Haidong Gumdo
(The way of the Korean Sword)

 Haidong Gumdo is a Korean martial art that involves using a sword as a method of self-mastery.  At the beginning students train with a wooden sword in fundamental exercises and sword patterns, or forms, to develop concentration, physical fitness, and confidence.  The forms draw from the idea of battlefield tactics to create dynamic exercise that is scalable and low impact.  Advanced students add two-person sword drills designed to teach timing, distance, and impact.  Black belt students also train with a real sword with a sharp edge to practice cutting bamboo, straw bundles, and even fruit from the air.

We use Haidong Gumdo as an activity to challenge our senses in order to strengthen them.  Using this process we gain self-mastery through self-discovery.