WC KMAC​
West Coast Korean Martial Arts Centre
*Taekwon-Do * Haidong Gumdo* Fitness * Self Defense* Kids Tigers*
Welcome To Haidong Gumdo Tableview
With focus on meditation, breathing and strength training, Haidong Gumdo can be used for basic fitness enhancement as much as for self-defense. Improved reflexes and coordination; increased energy level, muscle tone, and strength are just some of the many physical benefits reaped from this art form.
Contact us for Class Inquiries
1St class is
Free
What to expect from Haidong Gumdo
Classes are high paced and detailed focusing on the development of your skills and ability
Haidong Gumdo is an elegant and powerful ancient Korean Sword Martial Art. It’s more physically demanding than it looks; it builds great physical, mental and emotional strength. The Samurai of Japan are direct descendents of the Samu Rang of Kokuryo early region of Korea.
The modern society is characterised by technology, information and globalisation, has brought an abundance of amenities and luxury to many people. However, it has also brought obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes and various diseases due to stresses of modern life. Haidong Gumdo offers a solution to these stresses. Through learning physical training, etiquette, self control, meditation and internal breathing exercises, Gumdo practitioners learn to improve their physical and mental health.
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Haidong Gumdo is a Korean martial arts focused on sword techniques. It contains elements similar to Kenjutsu and Iaido. “The biggest difference from Kendo is that Haidong Gumdo is non-sparring based. Unlike to Kendo, which focused on sparring that employs point system, most of Haidong Gumdo practices are performed in absence of opponents. Haidong Gumdo primarily focuses with the practice of sword patterns (Gumbup) with wooden sword or real swords (Jingum). There are also target cutting practices, such as bamboo pole or jipdan (stacks of straw) cutting practices employing real sword. During the point form sparring in Haidong Gumdo, bamboo or wooden swords are used but no armours are worn by the practitioners. Haidong Gumdo emphasizes the cultivation of the body and the mind through sword training rather than competition aspect of the martial art.”
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Haidong Gumdo Activities
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Gumdo (patterns) Practice is the core of sword training. It enhances physical attributes such as spontaneous power generation, balance, spinning techniques as well as the ability to concentrate.
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Begin Cutting: The underlying theories of the sword techniques are mastered through cutting practice. A harmony of speed, power, fast sighting and correct footwork is required. Bamboo, stacks of straw, small moving targets and paper are used as cutting material.
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Dan Jun Breathing: Through meditation and control of the breathing pattern, a practitioner learns to calm the body and mind as well as the ability to control the self.
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Gyukgum (Sparring drills): In order to develop fast reflexes and judgment, a practitioner learns to apply the sword techniques of gumbups in real combat situations. There are short gyukgum and choreographed gyukgum.
Haidong Gumdo is a Korean martial art that focuses on sword techniques and forms. It draws its roots from the ancient Korean martial arts tradition known as "Gumdo," which means "the way of the sword." While Gumdo encompasses various sword styles, Haidong Gumdo specifically emphasizes the techniques and philosophies developed by the founder, Grandmaster Jeong-Ho Kim.
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Haidong Gumdo was officially established in 1983 by Grandmaster Jeong-Ho Kim in South Korea. He combined his extensive knowledge of various sword styles, including traditional Korean swordsmanship, with his own innovations to create a comprehensive martial art system.
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Grandmaster Kim developed a curriculum that encompasses both practical sword techniques for combat and artistic forms for demonstration purposes. The techniques include various strikes, blocks, cuts, and defensive maneuvers using the sword. Students also learn patterns or forms, known as "gumbub," which are choreographed sequences of movements that simulate combat scenarios.
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One notable aspect of Haidong Gumdo is its emphasis on the values of discipline, respect, and honor. The martial art strives to promote personal development and character building alongside physical training. Students are encouraged to cultivate mental focus, humility, and integrity through their practice.
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Over time, Haidong Gumdo gained popularity not only in South Korea but also internationally. It spread to different countries through demonstrations, seminars, and dedicated instructors who sought to share the art's techniques and philosophy. Today, Haidong Gumdo is practiced by people of various ages and backgrounds worldwide.
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Haidong Gumdo continues to evolve and adapt, incorporating new techniques and training methods while preserving its traditional roots. The martial art remains a symbol of Korean swordsmanship and serves as a platform for individuals to develop their physical abilities, mental discipline, and character.
58 Dorchester Drive, Parklands, Cape Town 7441