US Hwa Rang Kwan
Adults can start Kumdo at any age. The Encyclopedia of Korean Culture says people of any age or gender can practice Kumdo for their whole lives, and the Korea Kumdo Association's highest rank, 9th dan, has a minimum age of 65. US Hwa Rang Kwan has classes for beginner and advanced adults in Chantilly, VA and Ellicott City, MD.
Can adults start Kumdo as beginners?
Yes. Under the Korea Kumdo Association's grading rules, anyone who starts at age 15 or older begins at 5th geup. The association says a beginner can learn the basics in about three months and can then start training in armor, and that steady practice of about one hour a day for about a year can bring a student to 1st dan.
At US Hwa Rang Kwan, beginner and advanced adult students train with experienced instructors.
Why is Kumdo a long-term sport?
The rank system is built for years of training. In the Korea Kumdo Association's rules, 8th dan has a minimum age of 46 and 9th dan a minimum age of 65. The senior title of Beomsa requires an age of 60 or older. The Encyclopedia of Korean Culture calls Kumdo a martial art that can be trained throughout life.
How much exercise do adults need?
The CDC says adults need 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity a week, or 75 minutes of vigorous activity, plus at least 2 days of muscle-strengthening activity. It adds that the 150 minutes can be spread through the week in smaller chunks. Regular Kumdo classes can be part of that time.
What should adult beginners expect?
- Basics first: grip, middle stance, footwork and the basic strikes.
- Armor later: about three months of basics before training in armor, according to the Korea Kumdo Association.
- Courtesy: the association's etiquette guide says Kumdo begins and ends with courtesy.
FAQ
Is 30 too old for martial arts?
Not for Kumdo. The Encyclopedia of Korean Culture says it can be practiced for life by people of any age.
Is 40 too old to start Kumdo?
No. Adults who start at 15 or older begin at 5th geup under the Korea Kumdo Association's rules, and the top ranks have minimum ages of 46 and 65.
Are there adult martial arts classes near me?
US Hwa Rang Kwan has adult Kumdo classes in Chantilly, Virginia and Ellicott City, Maryland.
Kumdo for adults near Washington, DC
Classes run Monday to Friday, 2 to 9 PM, and Saturday, 10 AM to 12 PM; call the dojang near you to check its schedule. Visit Chantilly, Virginia (main dojang) or Ellicott City, Maryland. New students at the Chantilly, VA dojang can start with 3 semi-private lessons for $19.99. For Ellicott City, please contact us before you visit.
