WAY OF THE SWORD

MUYE
KUMSUL

Kumdo literally translates from Korean to English as “Sword Way” or “Way of the Sword”. At Jung martial Arts Family Center, the Susquehanna Kumdo Club trains in a combination of two different schools of the Way of the Sword. Dae Han Kumdo, which is fencing with the “Jookdo” Bamboo Sword, while wearing “Hogu”, protective armor. And MuYe Kum Sul, which is the art of cutting techniques with a sharp sword.

Dae Han KumDo

Dae Han Kumdo mirrors the Japanese art of Kendo physically. The mechanical or physical forces and motion of Kumdo is the identical to Kendo. The difference between the two can be found in the terminology and ideology.

MuYe Kum Sul

MuYe Kum Sul is the study of drawing and cutting with the sword. The physical aspects involve learning to draw, sheath and cut with the Sword.

The Purpose of Sword Training in modern times

The goal of Kumdo training is controlling the mind and body together. The curriculum of the JMAFC / SVK program is designed to progressively reduce the natural gap that exists between our mind and body. When we train, we are presented with physical movements that must be learned and performed with acute accuracy. Likewise, we are presented with the cognitive material that helps us learn, understand and perform the physical movements. In the beginning the gap between the two, (mental and physical), is great. As we progress through the curriculum, the gap between mind and body narrows. In Kumdo this begins to happen very quickly. The curriculum also encompasses the natural and moral philosophy of Kumdo.

Many practitioners of other Martial Arts who practice Kumdo, quickly realize an increase in focus and development of their various other Martial Arts skills.

Practicing traditional Korean swordsmanship, such as the art of Kumdo and MuYe KumSul, offers many unique benefits:

In essence, while firearms have largely replaced swords in military and practical applications, the practice of traditional Korean swordsmanship continues to offer numerous benefits, both practical and philosophical, that remain relevant in the modern age.