Although its movements are aesthetic, they are naturally so, deriving their
grace and fluidity from the flow of martial ki(energy) throughout the body
and the sword. The techniques used within Shimgum retain their martial
purpose and effectiveness.
With the adoption of the chukdô (bamboo practice sword) for use in
kendô, martial techniques were usurped by sporting pressures. Techniques
began to evolve around the point-scoring possibilities presented by the
lighter bamboo sword, techniques that could not be performed with the
real steel sword. Haedong Kumdô uses the chukdô as a training device in
yaksuk kyukgum(sparring) for the purpose of safety. The techniques are
not, however, altered from their proper form when employing the chukdô.
As the practitioner advances, the same kyukgum are performed with the
mokgum(wooden sword) and, eventually, with the chingum(real sword).
The essence of Shimgum is contained within chingum kyukgum (sparring
with the real sword). Emphasis is therefore placed on combat effectiveness
and on the correct handling and control of the sword. As used in Haedong
Kumdô, paldo/chakgum fosters Shimgum by retaining martial techniques
and mindset while facilitating an understanding of the true nature of the
sword and of man.The Future of Hankuk Haedong Kumdô
Under the leadership of Kim Yun Chae, of the Hankuk Yunmaeng, and
Kim Jung Ho, of the Daehan Yunmaeng, Haedong Kumdô continues its ex-
pansion across the globe. There are currently several hundred dojang teach-
ing Haedong Kumdô throughout the world. The American Federation of
Hankuk Haedong Kumdô was established in February 1997 in Round
Rock, Texas. In March 1998, the American Federation of the Daehan Hae-
dong Kumdô was established in New York. Kim Yun Chae and the Han-
kuk Haedong Kumdô Demonstration Team have made several visits to the
United States over the past few years in preparation for expanding opera-
tions into the United States. There are plans to begin development of a
Haedong Kumdô instructors’ training center in the United States in 2001.
Ron Mottern
See alsoKorea
References
Boyd, A. 2000. “Hai Dong Gumdo: Brief History.” http://www.
fortunecity.com/victorian/operatic/739/hdghistory.htm.
Lee, Ki-baik. 1984. A New History of Korea. Translated by Edward W.
Wagner. Cambridge: Harvard University Press
Min Chok. 1994. Kukyuk Muye Tobo T’ongji(Official Translation of the
Manual of Martial Arts Training). Seoul, Korea.
Warner, Gordon, and Donn F. Draeger. 1996. Japanese Swordsmanship:
Technique and Practice. New York: Weatherhill.602 Swordsmanship, Korean/Hankuk Haedong Kumdô