US Hwa Rang Kwan
Yes, women can train and compete in Kumdo. The Encyclopedia of Korean Culture describes Kumdo as a martial art that people of any age or gender can practice for their whole lives, and the Korea Kumdo Association's match rules set separate sword weights for women. US Hwa Rang Kwan teaches Kumdo to adults, teens and kids (7+) in Chantilly, VA and Ellicott City, MD.
Is Kumdo good for women?
In Kumdo, a strike only counts when it is made with full spirit, good posture and the correct part of the sword, with force and with alertness kept after the strike, according to the Korea Kumdo Association's rules. Both players wear hogu armor that covers the head and face, the wrists, the chest and body, and the waist.
The Korea Kumdo Association says Kumdo training builds concentration, patience, decisiveness and calm, along with even development of the whole body and stronger heart and lung function.
Do women compete in Kumdo?
Yes. The Korea Kumdo Association's notice for its 2026 President's Cup lists women's individual events for middle school, high school, university and general players. Its history records the 1st Mir Dental Cup National Women's Kumdo Championship, held on September 20, 2008, and the association has a Women's Committee whose stated purpose is to widen the base of women's Kumdo and train women instructors.
Do women use a different sword?
The Korea Kumdo Association's rules set the same maximum length for everyone in an age group but a different minimum weight for women's bamboo swords:
- Middle school: up to 114 cm; at least 400 g for girls (440 g for boys)
- High school: up to 117 cm; at least 420 g for girls (480 g for boys)
- University and adult: up to 120 cm; at least 440 g for women (510 g for men)
Where can women train in Kumdo near me?
- Chantilly, Virginia (main dojang): 4264-E Entre Ct, Chantilly, VA 20151 · (703) 608-1807
- Ellicott City, Maryland: 8360 Court Ave, Ellicott City, MD 21043 · (443) 889-2013. Please contact us before you visit.
At US Hwa Rang Kwan, beginner and advanced adult students train with experienced instructors. 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.
FAQ
Can women do Kumdo?
Yes. The Encyclopedia of Korean Culture says Kumdo can be practiced by people of any age or gender.
Are there women's Kumdo competitions?
Yes. The Korea Kumdo Association's 2026 President's Cup has women's events, and the association's history records the 1st Mir Dental Cup National Women's Kumdo Championship in 2008.
Are there martial arts classes for women beginners near me?
US Hwa Rang Kwan has Kumdo classes for beginner and advanced adults in Chantilly, VA and Ellicott City, MD.
Is Kumdo good for women over 40?
The Encyclopedia of Korean Culture says Kumdo can be practiced for life. See Am I Too Old for Martial Arts?
Can I try a class first?
At the Chantilly, VA dojang, new students start with 3 semi-private lessons for $19.99. For Ellicott City, please contact the dojang.
