TRAINING
Practitioners of Haedong Kumdo (해동 검도, 海東劍道) use training swords made of wood and aluminum, in addition to live-blade swords, which weigh approximately between 1 and 1.2 kg (斤, "jin" in Chinese, a traditional unit of weight). These real swords are an essential part of training, as they help to refine technique and precision in movements.
Sword techniques are not only one of the most important skills in combat, but they also contribute to physical development. They improve strength, endurance, posture, and provide great stress relief, enhancing mental health. Furthermore, constant training can be seen as a moving meditation (禅, "zen" in Chinese), offering mental clarity and focus.
The training is not limited to young people. People of all ages can benefit from training in Haedong Kumdo. Both men and women train equally, and there is no need to be in top physical shape or have any prior martial arts experience to start. This makes Haedong Kumdo accessible to everyone, regardless of age or initial physical ability.
The training system is comprehensive and includes forms (형, 型, "hyung" in Korean, "kata" in Chinese), sparring, drills, cutting with wooden swords and live blades, as well as two-sword training. Each of these stages strengthens the practitioner's ability in various technical and mental aspects of combat, promoting the balance between body and mind.
Haedong Kumdo is based on concentration, technique, and precise cutting angles. By training with the sword, the practitioner develops rigorous discipline, reduces stress, and enhances mental control. In addition to cutting and thrusting techniques with the sword, the training also involves competition formats, abdominal breathing (腹式呼吸, "fukushiki kokyū" in Japanese), and deep meditation.
Thus, the practitioner learns practical self-defense techniques, which can be performed with or without weapons, thereby increasing confidence and self-esteem. Haedong Kumdo, therefore, not only teaches mastery of the sword but also mastery of the mind and spirit, creating a path for continuous self-development. Constant training reinforces character and resilience, which are essential for daily life and facing life's challenges.