US Hwa Rang Kwan
Kumdo (검도) is a Korean sword martial art and sport. Two players wearing protective armor, called hogu, try to strike or thrust at set target areas with a bamboo sword, called a jukdo, and win points under fixed match rules.
The Korea Kumdo Association describes Kumdo as both a one-on-one sport and a martial art that trains the body and mind and aims at building good character. The Encyclopedia of Korean Culture adds that it is a martial art for self-defense that people of any age or gender can train for their whole lives.
This page explains what Kumdo looks like, what players wear, and how a match is decided.
What does Kumdo training look like?
Practice is built around a few basic skills:
- Grip and stance. The sword is held with both hands, the left hand at the end of the handle. The most common stance is the middle stance (jungdan), with the sword tip pointed toward the opponent's face.
- Footwork. The standard footwork for striking is a pushing step: the left foot drives off and the right foot steps forward. The basic distance is one step: close enough to strike with one step in, and to get away with one step back.
- Strikes. The basic strikes are to the head, the wrist and the waist, plus a thrust to the throat.
- The shout. Players call out the name of the target as they strike, for example "meori!" (head). The Korea Kumdo Association says the shout helps you focus your energy and encourage yourself.
The Korea Kumdo Association says a beginner can learn the basics in about three months and can then start training in armor.
What equipment is used in Kumdo?
The Korea Kumdo Association lists four main items: the uniform (dobok), the armor (hogu), the bamboo sword (jukdo) and the wooden sword (mokgeom). The armor has four parts: the homyeon for the head and face, the howan gloves for the wrists, the gap for the chest and body, and the gapsang that wraps around the waist. A jukdo is made of four bamboo slats. For details, see What Equipment Is Used in Kumdo?
How does a Kumdo match work?
The Korea Kumdo Association's match and refereeing rules set out how a match is run:
- Targets. Strikes count on the head (front, left and right), the wrists and the sides of the waist. The only thrust target is the throat.
- A valid strike. A strike only counts when it is made with full spirit and good posture, with the striking part of the sword and the edge facing the right way, with force, and with alertness kept after the strike.
- Referees. As a rule, there are three referees: one chief referee and two sub-referees. A point is given when at least two of them signal a valid strike.
- Winning. As a rule, a match is best of three points. The first player to score two points wins. The standard match time is five minutes. If one player leads 1 to 0 when time runs out, that player wins. If no one has won when time runs out, the match normally goes to overtime, and the first point wins.
- The court. The court is a square or rectangle of 9 to 11 meters per side, boundary lines included.
Competitions have both individual events and team events, with teams of five or seven players.
Where is Kumdo practiced?
In Korea, the national body for Kumdo is the Korea Kumdo Association (대한검도회). The Encyclopedia of Korean Culture records that the association was founded on November 20, 1953, and joined the Korean Sports Council the same day. It awards dan ranks from 1st dan up to 9th dan. Read more in Kumdo Ranks: How Do Dan and Geup Grades Work?
FAQ
Is Kumdo a martial art or a sport?
It is both. The Korea Kumdo Association calls it a one-on-one sport and also a martial art that trains the body and mind.
What sword is used in Kumdo?
Players spar with a jukdo, a bamboo sword made of four slats. A wooden sword, the mokgeom, is also part of the equipment.
Can anyone learn Kumdo?
The Encyclopedia of Korean Culture says Kumdo can be practiced for life by people of any age or gender. At US Hwa Rang Kwan, classes are for students 7 years and older.
What does "Kumdo" mean?
Kumdo means "the way of the sword": geom (검) is a sword and do (도) is the way or method of practicing a martial art. See Kumdo Meaning in English.
Learn Kumdo near Washington, DC
US Hwa Rang Kwan Kumdo is certified by the Korea Kumdo Association and teaches Kumdo at two dojangs: Chantilly, Virginia (main dojang) 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.
Sources
- Korea Kumdo Association: definition and ideology of Kumdo
- Korea Kumdo Association: about Kumdo (equipment, learning time, events)
- Korea Kumdo Association: basic techniques
- Korea Kumdo Association: match and refereeing rules (PDF, 2023)
- Urimalsaem (National Institute of Korean Language): 검 (sword)
- Urimalsaem (National Institute of Korean Language): 도 (way)
- Encyclopedia of Korean Culture: Kumdo (검도)
