US Hwa Rang Kwan
Yes and no: the Encyclopedia of Korean Culture calls Kumdo a self-defense martial art that demands cool judgment, quick movement and bold mental strength, but in practice Kumdo is trained as a sword sport: two players in armor strike set targets with a bamboo sword under the Korea Kumdo Association's rules, and the association puts courtesy first.
What does Kumdo train?
- Judgment and speed. The Encyclopedia of Korean Culture says Kumdo requires cool judgment, quick movement and bold mental strength.
- Distance and timing. The Korea Kumdo Association's basic distance is one step: close enough to strike with one step in, and to get away with one step back. The association's glossary defines gi-geom-che il-chi as will, the proper use of the sword, and the body movement of an attack coming together with exact timing.
- Focus and calm. The association says training builds concentration, patience, decisiveness and calm.
What does the Korea Kumdo Association say a sword is for?
The association lists three purposes of Kumdo: keep proper courtesy, keep the body and mind healthy, and keep faith. On the third, it says a sword is to be used for what is right, an idea it calls hwaringeom (활인검), "the life-giving sword." It also warns that if courtesy is lost, only fighting with the sword may be emphasized.
What rules does Kumdo sparring follow?
Kumdo practice and matches follow rules. Players wear armor, strike only the head, wrists and waist or thrust to the throat, and a strike counts as a point when two or more of the three referees signal it as valid. A point can even be taken back if a player celebrates too much after a strike.
FAQ
Is Kumdo good for self-defense?
The Encyclopedia of Korean Culture describes Kumdo as a self-defense martial art. It is practiced as a sword sport with armor and match rules.
What is the Korean sword martial art called?
Kumdo (검도). See What Is Kumdo?
Does Kumdo help kids with confidence?
See Does Martial Arts Build Confidence and Discipline in Kids?
Learn Kumdo near Washington, DC
US Hwa Rang Kwan Kumdo teaches students 7 years and older in Chantilly, Virginia and 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.
