Haidong Gumdo at WHAK

What is Haidong Gumdo?

Haidong Gumdo is an art in which one studies the use of the sword for the purpose of self defense and overall body conditioning. The governing body for Haidong Gumdo is The World Haidong Gumdo Federation which comprises an ever-growing base of more than 500 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.

Haidong 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 several colored belts before reaching the next beginning - black belt. The western idea that a master holds a black belt is one that ought to be dispelled. Akin to a Bachelor's Degree, 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 your choice of martial art be it Tang Soo Do, Haidong Gumdo or whatever. This is not to say that the gups (ranks below first dan) know nothing of their art! On the contrary, 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 Haidong Gumdo is logical and well designed.

A student will study memorized forms for solo practice. These are very dynamic and grow more physically challenging with each rise in rank. The gradual progression of the forms teaches understanding of how to combine various offensive and defensive postures with movement to create effective strategies and tactics. In one sense, the 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 abandons you and only what you truly know remains. 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. Unfortunately, at the moment the only truly safe way to engage in full contact Asian sword combat is via the art of Kendo (pronounced Kumdo in Korea).

A perceived 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 Kendo, it is therefore important to remember that while participants are armored they are simulating unarmored combat. In Haidong Gumdo unarmored sparring develops slowly with trusted partners. A first degree black belt in Haidong 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 (gyuk-gum), 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.

Who Studies Haidong Gumdo

The study of Haidong Gumdo, (Way of the Korean Sword), is practiced by people of all walks of life. The reasons in which these individuals practice this art vary from individual to individual. Haidong Gumdo is not for everybody because the use of the live blade is serious business. You cannot be too old to study Haidong Gumdo but you can be too young.

There are some basic requirements that a student of Haidong Gumdo must exhibit. You must have at least one hand with the majority of its fingers and the dedication to overcome physical limitations. You must have the ability to think. You must be responsible. You must be able to separate your studies from your ego. Haidong Gumdo attracts students of both genders in equal numbers from 10 years of age and up. You must be capable of appreciating the power and beauty of the skills you will learn. You must be able to respect these skills and learn all the lessons they can teach you. Haidong Gumdo does not require great flexibility but of course flexibility will improve your performance.

It does require that you be willing to develop a level of endurance over the course of your studies which can often exceed the demands of other martial art styles. Haidong Gumdo does not require that you be an acrobat. It does require that you learn how to safely control falls and learn to tumble safely with a weapon. You do not have to run marathons, learn to levitate, walk on coals or fight anyone. All you have to be willing to do is learn and grow. The three most important factors in learning Haidong Gumdo are speed, power and timing. The good news is that these terms are relative and the Haidong Gumdo curriculum is such that it tailors itself to the needs and abilities of the student. If you find that you just cannot leap your body length, cut and do a dive roll all in one continuous motion do not worry - there is a less dynamic option for you. It is a goal of Haidong Gumdo to enable grandparents, parents and children to all study together with no barriers.

What is a normal class like?

A normal class generally runs for one hour with 30 minutes of free practice afterward. At the West Haven Academy of Karate, classes are held 3 days a week and attendance is expected preferably for two classes per week but at a minimum of once per week. The class begins with a total body warm-up. Usually the class tries to determine a comfortable median between the lowest and highest levels of fitness, working those who are most fit while not draining those who are the least fit. Other times a sliding scale is applied to the class by rank. This lets members of each rank know precisely where they should be in terms of fitness and where they in fact are. Still, the major focus is on personal development.

The second stage of a class involves executing basic cuts and stances. There are nine basic cuts with many attendant variations of each taught as a core curriculum to a beginning student. These basics are used as part of the warm-up drill in every class to develop the students' understanding, fitness, endurance and technique. Practice of the basic techniques can become a meditative aid for some students.

The third stage of class is divided by rank. Students are asked to perform their forms (hyungs) and key-point drills in an order of rank determined by the needs of the class on each day. When the students finish their patterns they receive instruction. While the floor is occupied by other ranks, students work on their meditative breathing or ki (chi) building exercises. Discipline and Decorum is to be maintained at all times.

The final stage of class is free practice which ranges from performing patterns and forms to limited types of free sparring. All classes begin and end formally with respect being paid to the flag, the instructor and one's fellow students.

What Equipment Do I Need? 

The primary piece of equipment for the student of Haidong Gumdo is a wooden sword. This hardwood weapon is the same length as the average Korean sword but is significantly lighter. These wood swords (mog-gum) weigh between 300 and 900 grams depending on the material. Wood weapons do not have the same balancing characteristics as their metal replicas or real counterparts. The better the manufacture of a wooden weapon, the more closely its balance will resemble a real blade. Wooden swords are much safer to use in a learning environment but are still capable of causing injury and death. At no time is it to be considered a toy or the class a time for play.

When engaging in sparring or practicing specific techniques with a partner a split bamboo weapon (Jook-toe, Shinai) is sometimes used. This style of practice sword was developed for the purposes of "safe" sword combat and is taken from Japanese Kendo. This weapon has many problems but it is the safest choice for unarmored sparring practice. The Korean name for the weapon is jook-toe. The Japanese name is shinai. However, if the student desires they can now purchase Haidong Gumdo Armor and practice full contact sparring. Many instructors will teach kumdo/kendo rules to students but thanks to the new armor, real, full-body contact sparring is available to everyone - not just those who don't mind a few cuts and bruises. The purpose of armored sparring in Haidong Gumdo is to employ realistic attacks and defenses in a combat atmosphere. Sparring is quite free and mobile as a result. It is important to realize that while the participants are wearing armor, the combat they are simulating is that of unarmored combatants.

At third gup students with the proper respect and control may begin to use a metal practice sword called a ka-gum. The weight and balance almost match the averages of Korean swords but the dynamics of the blade through the air are slightly different. Still, at this level of experience using the ka-gum is virtually indistinguishable (and much safer) than using a live blade. These practice weapons weigh 900 grams. It is interesting to begin using a ka-gum because the mechanics of good form become much easier. As the weapon is properly balanced it feels like the effort of keeping the blade in alignment and in proper position disappears. The increased weight is also not really noticeable until after one has been performing cuts for awhile - the muscle fatigue pleasantly creeps up on you. As the student rises in rank they will be asked to perform their patterns (gum-pup) more often with the ka-gum.

At first dan (black belt) the adult student has finally earned the privilege of using a real blade(jin-gum). These weapons weigh between 1 and 1.3 kg. They closely resemble but are not identical to Japanese swords. Variances occur most commonly in curvature and length. The student will use this weapon to perform their patterns at the discretion of the instructor but it generally is only used for cutting exercises and tests.

A Note Regarding Swords:

Much of Korea's historical sword use was with straight, double-edged blades but Korea willingly embraced the change to the curved single edged style when the killing power of the weapon was proven. The straight, double-edged blade which was retained by the Chinese swordsman is faster but it is unable to generate the amount of force the curved blades could produce. Additionally, it wasn’t as effective in mass combat engagements. The Japanese also preferred the curved single edged weapon style when it appeared and most agree they refined its forging and development to the highest degree. The Japanese sport of Kendo is called Kumdo in Korean. The name of the sport uses Chinese characters and many practitioners of Japanese styles make the assumption that any style name which incorporates these characters must be Kendo. This is not true. Kendo (Kumdo) is very popular in Korea and is organized into the Daehan Kumdo Federation (along with possibly as many as 20 others styles). People here in Korea refer to it as either (Daehan) Kumdo or Kendo. Styles like Haidong Gumdo do not practice Kendo but can incorporate it for its psychological value depending on the knowledge base of the instructor.

Progression of Learning

A Generalized Progression of Learning: 10th Gup to 1st Gup There are generally 10 ranks (gups) of learning before a candidate achieves the level of first dan. The progression of gup ranks toward first dan descends. The dans run in ascending order. The system of gups and dans is taken from the Japanese martial art of Judo and was adopted by the World Haidong Gumdo Federation to faciliate the spread of the art on a global scale. The ranking system is fairly well known outside of the martial art community. There are no symbolic meanings attached to the color of the belts. This type of grading system is borrowed and not terribly old so adding anything else would be too contrived. In Haidong Gumdo it is felt that the purpose of the belt is to keep your pants up, your jacket closed and your testing judges or new instructors apprised of what they can ask you to do.

The belt colors at the West Haven Academy of Karate for Haidong Gumdo mirror the colors used in the primary art (Tang Soo Do) that is taught at the Academy and they are: white, orange, green, red and finally midnight blue. These colors do not necessarily follow the colors used in Korea but the material taught at each level is duplicated exactly. At each gup level students are taught one or more memorized forms which are combinations of movement, as well as, short, step-drills which emphasize the key-points of those forms (hyungs). The hyungs are named ssang-su gumbup which means sword methods for two hands.

• The 10th gup (white) student will learn the nomenclature of the sword, protocol and decorum of the art of Haidong Gumdo, the basic stances and cuts, simple unarmed defense and two-handed sword hyung number one (sang-soo gumbup ilbon). This hyung will be taught by the count only.
• The 9th gup (white with a blue stripe) student will learn two-handed sword form number one (sang-soo gumbup ilbon) without count, more refinement in basic stances and cuts, draw and cut technique number 1, one-step number 1.
• The 8th gup (orange) student will learn two-handed sword pattern number two (sang-soo gumbup eebon), continued refinement of basic stances and cuts, draw and cut technique number 2, one-step number 2.
• The 7th gup (orange with a blue stripe) student will learn two-handed sword form number three (sang-soo gumbup sahmbon), continued refinement of basic stances and cuts, introduction of breathing techniques, draw and cut technique number 3, one-step number 3.
• The 6th gup (green) student will learn two-handed sword form number four (sang-soo gumbup sabon), continued refinement of basic stances and cuts, continued refinement of breathing techniques, draw and cut technique number 4, one-step number 4, candle techniques (no more than 10 minutes at a time).
• The 5th gup (green with a blue stripe) student will learn two-handed sword forms number five and six (sang-soo gumbup O’bon and yukbon), continued refinement of basic stances and cuts, continued refinement of breathing techniques, draw and cut technique numbers 5 and 6 one-step numbers 5 and 6, rolls and falling techniques.
• The 4th gup (green with two blue stripes) student will learn two-handed sword form numbers seven and eight (sang-soo gumbup chilbon and pahlbon), continued refinement of basic stances and cuts, continued refinement of breathing techniques, draw and cut technique numbers seven and eight, one step numbers seven and eight, continued refinement of rolls and falling techniques.
• The 3rd gup student will learn two-handed sword form numbers 9 and 10 (sang-soo gumbup gubon and sipbon), continued refinement of basic stances and cuts, continued refinement of rolls and falling techniques, students at this gup level often begin to perform forms with a metal practice sword (ga-gum), introduction to kicking techniques, draw and cut technique numbers nine and ten, one-step technique numbers nine and ten.
• The 2nd gup student will learn the two-handed sword form numbers 11 and 12 (sang-soo gumbup sipilbon and sipeebon) to complete the ssang-su gumbup series.
• The 1st gup student will learn a very long, dynamic form called shimsang gumbup.
  

The importance of sang-soo gumbup

The memorized forms can be thought of as solo performance pieces that serve two functions. The first function is to enable the practitioner to discover the correct way to move with each technique in order to develop proper speed, power and timing. Without these things the student is incapable of developing their sword technique to its full potential. The second function is to provide the student with a way to demonstrate their level of skill safely. In unarmed combat there is much more latitude in developing rules and protective devices while preserving realism in sparring. Because there is no realistic way to spar safely using properly shaped and weighted blades of this type the student of sword arts must focus on patterns and careful, non-contact duels in order to display their abilities. The two-handed sword techniques (ssang-su gumbup) begin with a very basic approach to moving and cutting properly. Over the course of the 12 pattern series the student will be required to reach greater speeds, higher endurance levels and expand their level of environmental awareness. This series stresses awareness of multiple attackers in action appropriate to the battlefield. These forms are appropriate for use with the long sword or short sword. These terms are misleading. In this case long refers to a blade of approximately 4 feet while short refers to what we consider a normal length blade. The fighting sword drills or key-point drills (gyuk-gum) distill the essence of each of the twelve patterns in ssang-su gumbup. They are similar to two-step sparring. They include a draw, the new technique, a 180 degree rotation, a repeat of the attack and a return of the weapon to the scabbard. These drills must be performed as quickly as possible with a focus on skillful execution. Mastery of the gyuk-gum allows the practitioner to truly deliver inspiring performances of any of the gumbup. Shimsang gumbup is a single pattern used to determine the overall skill of a candidate for first dan. It comprises all of the techniques found in ssang-su gumbup and exceeds them. It is extremely fast and involved, covers a great deal of area and repeatedly simulates confrontations with multiple attackers at all angles. It consists of four distinct parts and is intended for the "short" sword.

Progression of Learning: 1st Dan to 8th Dan

As should be expected the road through the higher degrees of Haidong Gumdo is slower and much more demanding. The curriculum is smaller but involves a higher degree of technique and conditioning on the part of the student. Cutting skills are the primary requirement for test candidates but forms are practiced as well. The highest rank in Haidong Gumdo is 9th Dan but as in most Korean arts this rank is ceremonial and is reserved for the Head of the art as a whole.

• To achieve the rank of second dan requires learning a series of forms called yedo gumbup.
• To achieve the rank of third dan requires learning 1-4 in a series of forms called bonguk gumbup.
• To achieve the rank of fourth dan requires completing bonguk gumbup by learning 5-7.
• To achieve the rank of fifth dan includes the learning of jang paek gumbup.
• To achieve the rank of sixth dan includes the learning of um-yang gumbup.
• To achieve the rank of seventh dan includes the learning of taeguk gumbup.
• To achieve the rank of eighth dan includes the learning of haidong gumbup and the learning of ssang-gumbup (two-blades)
  

Is there a self-defense value? Hai Dong Kwonbup

The theory and practice of armed and unarmed engagement seems to be a constant across the spectrum of options. Learning to fight or defend yourself in one style or situation can translate directly to another situation if you understand the basic principles. For example, the sword cuts, footwork and techniques can be adapted to empty hand combat. By doing so the application of the sword motions can be easily translated to blocks and strikes. Haidong Gumdo practice will help you to produce an ability to control and redirect incoming strikes while providing good opportunities for strikes of your own. In addition to this foundation, Haidong Gumdo has developed an advanced approach using traditional and modern techniques. It calls this set of unarmed combat skills Hai Dong Kwonbup. Kwon refers to the fist and bup means method or rule. This style of fighting is as brutal and direct as the sword techniques and also rests on a foundation of a one strike philosophy. These skills are first touched upon after the student reaches second dan and become a major part of the curriculum after third dan. The skills themselves flow from the basic skills gleaned from the sword techniques, ki (chi) gong exercises and standard martial theory. The skill set includes tumbling and falling, throws, locks, nerve strikes and effective kicking. Not all people possess the passion, interest or time to seek out the unarmed combat applications in the sword techniques. People in these categories would have to rely on an instructor to teach these applications specifically. I also feel that if one wants to study self-defense alone, there are a plethora of fantastic arts, one of which is Tang Soo Do. By practicing Tang Soo Do you would begin learning unarmed combat from day one. In Tang Soo Do Mi Guk Kwan the curriculum begins with the empty hand and Haidong Gumdo techniques and forms are taught at the 3rd dan level while in Haidong Gumdo you begin with the sword and by the time you achieve 3rd dan you have progressed to unarmed combat. Therefore, if one were to study Haidong Gumdo they would not be neglecting self-defense nor would they be specializing in it. In Korea many people choose to study the art to expand their ability to use their unarmed skills by refining their situational awareness, application of force, body control, perception and understanding of tactics. A very real strength of Haidong Gumdo is that it constantly addresses the difficult situation of facing multiple opponents. Students of Haidong Gumdo can develop very effective hand-to-hand combat skills with the caveat of taking the time to become aware of all the deeper meanings of what they are learning in class. Too many people equate the term 'martial art' to 'self-defense' and it is this misconception which can cause people to doubt the value of weapons arts.