Kum (Sword – pronounced Goom) Do (Method, Path, Journey or Way – pronounced Doe)

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 Kum Sool, which is the art of cutting techniques with a sharp sword.

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.

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

The goal 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.

Kumdo Program Skill Sets

• Stances, Body Movements, Cuts and Sparring Strategies
• Drawing and Sheathing Methods
• Sparring (Combat) wearing full Hogu (Armor), with a Jookdo (Bamboo Sword).
• Patterns of cutting movement which prepare student for the more technical activities that require strength, balance and control.
• Cutting with precise accuracy is achieved through the practice of Candle Snuffing, Paper Cutting, Soft Target and Tatami Omote (Straw Mats).