Kumdo The Martial Art Of Swordsmanship.
Below is a MRR and PLR article in category Recreation Sports -> subcategory Tennis.
Kumdo: The Art of Korean Swordsmanship
Introduction
In my Wing Chun class, some students expressed interest in learning swordsmanship. While Kung Fu offers numerous weapon forms, these are often more stylized than practical for sparring. Initially, I considered Kendo, the Japanese discipline, but after recently taking Tae Kwon Do classes, I explored further and discovered Kumdo, the Korean equivalent of Kendo.
The Origins of Kumdo
Many Kumdo practitioners claim their techniques are steeped in ancient tradition. However, research suggests otherwise. When Japan occupied Korea in the early 20th century, they introduced Kendo. Before this, due to Confucian influence from China and a cultural superstition surrounding sharp objects, Korean swordsmanship had been on the decline for about three centuries. With guns becoming the primary focus for military training, swords were relegated to a tertiary role, as Confucianism prioritized scholarship over martial arts.
Kumdo vs. Kendo
Kumdo evolved from Kendo, sharing many similarities. Both use a split bamboo practice sword?"shinai in Kendo and jukdo in Kumdo?"and wear protective armor, known as bogu in Kendo and hogu in Kumdo. Since 1945, these arts have been slowly diverging, though their basic forms remain nearly identical. Notably, Kumdo's protective gear is more modern and practical, allowing some flexibility in using Kendo gear as well. At our school, leftover Kendo equipment makes this feasible.
Kumdo in Competition
Kumdo teams participate in the World Kendo Championships. Despite focusing more on point strikes than power, they perform respectably, indicating the close relationship between the two arts.
Opportunities for Teaching
Kumdo seems a perfect fit for my students' desire to learn swordsmanship techniques. Given the strong Korean community in Las Vegas, there’s potential to establish classes with a broader audience. As Kumdo is the second most popular sport in Korea, it may gain traction here.
Conclusion
Overall, Kumdo offers a compelling blend of tradition and practicality, appealing to those interested in Korean martial arts and swordsmanship. Its similarities to Kendo make it accessible, while its unique aspects provide a fresh perspective. With the community interest, Kumdo could thrive as both a cultural and martial art here.
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