Kum means “sword” and Do translates as “way” or “method” in the Korean language. Kumdo is the way of the sword. There are two important aspects of Kumdo to consider:
Kumsul (swordsmanship) is the part of Kumdo which enables one to attain proficiency in handling the sword itself. Another part of Kumdo is harnessing mental power. By pouring mental power into everyday practice, one's speech, manner, and personality will become noble. This will eventually make one a complete human being – in body and soul. These practices are called Kumdo.
The Purpose of Kumdo
Kumdo training requires, as with anything, repetitive practice in basic techniques. This is the foundation for expanding knowledge, and achieving growth, ability, and true success. Success in Kumdo, as well as in life, is accomplished through physical effort, mental discipline, and honest self-examination or spiritual awakening.
We teach ourselves patience, discipline, cultivation of the human spirit, respect for ourselves, opponents, fellow human beings and nature, as well as how to learn and teach. You learn to relax under situations of high stress and perform beyond what you consider to be the limits of your ability. No human being is unique. We differ only in our willingness to do that which is needed.
In Kumdo, the place of practice is known as the Dojang. Within the Dojang, training requires, as with anything, repetitive practice in basic techniques. This is the foundation for expanding knowledge, and achieving growth, ability, and true success. Success in Kumdo, as well as in life, is accomplished through physical effort, mental discipline, and honest self-examination or spiritual awakening.
We teach ourselves patience, discipline, cultivation of the human spirit, respect for ourselves, opponents, fellow human beings and nature, as well as how to learn and teach. You learn to relax under situations of high stress and perform beyond what you consider to be the limits of your ability. No human being is unique. We differ only in our willingness to do that which is needed.
In Kumdo, the place of practice is known as the Dojang. Within the Dojang, training is hard and sustained. Kumdo emphasizes discipline since it is only through harsh methods that one can reach the ultimate goal of the master - mastery of yourself. An enthusiastic Kumdo student must never forget that he is joining a society whose training program dates back to very ancient military practices, and whose members are conditioned to accept the rigors of training not for their own sake, but for the moral values behind them.
Kumdo or Kumsul was practiced almost exclusively by the Musulin/Mudoin (Warriors). For the warrior, perseverance, skill-at-arms, character, steadiness, and self-control were the goals that await a lifetime's devotion. These are still the Kumdoin's aims. Kumdoin exerted a significant influence on political thought and action throughout Korean history. They commanded enormous respect amongst their contemporaries; even today, Kumdoin are highly regarded in Korea and Japan. It is for these reasons that Kumdo Yaejul (Etiquette) is considered so important and is carefully observed within the Dojang. Remember, Kumdo is not practiced in order to destroy opponents. It is studied to train oneself in character building.
Kumdo training is based on a variety of attack and defense movements. Though a highly strenuous activity, Kumdo is also a way to strengthen the mind and will. It is this aspect of Kumdo that attracts many of its most devoted practitioners. When you face an opponent, you are facing yourself. To succeed in Kumdo, you must be prepared to control your ego.
The purpose of Kumdo can be summarized as:
The Five Doctrines of Hwarang
The most famous form of Kumsul is the Hwarang Kumsul. When the Silla dynasty unified the three kingdoms with help from Hwarang warriors, the Hwarang style of Kumsul became the de facto style of Kumsul. Hwarang Kumsul is more than techniques of using the sword; it ha s survived for more than two millenniums. It is rich in spiritual philosophy. Kumdo philosophy is based on Hwarang Ogae (the five doctrines of Hwarang).
Hwarang Ogae:
Choong: Be loyal and faithful to your country and your organization.
Hyo: Be faithful and respectable to your parents and elders.
Shin: Be faithful and respectable to your friends and colleagues.
Young: Be confident and show courage when faced with injustice.
In: Be benevolent.
© 2008 World Martial Arts Institute.