Korean Swordsmanship

Wow, this looks interesting – “Korea's first metal swords are described in writings from the Paekche dynasty (18 B.C.-A.D. 668), a ruling power in ancient Korea that had substantial contact with Japan…”

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A bit of History and just one view of the differences between Korean and Japanese swordsmanship.
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I don’t know how accurate this ‘history’ is in Haedong Kumdo terms but I found it interesting reading. And, of course, you have to try some of these draws from on your knees – some work, I think?

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I've put a link to this article in the Student Resources section.

Ch'inkom and Kakum

Hey, look! What do you think of the swords? I have two new swords – real ones that is. One is sharp - Ch'inkom - for ‘live’ cutting (straw mats and bamboo) and the other quite blunt, - Kakum - just to practice with. Beautifully made they bring another dimension into the ‘Art of the Sword’.

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However, they are much heavier than a Mokkum and more difficult to control too. Additionally, a whole new skill set is required to keep them clean and in a good, safe, condition which is very important.

Anyone for Squash?

In April I mentioned that training and practice outside of the Do-jang was becoming a problem for me and so here is one possible solution? My local Health Club, the Manor Leisure Centre has allowed me to practice Headong Kumdo in a squash court. Sounds like a reasonably safe environment and not open to the elements. Apart from the strange looks I get though the viewing glass, it’s just the job and much cheaper than finding or hiring a hall for one.

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!