US Hwa Rang Kwan
To choose a Kumdo school, check five things: whether it is connected to the Korea Kumdo Association, the ranks and certification of its instructors, the ages it teaches, whether its class times fit your week, and how it starts beginners before they put on armor. Then visit and watch a class before you sign up.
1. Is the school connected to the Korea Kumdo Association?
The Korea Kumdo Association (대한검도회) awards dan ranks in Korea and publishes the rules used to run and referee Kumdo matches. Ask the school which organization its ranks come from.
2. What rank and certification do the instructors hold?
Kumdo ranks run from 9th geup to 1st geup, then from 1st dan to 9th dan. The Korea Kumdo Association also runs an instructor (sabeom) certification exam, which is open only to people who hold 4th dan or higher. It is fair to ask a school about its instructors' dan ranks and certification. (How ranks work: Kumdo Ranks: How Do Dan and Geup Grades Work?)
3. Does it teach your age group?
Under the Korea Kumdo Association's rules, the minimum age for a regular 1st dan is 13, and children aged 9 and up can earn a junior dan. Ask what age a school starts students at and whether children and adults train in separate classes.
4. Do the class times fit your schedule?
Steady practice matters. The Korea Kumdo Association says that practicing about one hour a day for about a year can bring a student to 1st dan. Choose a school whose class times you can keep week after week.
5. How does it start beginners?
The Korea Kumdo Association says a beginner can learn the basics in about three months and can then start wearing armor. Ask how the school teaches those first months, and whether it offers beginner or private lessons.
What US Hwa Rang Kwan offers
- Affiliation: certified by the Korea Kumdo Association and affiliated with the Greater Washington Metropolitan Kumdo Federation, a subdivision of the association
- Ages: students 7 years and older; classes for beginners, advanced students, kids and adults
- Class times: Monday to Friday, 2 to 9 PM, and Saturday, 10 AM to 12 PM. Call the dojang near you to check its schedule.
- Beginners: new students at the Chantilly, VA dojang can start with 3 semi-private lessons for $19.99
- Locations: Chantilly, Virginia (main dojang) and Ellicott City, Maryland. For Ellicott City, please contact us before you visit.
FAQ
How do I know if a Kumdo school is legitimate?
Ask which organization awards its ranks and what dan ranks and certification its instructors hold. In Korea, dan ranks are awarded by the Korea Kumdo Association.
What should I ask before my first Kumdo class?
Ask about the ages taught, class times, how beginners start, and what equipment you need for the first classes.
How long does it take to learn Kumdo basics?
The Korea Kumdo Association says about three months, after which a beginner can start training in armor.
