Haidong Gumdo
What is Haidong Gumdo?
Thank-you for visiting the Haidong Gumdo website from
Vasquez Taekwondo Academy in McKinney, TX USA. We are
proud to be one of the leading Haidong Gumdo schools in the
North Dallas Texas region. Haidong Gumdo is a sword based
martial art that is rapidly growing in popularity here in Texas as
well as the USA nationwide.
Gumdo is also known as Kumdo, or Geomdo. Those words are
a translation of the meaning of the word 'sword art' in Korean
language. The meaning of Gumdo is the same as 'Kendo' in
Japanese. 'Haidong' roughly translated was 'Land by the
Eastern Sea', and was another name for Korea that had
been used by other countries in ancient times.
Thus, 'Haidong Gumdo' means 'Korean sword art.'
Haidong Gumdo is different than traditional Kendo or Kumdo
in that the focus is on battlefield engagements and the need
to defend against multiple attackers rather than a focus on a
single death blow.
According to the World Haidong Gumdo Federation, "The true principle of Haidong Gumdo is to execute justice
with the sword light that is obtained at the break of day from
majestic and brilliant sunlight that glows over the east sea"
Haidong Gumdo has more than 2,000 years of history. Nonetheless, it was not
well-known as it
was handed down from person to person for centuries. However, some master's
efforts to teach it to the
public have changed this situation. Thanks to their contribution, Haidong
Gumdo has now become a dominant art in Korea like Taekwondo.
Today, it has more than 1,000 schools in Korea and over 300 schools
overseas. The 4th World
Championships were held in Korea in 2008 and attracted over 10,000
attendees.
What you learn?
Like other martial arts, Haidong Gumdo trains the body, the mind, and the
spirit. It also teaches self-
defense, self-confidence, character development, patience, concentration,
meditation, and etiquette. If
you learn it, you must learn how to respect others, above all. Along with
those lessons, you learn two-
handed style sword patterns (Ssangsoo Gumbup and Yedo Gumbup, Bonkook Gumbup,
etc., 'gumbup'
means forms), sparring, cutting and many other things.
What type of swords do you learn to use?
The basic sword used in Haidong Gumdo is the traditional Korean long sword,
which looks quite
similar to a Japanese Katana. The blade is slightly curved and only one side
is sharp. Most training
is done with a hard wood sword (mokgum). After black belt the student
regularly receives training
with a real sword (jingum) for cutting and forms. For safety reasons the
mokgum or kagum (blunt
metal sword) are used in group classes.
Who can learn?
As you can imagine from the expression "the sword art that can be
practiced by 3 generations," there is no age limit in learning Haidong Gumdo. Starting from around age 8, juniors, teens,
adults and even seniors can exercise this sword art. It is not that
difficult to see children, parents and grand parents exercise
together in Korea. Seeing people of the ages of 50 or 60
who start to learn this sword art is not particular either.
You don't need any martial arts background to start training. In fact, many
of our students are the
parents of children who have trained in our school, and who wanted to learn
a martial art after seeing
the benefits of martial art training for their kids.
Haidong Gumdo is open to everyone!
What is a normal class like?
A normal class runs around
50 minutes depending
on the level of practitioners and the size of the class.
All classes begin and end formally with respect being
paid to the flag, the instructor and one's fellow students.
At the beginning, the instructor leads stretching and
warm-up exercises.
The second stage of a class involves executing basic
cuts and stances. 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 determined by level, but can involve instruction
on the basic patterns, Sang Soo Gumbup, or engagement techniques such as Gyuk Gum. The class will also
typically spend a few
minutes in meditation working on Dan Juan breathing.
At the final stage, students line up according to their rank and the
instructor concludes the class with
final instructions and comments.
What are you waiting for?
Haidong Gumdo above all else is fun. Whether you are middle
aged and looking for a source of exercise and tension release,
or are young and wanting to learn to swing a light saber
for your
upcoming movie role, we know you will be glad. Feel free to come out and
watch a class. If you want more information, please
click
here
or email
Chief Instructor Master Vasquez at
MasterVasquez@vasquez-taekwondo.com.
|
 |
| |
Hayden Christensen training
for his role as Anakin
Skywalker in Star Wars |