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What
Equipment Do I Need?
The primary piece of equipment for the student of Hai Dong Gumdo is a wooden sword. This hardwood weapon is the same length as the average Korean sword but is significantly lighter. These wood swords (mog-gum) weigh between 300 and 900 grams depending on the material. Wood weapons do not have the same balancing characteristics as their metal replicas or real counterparts. The better the manufacture of a wooden weapon, the more closely its balance will resemble a real blade. Wooden swords are much safer to use in a learning environment but are still capable of causing injury and death. At no time is it to be considered a toy or the class a time for play. When engaging in sparring or practicing specific techniques with a partner a split bamboo weapon is sometimes used. This style of practice sword was developed for the purposes of "safe" sword combat and is taken from Kendo. This weapon has many problems but it is the safest choice for sparring practice. The Korean name for the weapon is jook-toe. The Japanese name is shinai. If the student desires they can purchase kendo armour and practice full contact sparring. Although kumdo rules are taught to students, the purpose of armoured sparring in Hai Dong Gumdo is to employ realistic attacks and defenses in a duelling atmosphere. Sparring is quite free and mobile as a result. It is important to realize that while the participants are wearing armour, the combat they are simulating is that of unarmoured combatants.
At third kup students with the proper respect and control may begin to use a metal practice sword called a ka-gum. The weight and balance almost match the averages of Korean swords but the dynamics of the blade through the air are slightly different. Still, at this level of experience using the ka-gum is virtually indistinguishable (and much safer) than using a live blade. These practice weapons weigh 900 grams. It is interesting to begin using a ka-gum because the mechanics of good form become much easier. As the weapon is properly balanced it feels like the effort of keeping the blade in alignment and in proper position disappears. The increased weight is also not really noticeable until after one has been performing cuts for awhile - the muscle fatigue pleasantly creeps up on you. As the student rises in rank they will be asked to perform their patterns (gum-pup) more often with the ka-gum. For safety reasons the wood swords are generally used.
At first dan (black belt) the adult student has finally earned the privilege of using a real blade(jin-gum). These weapons weigh between 1 and 1.3 kg. They closely resemble but are not identical to Japanese swords. Variances occur most commonly in curvature and length. The student will use this weapon to perform their patterns at the discretion of the instructor but it generally is only used for cutting exercises and tests.
A Note On Swords:
Much of Korea's historical sword use was with straight, double- edged blades but Korea willingly embraced the change to the curved single edged style when the killing power of the weapon was proven. The straight, double-edged blade which was retained by the Chinese, was faster but unable to generate the amount of force the curved blades could produce nor was it as effective in mass engagements. The Japanese also preferred this weapon style when it appeared and most agree they refined its forging and development to the highest degree.
For more information about Japanese sword styles such as Iaido and Kendo check the Japanese Sword Arts FAQ. The Japanese sport of Kendo is called Kumdo in Korean. The name of the sport uses Chinese characters and many practitioners of Japanese styles make the assumption that any style name which incorporates these characters must be Kendo. This is not true. Kendo (Kumdo) is very popular in Korea and is organized into the Daehan Kumdo Federation (and possibly as many as 20 others). People here in Korea refer to it as either (Daehan) Kumdo or Kendo. Styles like Hai Dong Gumdo do not practice Kendo but can incorporate it for its psychological value depending on the knowledge base of the instructor. It is a mistake to confuse Kendo and any other sword art other than Daehan Kumdo.
