Achieve

Through the training of Haedong Kumdo, practitioners develop:

• Respect

Haedong Kumdo is not only about the techniques of the sword. It is also about the way of the sword. Its teachings emphasise improving character and showing respect for others. The first teaching of Kumdo is respect. Then it teaches a philosophy of protecting weaker people. During training, meditation time will help you reconsider yourself, and it will help you to have a good body and soul. The philosophy you learn from Kumdo will give you good life values in this modern society.

• Concentration

Haedong Kumdo originated from real sword fighting, so this art is based on real life and death situations. Concentration that will not allow a single mistake will be gradually built through constant training.

• Stress Relief

Haedong Kumdo requires kihaps (yelling from the abdomen) to have energy exceeding that of the opponent. While yelling out loud may be inappropriate in city life, yelling with powerful kihap while performing a technique or hitting a target with a jukdo (bamboo sword) helps to relieve all stress. And of course, the very act of training hard is also a great way to relieve stress.

• Confidence

Haedong Kumdo is an art for everybody. Men, women, adults and children can train and spar together. An older person beating a youth and a woman beating a man are scenes that can easily be seen in Haedong Kumdo. During the process of training with different people, of performing techniques with powerful kihaps, and of mastering the basic techniques and patterns, you will gain more confidence in your life.

• Health

The techniques of Haedong Kumdo start from dan jeon (the power supply from the abdomen). Training in Kumdo modifies dan jeon and helps the circulation of energy. This leads to a more energetic and healthy body.

• Mental Strength

Haedong Kumdo is based on real sword fighting. Since sword fighting is a life or death situation, Kumdo demands a powerful mental effort.

• Self Defence

Haedong Kumdo minimises unnecessary movements and optimises the efficiency of one’s speed and power. A misconception is that it is useless without a sword. However, Haedong Kumdo optimises the basic concept of applying a great velocity and force to a certain point of attack with correct timing. Even with bare hands an expert Kumdo martial artist can be extremely powerful in combat. Haedong Kumdo basic training for striking, blocking and counter striking an opponent improves ones reflexes and muscle responsiveness and quickness. In addition to the effects of physical training, the sense of quiet and immovable confidence that comes from training in Haedong Kumdo will be essential in ones self-defence both physically and mentally.