Methods of Using the Sword in Haedong Kumdô
Haedong Kumdô uses various kumbup(methods of using the sword),
which are composed of different pumsae(solo forms). The kumbup histor-
ically used different types of swords and taught different skill sets.
Ssangsu Kumbupis a method of using the sword with two hands and
primarily focuses on techniques against a single opponent. This is the be-
ginning method of practice. Shimssang Kumbupis a more advanced form
and teaches the practitioner how to draw an opponent into his strategy and
defeat him. Yedo Kumbuptraditionally used the Chinese straight sword
(jin) and lighter, shorter swords (hwandô and dando), and contained many
techniques for close fighting against multiple opponents. Bonkuk Kumbup
refers to forms that were indigenous to Korea and contains techniques that
were representative of the Korean method of swordsmanship. Chedok
Kumbupused a very long, heavy sword with a straight blade. Wuisu Kum-
bupis the method of using the sword with the single hand, and is prereq-
uisite for learning Ssang Kumbup,the double sword method. Ssang Kum-
bup uses two short swords, a long and a short sword, and two long swords.
Wae Kumbupis the method of using the Japanese sword. Most modern
practitioners use swords similar to waegum(Japanese swords), which are
more readily obtainable. There are, however, certain groups within Korea
that still create and train with the traditional swords. Jangbaek Kumbupis
a highly advanced form that contains many indigenous techniques.Formation of the Hankuk Haedong Kumdô Yunmaeng
Modern Haedong Kumdô is represented by the Daehan Haedong Kumdô
Yunmaeng (Republic of Korea Haedong Kumdô Federation) and the Han-
kuk Haedong Kumdô Yunmaeng (Korean Haedong Kumdô Federation).
The Daehan group is led by Kwanchang Nim (Grand Master) Kim Jung
Ho, and was the parent organization of the Hankuk group. In 1962, Kim
Jung Ho began his training in Haedong Kumdô from Jang Baek San. In
1982, he opened the first Haedong Kumdô dojang (training hall) in
Anyang, Kyunggi province. In 1990, Kwanchang Nim Nha Han Il and
Kwanchang Nim Kim Yun Chae left the Daehan organization and formed
the Hankuk Haedong Kumdô Yunmaeng. The split was cordial, and stu-
dents of the two organizations continue to exchange techniques, ideas, and
opinions in the pursuit of Shimgum(the Way of the Sword).Shimgum
Contrary to popular opinion, martial arts are not static paradigms. Those
martial arts that exist today are dynamic systems of human interchange, an
eclectic synthesis of adaptive forms that have been handed down through
generations of teachers and students, all of whom have influenced the styles600 Swordsmanship, Korean/Hankuk Haedong Kumdô