Grand Master Edward Jacobsen - South Africa

Training earlier this week was so fantastic with Grand Master Jacobsen that I just had to get some more. So I went again on Sunday morning. It was just a great, more so because I had a little knowledge of what I was trying to achieve.

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In this photo Grand Master Jacobsen uses a Chukdo (Bamboo Sword) to spar with a more experienced student.

Sword Grip Change

Just found a video on YouTube which helps explain the actions necessary for the change a sword grip. The link is here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kfN499Z2f2s&feature=related have a look. I hope it helps as it is one of the biggest problems I have in handling the sword.
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I'll put a link under the Student Resourses section for more information.

Grand Master Edward Jacobsen - South Africa

Today was an opportunity just too good to miss – so I didn’t! Grand Master Jacobsen dropped in (from South Africa) to instruct us all personally in the art of Haedong Kumdo. What a fantastic evening it turned out to be and I just had to ask him to sign my little training book and get a photo. I have so much to learn and so far to go on this journey. Truely awesome!

Haedong Kumdo - Finland

Well, I don’t speak any Finnish but I did find this website about Haedong Kumdo from there. If anyone searches YouTube for videos I’m almost certain I recognize these guys (from Bergie’s pony tail) - sorry, but the music is dreadful! Fantastic photos of the Art from dedicated followers though. I hope I’ll meet them one day.

Here is the link http://www.haedong-kumdo.fi/valokuvat/list/all/ it’s well worth a permanent link in the blog. Thanks for the inspiration guys – brilliant cartwheel Jose!

Sword Buyers Guide

This link I found to be of use - information about how to buy a sword - and there are some brilliant videos to watch too (although sadly some links don’t work). I know that most of this information relates to Japanese swords but there is much more information here than a quick glance can reveal.

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http://www.sword-buyers-guide.com/authentic-japanese-swords.html
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I’ve put a link in the Student Resources section for anyone to follow.
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Haedong

Grading Day - 8th Gup

Passed again and though not entirely happy with my own performance I’m quite pleased for myself and my colleagues. A much better Grading Day now I have a greater understanding of Haedong Kumdo. A special thanks to Babs who made our new belts and a big thank you to Master Paul Giffen for his special advice and assistance to me!

Swimming to Fitness

Holidays, don’t you just love them? They sure mess up your training programme. Returning to the pool has been hard after almost a month away. It’s amazing how you can lose a fitness edge in just a few weeks. Have dropped back to twenty-six lengths in 30 minutes and will have to pick up the pace!

Holdiay Training

It’s holiday time. I’ve been away to the Forrest of Dean and Wales for three long weeks - fantastic. I did take the Mokkum but I only did about an hour of practice and it just wasn’t the same. I have a grading next week – I hope I can remember what to do. Anyhow, here’s a photo of Llywelyn ap Gruffydd – ‘Hero of Wales’.

Happy 50th Birthday

Happy Birthday to me .... eight months ago I would have described today as me being fifty years old. With all that I have been doing this year though I now think life begins at 50! I wonder if SAGA do a 50+ discount on Martial Arts equipment?

Thanks again to everyone who has helped me get this far in my life.

Mokkum and Kum Chib

Got one! A Mokkum and Kum Chib – really nice wooden training equipment – just perfect for Haedong Kumdo. My grateful thanks to Paul Long whom I met at a training seminar held by Master Mark Adlington in Sawtry, UK.

I think the total cost, including postage was £25.00 and you can get one from http://www.playwell.co.uk/ obviously subject to availability, price changes etc.

Absolutely invaluable for training and everything I thought it would be!