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!

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.