What is Kumdo?

What is Kumdo ?

Kumdo is an ancient form of martial art with its origins in Korea. Kumdo means “The way of the sword” and its ancient form originated in Korea and Japan nearly two thousand years ago as a form of sword fighting used by warriors to defend their territorial hold over the country. Kumdo is therefore founded on a strong sense of patriotism and loyalty to one’s fellow countrymen and family. Also, as a sword symbolized a power over one’s life, Kumdo soon developed into a true martial art and a way of life in the heart as opposed to a brutal method of combat. In the 18th century, Kumdo was reshaped to its present form using bamboo swords and protective gear to make Kumdo safer to practice without compromising any of its focus on spiritual and mental prowess. Although strength and speed play important roles, one cannot master the art of Kumdo without a pure and unadulterated state of mind and heart. It is this aspect of Kumdo which makes it very appealing and beneficial as it intensively trains both mind and body. Kumdo is a very popular martial art with over three million current practitioners all over the world.

What are some benefits of practicing Kumdo?

Respect: Kumdo is not only about the techniques of the sword. It is about the truth of the sword. Therefore, its teachings emphasize improving character and showing respect for others. The first teaching of Kumdo is respect. Then it teaches a philosophy of protecting weaker people. Before and after training, Mook-sang (the meditation time) will help you reconsider yourself, and it will help you to have a good body and soul. The philosophy you learn from Kumdo will give you good life values in this modern society.

Concentration : Kumdo originated from real sword fighting, so this sport is based on real life and death situations. Concentration that will not allow a single mistake will be gradually built through constant training and sparring.

Stress : Kumdo requires Ki-hap (yelling from the abdomen) to have energy exceeding that of the opponent. While yelling out loud is inappropriate in city life, yelling with powerful Ki-hap and hitting a target with a Jook-do (bamboo sword) will relieve all stresses.

Confidence : Kumdo is a sport for everybody. Men, women, old people and young people can train and spar together. An older person beating a youth and a woman beating a man are scenes that can easily be seen in Kumdo. During the process of training with powerful Ki-hap and sweating with young people, you will gain more confidence in your life.

Health : Unlike other sports you can actually feel the fast reinforcement of health in Kumdo. All the techniques of Kumdo start from Dan-jun (the power supply from the abdomen). Training in Kumdo modifies Dan-jun and helps the circulation of energy. In addition this training gives the efficacy of acupressure on the hands and feet. So after training the body gets rid of tiredness and feels lighter.

Spiritual Strength : Kumdo is modified from real sword fighting. Since sword fighting is a life or death situation, Kumdo demands a powerful spiritual effort. “If you keep it you will lose. If you give it up you will win.” This is one of Kumdo’s tenets, meaning the way to get victory over your opponent is giving up all of your strength.

Correct Posture : Kumdo’s basic stance emphasizes the straight back and open chest with stable balance between the right and the left sides of the body. Therefore, Kumdo is very beneficial in correcting ones posture and complimenting the outward presentation of oneself.

Self-Defense : Kumdo minimizes unnecessary movements and optimizes the efficiency of ones speed and power. Therefore, a strike or a counter-strike executed by a black belt expert carries with it overwhelming velocity and force. A common misconception involving Kumdo is that it is useless without a sword. However, Kumdo optimizes the basic concept of applying a great velocity and force to a certain point of attack with correct timing. Even with bare hands an expert Kumdo martial artist can be extremely powerful in combat. Kumdo basic training for striking, blocking and counter striking an opponent improves ones reflexes and muscle responsiveness and quickness. In addition to the effects of physical training, the sense of quiet and unmovable confidence that comes from training in Kumdo will be essential in ones self-defense both physically and mentally.

Who Can Practice Kumdo?

Everyone is eligible. Kumdo is a “lifetime sport” that can be enjoyed by men, women, older and younger people. For young people, it teaches a right attitude and respect, and it improves confidence, endurance and concentration. Unlike some other sports, Kumdo uses a natural-posture. It is a walking-standing posture which uses a straight spine and wide chest. This comfortable position allows older people to enjoy Kumdo without any problems.

Is it possible for non-atheltic people to practice Kumdo?

Kumdo is a sport of body and soul. Obviously, being an athlete and having a strong body are advantages during the beginning course. But when sparring in the advanced course, ability depends more on the spiritual side than the athletic side. Confidence, decision-making, concentration and wisdom are necessary, and fear, panic, fright and confusion are the diseases in Kumdo. Even though you are a non-athlete and weak, you can do really well in Kumdo if you have strong spiritual strength. Once you start Kumdo, you gradually build you physical strength by controlling your own amount of sport. Therefore, having a weak body is not a problem.

Will Kumdo make me smarter?

Kummdo improves ones focus, insight, complex decision making ability and creativity. Many other martial arts favor, either by personal default or by training, one side of the body through man-made postures and stances. Kumdo’s natural stance emphasizes a balance between the right and left sides of the body which results in a more balanced use of both sides of the brain. Therefore, not only is Kumdo training beneficial in ones focus and decision-making ability, but also in ones mental insight and creativity.

Can anyone participate in tournaments?

Every three years there is a world competition held by IKF (International Kendo Federation) and there are many other competitions and tournaments held by Kumdo and Kendo federations and organizations. Anyone can participate at his or her own ability level. Common divisions are: grade school, junior high school, high school, college, youth, men, women, Keup and Dan.

What is an officially recognized school?

Kumdo has a history of approximately 2000 years. During this long history it has continually been studied, improved and re-established both in its philosophy and practice. Kumdo is a martial art that particularly focuses on ones mental and spiritual maturity, inner strength and pure heart. Because of this a Kumdo teacher must be tested and approved periodically by an internationally recognized official governing body consisting of Kumdo experts from all over the world. This governing body using the highest standards which are strictly enforced bestows internationally recognized Dan (black belt rank) and teaching permits. Choosing an officially recognized school with an officially approved instructor is a first and prudent step in learning correct Kumdo.

Written by Master Kenneth Song ( 6th Dan Ranshi )