I was introduced to Haidong Gumdo by a friend of mine Chris Ouillet. He and his wife had been training for years and rented space at a local karate dojo to train themselves. Over time they have gathered a group of dedicated sword practitioners interested in learning top-notch skills. Naturally, I was curious to find out more about this art.
Chris yells at me to lower my stance and work my legs.
Unlike so many other of the Asian Martial Arts where they just practice their forms and slash at the air, Haidong Gumdo believes in being a fighting art. Similar to any art that carries a combat focus they are all about eliminating excess and techniques that are simply there for flowery effect. Of course there is a "pageantry" or "show" side of Haidong Gumdo that is used in demonstration, however, this is present in all Martial Arts. At its core Haidong Gumdo is a functional art.
In Eastern Canada the Haidong Gumdo tournament seen is very limited. Therefore, Haidong Gumdo fighters tend to drift across several arts from Kendo to Historical European Martial Arts. Where you find a culture that swung long swords you will find fighters of this Korean sword art. Rather than being purists the cross pollination across several arts makes them strong fighters in numerous types of combat.
Chris and I competing at the Borealis Sword Symposium in 2013.
I joined Chris at the 2013 Borealis Sword Symposium and had the privilege of fighting beside him. Before entering the longsword division Chris gave me a number of tips that kept me more or less alive and allowed me to win my fights. Borealis was a tournament for Historical European Martial Arts but attracted the Haidong Gumdo fighters. You can also find them at other tournaments like Longpoint in Boston and other tournaments beyond practising and perfecting their craft.
The Ssangsoodo is the sword in the center and is flanked by Katanas.
What did I learn: Obviously, I come from a background of fighting with my hands so fighting with weapons is largely new. I have taken three months of Historical European Martial Arts with a great group in Montreal called Arte Dimicatoria and they taught me a lot but I am still the most basic of beginners with the bladed arts. Spending a couple of hours working on my fundamentals is invaluable to me. From basic stances to beginner cuts, spending time working these techniques ups my survival rate.
Footwork and speed are crucially important as I lag behind.
Unlike the striking and grappling arts, bladed arts are terribly unforgiving to mistakes. You can roll with a punch or fight through a submission attempt but you cannot fight through a sword cut. Massive trauma begins to shut the body down and limits someone abilities to fight back. With a focus on moving fast, getting in and getting out, Haidong Gumdo does its best to keep it's fighters alive and safe.
I get pressured to keep my range during a spacing drill.
What was Similar: Immediately, I was impressed by the work ethic of this group. Although they say that they're a casual group just training for themselves they carry themselves like anything otherwise. They have a dedicated training plan that they follow that brings them through cardio, strength training and basic techniques. With the conclusion of their fundamentals they suit up and begin sparring and other combat techniques.
Solid foundations are worth more than all the advanced techniques in the world. If you don't have sound footings for your fighting style it crumbles under pressure. I have spent countless hours throwing jabs to perfect my striking. Haidong Gumdo is no different, hence all those basic cuts that we warmed up with. It was great to see that even in this small group didn't shrink the easy to forget basics.
I challenged Chris to a ridiculous fight with foam staffs since I lacked protective gear.
I was cut to pieces.
Conclusion: Sometimes who you train with is what you defines you as a Martial Artist. It doesn't require the biggest gym or a thousand people that are just interest in showing up. You need dedicated people who strive to better themselves each and every time they train.
An evening training with great people.
Best regards and keep training,
Martin "Travelling Ronin" Fransham
If you are interested in training together I would love to get together with you. Drop me a line on Facebook and we can connect. I would love to learn from you.
*I found "Haidong Gumdo" spelt in numerous fashions, Hai Dong Gumdo, Haedong Gumdo, etc... I chose to use the spelling Haidong Gumdo unless an association or group spelt it differently.
On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Travelling-Ronin/583588935029877?ref=hlOn Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwXDjTjOSVMm3-
If you are in Ottawa and want to train with a great Haidong Gumdo group? Give Chris an email: rabbit.of.war@gmail.com
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