History
Haidong Gumdo ®
The Traditional Korean Swordsmanship
해동 검도
History of Haidong Gumdo
Haidong Gumdo is the martial art of the ancient Goguryo Kingdom
President Jeong Ho Kim modernized the art and established his dojang in Ahn Yang city on July 24, 1982. On April 10th, 1984, he founded the Korean Haidong Gumdo Federation in the Seocho district of Seoul and established the World Haidong Gumdo Federation on November 25, 1996.
On July 23, 2002, the first World Haidong Gumdo Championship was held in Yong Pyung stadium in Kang Won Province.
Currently, Haidong Gumdo is one of the world’s leading martial arts with a million practitioners and over 1,000 training centers in 50 countries.
Ancient Korean Swordsmanship
Haidong Gumdo draws inspiration from ancient Korean swordsmanship traditions, including techniques practiced by warriors such as the Hwarang, an elite group of young noblemen in the Silla Kingdom.
Modern Revival
The modern revival of Haidong Gumdo began in the 1980s under the guidance of Grandmaster Jeong-Ho Kim. He sought to preserve and promote Korea’s swordsmanship heritage by codifying techniques, forms, and training methods into a cohesive system.
Expansion and Globalization
Since its revival, Haidong Gumdo has gained popularity not only in Korea but also internationally. It has spread to countries around the world, with practitioners from diverse backgrounds embracing its teachings.
Development of Curriculum
Grandmaster Kim developed a structured curriculum for Haidong Gumdo, encompassing various aspects of swordsmanship, including forms (GUMBUB), cutting drills, sparring, and philosophy. This curriculum provides a framework for students to progress in their training and understanding of the martial art.
Philosophy and Values
Haidong Gumdo places emphasis not only on physical techniques but also on mental discipline and character development. Practitioners strive to embody values such as respect, integrity, perseverance, and self-control, aligning with the broader ethos of traditional martial arts.
Modern Practice
Today, Haidong Gumdo continues to evolve, with practitioners exploring new training methods, refining techniques, and spreading awareness of the art’s cultural significance. Schools and organizations dedicated to Haidong Gumdo offer training to students of all ages and backgrounds, fostering a community of sword enthusiasts around the world.
Haidong Gumdo’s history reflects a blend of ancient martial traditions with modern innovation, maintaining a connection to Korea’s rich heritage while adapting to the needs and interests of contemporary practitioners
