Martial arts Haedong Kumdo Haedong Kumdo
Wednesday, 04 March 2009 12:59 Last Updated on Saturday, 24 April 2010 20:09
Haedong Kumdo is a Korean sword art which draws from tactics and techniques to build a curriculum for mental, physical and spiritual development. Haedong Kumdo students have to learn forms, step drills, meditation, sparring and also bamboo and straw cutting. Haedong Kumdo is a wonderful art and can be practiced by everyone.
The dynamic movements and power of Korean Haedong Kumdo forms go beyond your imagination. You can describe Haedong Kumdo as graceful, flowing motions with lethal power. However, Haedong Kumdo can also be something personal for every single individual.
There is much more we can learn from Haedong Kumdo then only how to fight with swords. Step by step we will be involved into the depths of meaning of this particular style.
We can translate Haedong Kumdo in several ways. “Hae” means sea, but it also refers to the sun. “Dong” means east, but this also refers to the light energy of the sun. “Kum” means sword and “Do” can simply be translated as way or path. Nevertheless, this “Do” has much more depth then these simple words. Integral to “Do” is self-improvement and enlightenment. If we combine all these elements and we can understand its meaning, a very graphic picture of Korean swordsmanship is laid out for us. Powerful people learning to control natural energies in accordance with nature. Loyal defenders standing against invaders from across the waters…It is such a beautiful and meaningful name.
Haedong Kumdo offers a wealth of opportunities for self-exploration and improvement. If we take the study serious it is physically demanding.
We can compare the sword with the spirit of humanity. It can be our enemy or our ally, it can protect us or also destroy us. If it is controlled, it can be a wonder to behold. Wild, it is a terror.
When we enter the dojang, we are entering a world of discipline, respect, honour and devotion…