Martial arts Style Hai Dong Gumdo

Intro: A martial art based on the study of the sword.

Origin: Korea

History:
Hai Dong Gumdo (Korean Swordsmanship - Hai Dong refers to the light
energy at dawn over the East Sea, and was also the Chinese way of
referring to the Korean Peninsula) draws its techniques from many areas.
Most commonly referenced of course is the Muyedotobongi although this is
less an influence than the martial arts of Gicheon Mun and Shimgumdo.
While sourced in many disparate traditions, the art is elegantly refined
into one cohesive and systematically presented pathway to mastery of the
sword. The underpinnings of the art are based in the ancient Koguryo
Kingdom of the 3rd to 6th century, primarily the emphasis on a rigid
code of ethics. The techniques are clearly the result of dedicated and
serious attempts to make the style effective, functional, and accessible
to modern students.

Description:
Students begin with swords from the first day of practice and are
expected to work hard to build up the level of fitness required for
regular swordwork. The beginner will start with a wooden sword
(mog-gom). Intermediate students will generally be asked to begin
practice with a metal training sword (ka-gum) to prepare for the weight,
balance and danger of using live weapons after first dan. The average
weight of a mog-gom is 300 grams. The average weight of a ka-gum is 900
grams. Real swords (jin-gom) vary in weight by style and fittings but
average at 1.1 or 1.2 kg.

For the most part only dan ranks practice cutting objects. Typical
objects to employ in cutting drills are bamboo poles and rice stalk
sheaves. Bamboo simulates cutting bone while the sheaves simulate flesh.
Sometimes the two are combined. In addition to cutting static objects, a
skilled cutter must be capable of slicing thrown objects.

Classes are quite formal with dedication and serious intent being vital.
The art itself is very circular and flowing. Students must learn to
develop speed and accuracy in harmony with timed releases of power.
Sophisticated means of power generation keep the art challenging as each
level brings new refinements and means to the same ends.

Generally, there is no sparring unless certain conditions are met. At
present (2003) some parts of Korea are trying to develop competitive
rules using the bamboo sword and a newly developed form of full-body
armour. This movement is being met with mixed reactions. Old style
sparring was unarmoured, non-contact with moggum, light contact with
fist, elbow, knee, palm and foot. Some schools supported a full contact
form of sparring with the bamboo sword, either armoured or not. It will
take some time for the Federation as a whole to either embrace or
discard formal sparring rules for competition. For the most part, the
idea of competition is antithetical to the principles of the art.

Training involves working on basics, solo drills and study of forms
(gom-bub). Haidong Gumdo students must learn a substantial number of
forms as they progress. In addition to the forms there are key-point
drills, solo and partner drills, breath-based meditation of various
forms, basic and intermediate self-defense training, as well as soft and
hard object cutting. A student will learn basic and effective methods to
counter punches and kicks, will learn tumbling and safe falling
practices as well as gain an understanding of basic punches and kicks as
well. At higher levels, access to a more complete unarmed curriculum is
possible, depending on the instructor. Classes generally last for an
hour and focus on perfection of stances and power generation while in
motion. Individual practice time is often provided after the lesson.

http://www.hdgd.org.com (English now available)
http://www.stormpages.com/haidonggumdo
http://www.geomdo.org