The World Hai Dong Gumdo Federation comprises an ever-growing
base of more than 300 training halls (dojang) across South Korea
and an outgrowth of over 500 dojangs internationally. In
addition more than 2000 Korean schools and companies incorporate
the art into their programs.
Hai Dong Gumdo is organized like most
modern martial arts into a series of ranks and degrees. The
initiate begins at white belt and progresses from that level
through 9 more colored belts before reaching the next beginning
- black belt.
The black belt or first dan (degree) is
full of 'sound and fury' but signifies only a foundation. The
lessons preceding this level teach you how to learn a martial
art be it Taekwondo, Hapkido or whatever aspect of the arts you
prefer. This is not to say that the gubs (ranks below first dan)
know nothing of their art! What I mean is that at the entry
level one learns how to relate to the style on many levels and
progression through to black belt is a circular journey...
The progression in Hai Dong Gumdo is
logical and well designed. A student will study memorized
patterns for solo practice. These are very dynamic and grow more
physically challenging with each rise in rank. The gradual
progression of the patterns teaches understanding of how to
combine various offensive and defensive postures with movement
to create effective tactics. In one sense, patterns (or forms)
are the historical version of multimedia presentations. They
catalog techniques and stances, reveal body mechanics and
strategies as well as fluidity of motion all in an
easy-to-access location. The lessons taught must be learned
well, at speed and at a more meditative pace, for once real
combat begins everything you thought you knew flies out the
window - only what you truly know remains.
When students develop sufficient control
(judged on an individual basis) they can begin to develop combat
drills with a partner to illuminate the actual dynamics of
weapons use with a living, moving target. This practice prepares
a student for the rigors and responsibility of safe and
effective free-style combat without training away realistic
combat behaviors like Kumdo (Kendo) practitioners must do.
Without some form of combat practice, it is almost impossible to
completely learn some lessons. As an example, the psychological
impact of conflict cannot be appreciated without experiencing it
in some form. At the moment the only truly safe way to engage in
full contact sword combat is via the art of Kumdo in Korea (or
Kendo in Japan). The shortcoming of this style lies in the
targets which by necessity are the most heavily protected parts
of the armored warrior. When dueling in the style of Kumdo, it
is important to remember that while participants are armored
they are simulating unarmored combat.
A black belt in Hai Dong Gumdo should have
learned the responsibility of self-control, developed an
understanding of honor, internalized the 12 basic two-handed
sword patterns (sang-soo gumpup), the 12 corresponding
'key-point' drills, be comfortable in unarmored sparring,
developed a high tolerance for the physical and emotional
demands of Ki Gong exercises (breathing-based meditation
facilitated by movement), basic unarmed defense vs. punches and
kicks, basic kicking skills, learned safe falling and tumbling
practices and achieved a fairly good level of emotional and
physical fitness.
The candidate for black belt must perform a
long, demanding pattern devised to reveal the competency of the
candidate in all the skills and techniques of the 12 basic
patterns. In Korea this is performed before a large panel of
judges who hold 5th dan or higher. Once this is completed the
candidate must then perform a break. A long piece of wood is
suspended by two loops of paper. The paper is looped over two
'live' blades with sharpened edge upward. The candidate must
break the wood without ripping the paper loops using only a
wooden training sword. Finally a brief demonstration of
dedication is required. This comes in the form of push ups
performed on thumb and index finger only...
It is a simple but intense test which is
not as easy as it sounds although it is as easy as the dan tests
come. All further tests at black belt level are accompanied by
demonstrations of cutting prowess.
The colored belt ranks test by demonstrating their current
patterns (usually 3) as well as their knowledge of the 'key
point drills'. Push ups on descending numbers of fingers are
performed as well as candle snuffing. This latter requirement is
useful outside of testing as a means to developing good control
and also as a meditation aid. As the candidates rise in rank the
number of candles to be snuffed with one proper stroke of a
wooden training sword increases. It begins with one and ends
with six. This exercise is said to refine and expand the
understanding of Ki.
*Taken from
Anthony Boyd's Haidong Gumdo
Website (Please refer to our links page for a link or go to
http://www.stormpages.com/haidonggumdo)