The World Hai Dong Gumdo Federation

The World Haidong Gumdo Federation comprises an ever-growing base of more than 500 training halls (dojang) across South Korea and an outgrowth of over 1000 dojangs in 50 countries. In addition more than 2000 Korean schools and companies incorporate the art into their programs. Haidong Gumdo is organized like most modern martial arts into a series of ranks and degrees. The initiate begins at white belt and progresses from that level through 9 more colored belts before reaching the next beginning - black belt.

The western idea that a master holds a black belt is one that ought to be dispelled. Akin to a Bachelor's Degree, the black belt or first dan (degree) is full of 'sound and fury' but signifies only a foundation. The lessons preceding this level teach you how to learn a martial art be it Taekwondo, Karate, or whatever aspect of the arts you prefer. This is not to say that the gups (ranks below first dan) know nothing of their art! What I mean is that at the entry level one learns how to relate to the style on many levels and progression through to black belt is a circular journey...

The progression in Haidong Gumdo is logical and well designed. A student will study memorized patterns for solo practice. These are very dynamic and grow more physically challenging with each rise in rank. The gradual progression of the patterns teaches understanding of how to combine various offensive and defensive postures with movement to create effective tactics. They catalog techniques and stances, reveal body mechanics and strategies as well as fluidity of motion. The lessons taught must be learned well, at speed and at a more meditative pace, for once real combat begins everything you thought you knew flies out the window – only what you truly know remains.

When students develop sufficient control (judged on an individual basis) they can begin to develop combat drills with a partner to illuminate the actual dynamics of weapons use with a living, moving target. This practice prepares a student for the rigors and responsibility of safe and effective free-style combat without training away realistic combat behaviors like Kendo practitioners must do. Without some form of combat practice, it is almost impossible to completely learn some lessons. As an example, the psychological impact of conflict cannot be appreciated without experiencing it in some form.

The colored belt ranks test by demonstrating their current patterns as well as their knowledge of the “key point drills”. Push-ups on descending numbers of fingers are performed as well as candle snuffing. This latter requirement is useful outside of testing as a means to developing good control and also as a meditation aide. As the candidates rise in rank the number of candles to be snuffed with one proper stroke of a wooden training sword increases. It begins with one and ends with five. This exercise is said to refine and expand the understanding of Ki.

The candidate for black belt must perform a long, demanding pattern devised to reveal the competency of the candidate in all the skills and techniques of the 12 basic patterns. In Korea this is performed before a large panel of judges who hold 5th dan or higher. Once this is completed the candidate must then perform a break. A long piece of wood is suspended by two loops of paper. The paper is looped over two 'live' blades with sharpened edge upward. The candidate must break the wood without ripping the paper loops using only a wooden training sword. Finally a brief demonstration of dedication is required. This comes in the form of push-ups performed on thumb and index finger only. It is a simple but intense test, which is not as easy as it sounds although it is as easy as the dan tests come. All further tests at black belt level are accompanied by demonstrations of cutting prowess.

A black belt in Haidong Gumdo should have learned the responsibility of self-control, developed an under-standing of honor, internalized the 12 basic two-handed sword patterns (sang-soo gum bup), the 12 corresponding 'key-point' drills, be comfortable in unarmored sparring, developed a high tolerance for the physical and emotional demands of Ki Gong exercises, basic unarmed defense vs punches and kicks, basic kicking skills, learned safe falling and tumbling practices and achieved a fairly good level of emotional and physical fitness.

For more information visit: www.haidonggumdo.com

 

© 2004, Ki Center Martial Arts