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Haidong Gumdo is a Korean sword art which draws from battlefield
tactics and techniques to build a curriculum for mental, physical
and spiritual development. Students learn forms, step drills,
sitting and standing meditation, sparring as well as bamboo and
straw cutting. Unlike Kendo and its Korean equivalent, Kumdo, the
focus in Haidong Gumdo is not dueling but on the tactics of
outdoor, pitched battles. Ultimately, Haidong Gumdo does
have dueling in it, but it is much more dynamic than in Kumdo.
It focuses on multiple attackers and uses a much broader range of
techniques and attacks.
Haidong Gumdo can be practiced by people of all ages and any
physical conditions. It is perfect for those who want to
study martial arts but don't want the normal kicking and punching
of most.
Haidong Gumdo is a
 much
softer style martial art compared to others such as Tae Kwon Do or
Karate. It focuses on mental and physical conditioning but
much more mental control is developed. Students of Haidong
Gumdo will learn meditation and proper breathing exercises that
will relieve
stress and promote a healthy body and mind. Don't let it's
grace fool you though. Although the many forms in Haidong
Gumdo are elegant and beautiful, they all have an underlying
background of strength and ferocity. Powerful, complex and
beautiful, Haidong Gumdo is a wonderful martial arts style that
can be pursued throughout a person's life. Whether you're 6
and your favorite cartoon character is a sword wielding super hero
or 60 and you need something to ease stress in your life you'll
find that Haidong Gumdo benefits you in many ways.
Haidong Gumdo is a newly
introduced martial art to the United States. It was
reintroduced in Korea about 20 years ago by Jeong-ho Kim, now
president of the World Haidong Gumdo Federation. For more
information about the World Haidong Gumdo Fed. or the history of
Haidong Gumdo in general, refer to the links above. |