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MOOJUNG GUMDO

“The Way of the Righteous Sword”

Meaning and Purpose

Gumdo (in Japan, Kendo) is a Korean martial Art known as “the Way of the Sword”.

While there are sword arts which are practiced for the express purpose of destroying opponents (i.e., kenjutsu) Gumdo is practiced to train oneself in building his/her own character. This is accomplished, on the one hand, through the rigorous practice of very specific skills and, on the other hand, by the application of those skills in sporting contests (analogous to “fencing”).

The PURPOSE of Gumdo practice

to shape the mind and body
to develop a vigorous spirit
to become focused and fearless

The BENEFITS of Gumdo practice

Physical Fitness

cardiovascular, flexibility, strength, agility, balance, speed

Mental Fitness

awareness, alertness, and focus

Social Fitness

comraderie, courtesy, honor, and respect

Spiritual Fitness

coming to understand WHO I am as a person and WHAT is the PURPOSE of my life

The Basic Lessons of Gumdo

Loyality to Country
Honor toward Parents
Faithfulness with Friends
Respect for all Persons, Places & Things
Acceptance of Challenges & Responsibility
Indomitable Spirit

History

In the 4th century a new form of metallurgy was introduced to Korea from China. It revolutionized sword making and, therefore, warfare - which there was plenty of. The art of Gumdo developed as a practice form in the 18th century, reaching something very similar to its current form when the jukdo (shinai) or practice sword, and the hogoo (Gumdo armour) were developed. The sword became the “weapon of choice” for Japan’s Samurai; and under the Samurai class the use of the sword was highly refined. During the Japanese occupation of Korea (1909 - 1945) all practice of martial arts of any kind was strictly forbidden. But after Korea’s liberation, Gumdo, along with the other martial arts came back to life. Current practice of Gumdo in Korea and Kendo in Japan are very similar.

Modern Practice

Gumdo is widely practiced by men and women, children, youth, teens and adults. The practitioner is armed with a jukdo, a bamboo practice sword – the safe way to practice strikes and blocks without the risks associated with “live” metal blades. Practice also progresses to the use of the solid wooden sword (“boken”) and eventually to the steel sword itself which is used for demonstrations of energy and precision in both “forms” (patterns of combat movements) and “cutting” inanimate objects.