armor.
Techniques
Before learning the techniques used during Haidong Gumdo, it
is important to differentiate between this martial art form and its very
similar brother art form, Hae Dong Kumdo. The techniques utilized within these
two martial art forms are very different. Haidong Gumdo highlights the
importance of Korean combat techniques; those who practice this art form
consider a combat style to be far more important than the style used for
competition or athletic purposes.
The basic techniques utilized during a Haidong Gumdo can be
found in a listing located within the Bonguk Geombeop (translated as “Korean
sword method”), which identifies a variety of methods along with weapon use. In
order to give you an idea of the practices taught within Haidong Gumdo
curriculum styles, we have compiled a brief list of common Haidong Gumdo
techniques. Remember that this list is not comprehensive, but simply covers
some of the most common techniques:
●
Ssangsu Geombeop. This method involves the use of a
two-handed sword, or a sword with a large enough hilt for a person to grasp it
with both hands.
●
Simsang Geombeop. This method involves what is commonly
referred to as the “heart” of swordsmanship. This technique focuses less on
physical strength and intense combat in order to more fully understand the
interaction between the healthy human body and healthy human mind.
●
Ssanggeom Geombeop. This method involves the use of two
swords wielded simultaneously. We think this is one of the most impressive
forms of swordsmanship, and you can easily see why. Take a moment to imagine a
strong and well-trained martial artist approaching you with a sword in each
hand and a look in his or her eye that says, “I know what I’m doing.” Would you
mess with a person like that? Doubtful.
●
Yedo Geombeop. This method involves the use of a small sword
known as the short sword. While using the short sword may have forced opponents
to fight at a closer range, it also allowed users to fight with more fluidity,
dexterity, and agility. Since short swords are smaller they weigh far less,
making them an ideal weapon for an individual who values a great deal of
footwork during a martial arts match.
●
Jedok Geombeop. This method is literally translated
“Admiral’s sword method.”
●
Jangbaek Geombeop. This method is literally translated as
“The Jangbaek Method.”
●
Wae Geombeop. This term refers to the methodology used by
Japanese martial artists.
●
Wuisu Geombeop. This method involves using one sword during
combat. A good martial artist knows how to operate at a high level of
efficiency with only a single weapon.
Haidong Gumdo can essentially be described as a martial art
form involving the use of techniques that express a variety of different sword
strikes in response to each sword strike put forth by an opposing unit. The
Japanese and Korean techniques vary in that Japanese practitioners focus their
energy on individual combat (one-to-one matches) and Korean practitioners focus
their energy on battle-ready combat (one-to-multiple matches).
Philosophy
The philosophy behind Haidong Gumdo is somewhat complex, but
it is well worth learning about - especially if you are a beginner when it
comes to martial arts and hand-to-hand combat. The main concept of Haidong
Gumdo is referred to as shimgum, which is quite similar to a Spanish concept
discovered by Garcia Lorca, a famous poet during his time. The Spanish concept,
duende, and the concept of shimgum are centered on several key aspects. Shimgum
most importantly focuses on the unifying of all body parts. This unification
includes a combination of the intellect, physical body, and inner spirit.
According to Haidong Gumdo experts, these aspects, when unified, portray a
single expression when a skilled individual begins wielding his or her sword
during a Haidong Gumdo match.
Obviously, a technical understanding of sword use and the
mastering of different sword techniques are important to learn and practice if
you are interested in becoming an avid martial artist. However, seasoned
students of Haidong Gumdo are aware that technicalities and methods are
somewhat limited; even if you have perfect technical skill and a sweeping
knowledge of methodology, you may still fall short of achieving the
much-revered shimgum way of life. Shimgum is the aspect of Haidong Gumdo that
qualifies it as a martial art. Without the shimgum way of thinking and living,
Haidong Gumdo would simply be another military science. Thankfully, Haidong
Gumdo is far more than a military science: it is an art form all of its own.
How To Learn
If you are interested in learning more about the Haidong
Gumdo martial art system of thought and self-defense, try locating a reputable
martial art school near your location. Even if there are no schools nearby, it
may benefit you to contact a reputable school via phone or email. You can then
inquire about any questions you may have concerning the martial art form you
are interested in and the policies of the school in question. If you are not
yet sure if Haidong Gumdo is the martial art system for you, try looking into
other resources such as books, tapes, and online articles. These resources are
easily accessed via a bookstore or public library. The time it takes to learn
about this popular martial art form is a small price to pay for a martial art
form that may potentially shape your life for the better.
After doing a little research, it is time for you to sign up
for your very first class. There is no need to be shy; many martial art
teachers are extremely welcoming toward newcomers of every age, skill level,
and fitness level. Pick up your uniform and prepare for an experience that is
both enriching and satisfying. You may be surprised at how easily you can pick
up the new art form and how comfortable you feel in the Haidong Gumdo
community.
When you are ready to get your first samurai sword, check out the huge selection at Swords Of The East.