Haidong Gumdo

Haidong Gumdo is an ancient Korean martial art which makes use of sword art. Many battlefield tactics and techniques are taught to students to prepare them for a balanced mental state. Hai Dong Gum Do translates best to East Sea Swordsmanship. Gumdo alone, actually translates to “way of the sword.”

The history of this Korean martial art dates back to (371-384 AD) during the time of the Kokuryo Kingdom. The art of Haidong Gumdo relies solely on one weapon: the sword. While the teachings and times have changed, the art has remained a true art of swordsmanship.

While the art itself is ancient, the first recorded training hall was opened in 1982 to the public in Anyang in Kyungki province. Swords that were introduced were the jukdo (bamboo sword) and the mokgeom (wooden sword), which is used in basic training.

Haidong Gumdo has been compared to Japanese kendo throughout the years. While there are many similarities in the techniques and teachings, there are differences: Kendo focuses primarily on individual combat, whereas Haidong Gumdo concentrates on battlefield combat.

Haidong Gumdo students are taught that the unification of the body, mind, spirit and sword are essential to succeeding in battle. The mind body and spirit will express themselves through the sword itself. There is a lot of value placed on Baldo and chakgeom forms as well. Baldo refers to the “drawing” of the sword, while chakgeom refers to the “sheathing” of the sword. These practices derived from Gicheon, another Korean martial art.