Group Photo

OK, not the best of photo’s, but here we are on Grading Day -

20 May 2007. I'm the white belt in the middle.

Grading Day - 9th Gup

This was my first grading test in almost twenty five years. Maybe I expected more from myself, the examination or both? I know it’s a mind set – but this isn’t the challenge I thought it was going to be – I think I’ve missed something here? Confused am I! Anyhow, I passed and now have a little black tag on my white belt. Coool.

Haedong Kumdo UK - Website

Back in February I was saying how hard it was to find out anything about Haedong Kumdo on the Internet – it can’t be that new! Anyhow, one way around this (apart from this Blog) is to register my own Internet Domain – it’s only Twenty Pounds or so for a couple of years plus hosting – so I’ve done it.
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I’ve let the Masters know that it is there and will get around to using it someday, soon I hope, but until then anyone can view the Nine Principles of Haedong Kumdo on the site which can be found, amazingly, at http://www.haedongkumdo.co.uk/

For now I've put a link into the site under the Haedong Kumdo links - oh, and one to the website of our colleagues in South Africa - http://www.haedongkumdo.co.za/

Haedong!

First Trophy

What a surprise!

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Arrived at an event expecting to learn something new and walked away with a trophy. Beginners luck or just good fortune it’s a great boost to my training plan.

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Thank you to all those who took part in the competition, for their help, knowledge sharing and encouragement.

Swimming to Fitness

Just a quick note about swimming and fitness. Everything the doctors say about health and swimming is correct, absolutely. I can do twenty lengths now and although I do have a rest here and there for a minute or so, I can complete the lot in less than 40 minutes.

In genreral, I might add, my whole body seems to be comming back to life - including my brain - which is much needed in this Martial Art for the concentration levels alone.

Guide Book - Vol 1

Haedong! Bought a book – “Haedong Kumdo – The Ultimate Guide to the Korean Sword Martial Art. Volume 1.” ISBN # 978-0-620-38112-3. Price £15.00.

Fantastic reading, in English, and includes all that is to come in the syllabus up to 1st Dan. See the Student Resources links for more details.

My Little Do-jang?

Training and additional practice other than in a Do-jang is always a problem, even more so when it involves a sword. Here I am in the garden – well away from the kids who are at school today. It’s supposed to be the P’alsang-se stance – to improve the balance. Unfortunately in April it’s cold, windy and often wet. Still, if that’s what it takes - I don’t mind a little pain. A tiny amount!

Mokkum and Kum Chib

Hi again, Haedong!

I’ve been doing some thinking about my training and progress to date and have decided to make some changes. The Mokkom I started with in January is fine but it is a little small and too light for me. I also feel I should train with a Kum Chib (scabbard) to help me get the draw ‘angles’ correct.

Having had an opportunity to play with a real sword (and scabbard), it’s just not the same as a wooden sword slid into your belt – and you have to put a real sword back into the right place too!

Unfortunately nobody has heard of anyone who makes one or has one in Peterborough and it may take some time to find something suitable. However, I just know this will become important if I am to progress.

Swimming to Fitness

This problem about fitness and being overweight is getting to me. I have absolutely no energy or precious little at the end of a long day when I have a bit of spare time. Oh, and by which time it’s dark, cold and miserable.

I know I’d collapse of a heart attack if I went to the local gym so am taking an easier option, I think (?), swimming. Went for the first time last night (in probably ten years) and swam six, 25 meter lengths (with a rest at each end). It took about 30 minutes – ouch. Still, I didn’t drown and slept like a log.

I’ll try and add two lengths more each week and see how it goes.

Sword Draw Three (Front)

This week I was taught Draw Three and with the nice weather thought I would have a go in the garden and video the result. Not much of a result – it doesn’t even look right. Still, I enjoyed learning about video editing.

Would anyone like to comment on the Draw … or the Video. Ouch!