About Korean Sword
Korean sword, called Kumdo or Geomdo (검도 · 劍道) is most similar to what is found in the Japanese disciplines of Iaido (drawing and kata), Kendo (sparring), and Kyudo (archery). The curriculum follows the World Kummooyeh Federation standards under Grandmaster Hyun Kyoo Jang (장현규).
What you will learn
The curriculum includes drawing, cutting, forms, sparring, and drills:
- Forms · Geombeop · 검법
- Cutting Exercises · Begi · 베기
- Candle extinguishing · 촛불끄기
- Bamboo cutting · 대나무베기
- Newspaper slicing · 신문지 베기
- Sparring · Gyeolugi · 겨루기
See the Kum Do Terminology page to get better at your Korean.
Classes
Little Tree does not offer Korean sword classes at this time, but if you are in the Austin, Texas area, Rockhold Karate offers classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Curriculum
Testing Requirements
7th Geop · 칠급
Yellow
Ssangsu form 1
Sparring pattern 1
Combination 1
Cutting pattern 1
Draw-sheath 1-3
Free sparring (attack only)
50 head strikes
10 push-ups
6th Geup · 육급
Green
Ssangsu forms 1 + 2
Sparring pattern 1
Combinations 1-5
Cutting pattern 1
Draw-sheath 1-5
Free sparring 1 vs 1
100 head strikes
20 push-ups
2/6 arrows @ 10m
5th Geup · 오급
Blue
Ssangsu forms 1-3
Sparring patterns 1-2
Combinations 1-5
Cutting patterns 1-2
Draw-sheath 1-5
Free sparring 1 vs 1
100 head strikes
20 push-ups
2/6 arrows @ 10m
4th Geup · 사급
Purple
Ssangsu forms 1-4
Sparring patterns 1-2
Combinations 1-5
Cutting patterns 1-2
Draw-sheath 1-5
Free sparring 1 vs 1
100 head strikes
20 push-ups
2/6 arrows @ 10m
3rd Geup · 삼급
Brown
Ssangsu forms 1-5
Sparring patterns 1-3
Combinations 1-5
Cutting patterns 1-3
Draw-sheath 1-5
Free sparring 1 vs 1
120 head strikes
30 push-ups
3/6 arrows @ 10m
2nd Geup · 이급
Red
Ssangsu forms 1-6
Sparring patterns 1-3
Combinations 1-5
Cutting patterns 1-3
Draw-sheath 1-5
Free sparring 1 vs 1
120 head strikes
30 push-ups
3/6 arrows @ 10m
1st Geop · 일급
Red + black stripe
Ssangsu forms 1-7
Sparring patterns 1-4
Combinations 1-5
Cutting patterns 1-4
Draw-sheath 1-5
Free sparring 1 vs 1
120 head strikes
30 push-ups
3/6 arrows @ 10m
Chodan Bo · 초단보
Black + white stripe
Ssangsu forms 1-8
All geop techinigues
Free sparring 1 vs 1
150 head strikes
50 push-ups
Forms · Geombeop · 검법
Ssangsu Gumbup · 쌍수검법
12 Forms
Originating from the sword techniques that defeated the Japanese bandits during the Chosun Dynasty, Ssangsoo Gumbup utilizes a heavy and long sword used with both hands.
Shimsang Gumbup · 심상검법
4 forms
Practiced by warriors training in the mountains. The sword motions reflect the motions of the mind as well as the determination to press forward in a battle
Yedo Gumbup · 예도검법 · 銳刀
9 forms
Practiced by the assassins of the Chosun Dynsaty, characterized by the use of a short light sword in swift and sharp techniques