kumdo vs Gumdo

[ToddS]

Welcome aboard Todd!

The sport element of kendo/kumdo varies from school to school There are kata in kendo and hyung in most kumdo schools, as well as boken/mok-gum techniques, and sometimes, even a bit of iai.

Nothing wrong with Haidong Gumdo, so keep us posted as to how it is going.

Daniel

Daniel... point well taken. One downside to my being so particular is that it looks like I am going to have to train once a month 1hr 45min away... but then this is what my heart is set upon... thanks.

[jonpalombi]

Hi Todd,

It's good to know yourself and what you truly seek. Your resolve to follow your heart's desire and study the sword is most admirable.

I, too, aspire to follow the approach of learning to use a genuine, sharp steel sword. Even so, I enjoy the safe advantage that wooden and/or bamboo swords offer, in terms of avoiding potentially serious injuries. Sure, kumdo is largely Japanese kendo and more of a sport than a method of swordsmanship (strictly speaking) but gumdo practitioners might consider broadening their practice to include sparring with bamboo swords and donning body armor. One can never underestimate the value of facing a real opponent, using full force and full speed, whose only goal is to beat you (hit you before you hit him/her)!

Yes, I use live steel both, for solo practice and cutting targets. Gumdo certainly emphasizes these aspects of the way of the sword. Still, I personally feel you might gain an even deeper understanding of the contemporary KSA (Korean sword arts) and methods of swordsmanship, by also participating in any local dojangs that teach kumdo. Barring a dojang, perhaps a kendo dojo? That is, if you want to train within the social structure of an organized martial school, more than once a month.

While it is absolutely possible to progress, within the confines of a limited exposure/schedule to the traditional teachings, it is radically more challenging. Self-study is a wonderful thing, accompanied by qualified instruction but be prepared to impose self-discipline on a regular basis. Even so, if I had half a chance, I'd study as often as possible, regardless of lineage... and I do.

Is it possible to practice both systems, simultaneously? Absolutely! Some JSA students study kendo, iaido and kenjutsu (at some point in their training), often simultaneously. While this is the exception, rather than the rule, I suspect you are an exceptional person. Both kumdo and gumdo are enriching pursuits. They are actually two sides of the same coin. Yes? I enjoy forms practice (regardless of cultural origins or stylistic roots), cutting practice (with a variety of swords), 2-person applications practice and light-contact/ free-play matches against an opponent (with wooden swords mostly). I really couldn't imagine my path to understanding, without any single one of these components. After all, they are all the way of the sword, no matter how you approach it.

Be well and practice often, Jon Palombi

[ToddS]

Jon

You too, make a fine point. I have considered studying both but am limited by finances. I thought if my body holds out over the years, I could turn to Dahean Kumdo after reaching my goal of dan in Haidong Gumdo, we'll see...

[jonpalombi]

Jon

You too, make a fine point. I have considered studying both but am limited by finances. I thought if my body holds out over the years, I could turn to Dahean Kumdo after reaching my goal of dan in Haidong Gumdo, we'll see...

Say Todd,

Are you having to pay the entire tuition, for your limited ability to attend regular classes or did you get a price break? It seems awfully unfair to be billed for the entire access to the curriculum, if you can only make the extended journey once a month. What's the deal?

Ciao, Jon

[ToddS]

Say Todd,

Are you having to pay the entire tuition, for your limited ability to attend regular classes or did you get a price break? It seems awfully unfair to be billed for the entire access to the curriculum, if you can only make the extended journey once a month. What's the deal?

Ciao, Jon

He said he gets 50.00 an hour and would train me in semi private session for two hours. I suggested I would need to get a friend to drive me. So he offered 75.00 ea. for the two hours. As it turns out, I can't interest anyone in doing it with me, so I am purchasing a car ( a beater, but it runs good) to be able to make the drive. I'm hoping he'll still do it for the 75.00 that's the most I can afford right now.

[b8amack]

I pay 80 bucks a month for 5 days a week!