It’s time to set the document straight regarding Haidong Gumdo. For those unfamiliar with this, Haidong Gumdo is an Oriental fighting style concentrated on the use of swords. The visual aesthetic recognized by most Americans, as well as will resemble the Japanese samurai because of the shape of the sword and the gown which is put on. Haidong Gumdo is about elegance. It is about accuracy and power. It is about mastering one’s own mind and body in the advancement of physical skill. It is not, however, about social replicas or derivations.
The Sword
The sword used in Haidong Gumdo method is known by several names, including hwando as well as jingum, which is the matching of the Japanese word shinken, or “genuine sword”. It is important for those more acquainted with Japanese sword arts to realize that the jingum is not a katana, despite particular surface resemblances.
This is great pertaining to differences in reducing technique. While historic Korean swords can be found in several sizes and shapes, the contemporary jingum is simple to identify from a Japanese katana by the shape of the suggestion and also the approach in which the blade is placed to the handle. Quality jingum typically has a wider suggestion, and also are installed with a pin and also screw-in the deal with.
The Uniform
The Haidong Gumdo attire utilized by the World Haidong Gumdo Federation is something else that causes complication to those even more accustomed to Japanese sword arts This is due to the trousers that are used, which flare in an outward direction comparable to the Japanese hakama. As with the sword, however, there are distinctions between the Japanese and also Oriental designs.
The Japanese hakama is worn beyond the gi (or coat), while in Haidong Gumdo, the jacket is put on over the pants. Given that the top of the trousers is consequently not noticeable, they have an elastic midsection, rather than the sophisticated connections of the hakama.
Furthermore, Haidong Gumdo utilizes a short-sleeved Robak or uniform. This permits even more flexibility of movement, without stressing over catching the sword in the sleeve. Lastly, Haidong Gumdo utilizes tinted belts to represent ranking, comparable to extra-acquainted arts such as Oriental Taekwondo, or Japanese Judo.
Connections with “various other” sword arts.
However, the aesthetic resemblances between the Oriental and Japanese sword arts, combined with a background of stress between these 2 individuals, has triggered a substantial amount of misconception and also quarrel in the fighting styles area.
This is not to claim anything adverse about Japanese sword martial arts! I really feel no need, as an example, to challenge the history or authenticity of Iaido, which is a modern Japanese sword art exercised by the All Japan Kendo Federation. It is lovely as well as elegant, and, I may include, brand-new. The very same holds true of Haidong Gumdo. Please see their article to get more important information about Swords.
Yet the fighting styles neighborhood stays pestered by the stress which has existed between these individuals for rather some time. As American specialists in these arts, in particular, we should respect each others’ selected disciplines. That’s not even to begin to mention the negative thoughts which develop from worthless disputes concerning historical origins, uniform designs, or effectiveness. This type of slander just offers to weaken us in our search for mastery.
