 
 |
|
Haidong Gumdo originated in the ancient kingdom of
Korkuryo. In the beginning Sulbongsumin, who mastered the secret
of swordsmanship, established the training dojang (school) called
Samurang, and taught his disciples Gumdo the “Way of the Sword”
Samurang became the origin of the Samurai in Japan. Samurangs
adopted loyalty, filial piety, courtesy, justice, faithfulness,
intelligence, virtue and physical soundness as their ideals for
the training of the mind and body.
They served the Great King of Kwangkaeto ( 371 – 384 AD ) to build
a great and mighty kingdom.
In recent days, Master Jang-Baik-San of Kwanak mountain a direct
successor of Haidong Gumdo instructed Master Jeong-Ho Kim.
Presently founder and President of the World Haidong Gumdo
Federation ( WHDGF ), Master Kim has established over 400 schools
in Korea and 1,000 schools in 30 other countries outside of Korea.
Haidong Gumdo means the “Light” of the sword as the “Energy”
rising up in the morning in the Eastern sea.
Haidong Gumdo is a Korean sword art that draws from battlefield
tactics and techniques to build a curriculum for mental, physical
and spiritual development.
In modern Haidong Gumdo, students learn prearranged forms, combat
drills, sitting and moving meditation, sparing as well as * bamboo
and straw cutting. Unlike Kumdo (Kendo) the ancient sword art of
oriental fencing using a bamboo sword (jukdo), the focus in
Haidong Gumdo is not dueling but on the tactics of outdoors
pitched battles.
( * Adult black belt students only )
Beginners practice with the wooden training sword to develop
fundamentals. Advanced practitioners with the proper respect and
control train with both the wooden training sword (mok- gum) and
the metal practice sword ( gah-gum ). At first Dan (black belt)
the adult has finally earned the privilege of using a forged steel
sword ( jin-gum ).
Powerful, complex and beautiful, Haidong Gumdo is a wonderful
style, which can be pursued throughout your life.
It is my opinion that Haidong Gumdo combined with TaeKwonDo is the
combination of Um and Yang ( Hard and Soft ), which completes the
Universe.
TIMELINE
1962 WHDGF President Kim Jeong-ho began training with his
master, a monk called by the name, Jang Paek-san.
1982 July, opened the first Haidong Gumdo training hall in
Anyang in Kyungki province.
1983 April, Haidong Gumdo Association established with main
office in Seocho-gu, Seoul
1986 June, headquarters moved to Kangnam-gu, Seoul
1989 May, registered as a Social Organization, a
not-for-profit organization
1996 January, moved the headquarters to Sungnam in Kyungki
province
1996 November, established the World Haidong Gumdo
Federation as a corporation aggregate
1996 December, established the American Haidong Gumdo
Federation
1997 March, established the Chinese Haidong Gumdo
Federation
1997 April, established the Canadian Haidong Gumdo
Federation
1997 May, established the French Haidong Gumdo Federation
1997 May, established the German Haidong Gumdo Federation
1998 January, established the Spanish Haidong Gumdo
Federation
1998 February, established the Mexican Haidong Gumdo
Federation
1998 March, established the Japanese Haidong Gumdo
Federation
1998 March, established the New York headquarters of the
American Federation
1998 April, established the Australian Haidong Gumdo
Federation
2000 July, held a National Festival at Yongpyong Resort in
Kangwon Province attended by more than 3000.
2000 August, Jeong Ho Kim, president of the
World Haidong Gumdo Federation, was awarded, from Bill Clinton,
president of the United States for his great contribution to
American society.
2000 September, US Haidong Gumdo Blackbelt
rating test initiated.
2000 September, Invited by U.S. Leadership
seminar with demonstrations in North Carolina, Dallas, New York,
Utah, and St. Louis
2000 September, Invited by annual "Korean
Day" festival to demonstrate Haidong Gumdo in Los Angeles
|
|