Toronto Haidong Gumdo
해동검도 토론토 도장

Haidong Gumdo is organized like most modern martial arts into a series of ranks and degrees. The initiate begins at white belt and progresses from that level through several coloured belts before reaching the next beginning - black belt. In class, several different activities will be offered to assist the development of students.

Gumbup (pattern practice)

The progression in Gumdo is logical and well designed. A student will study memorized patterns for solo practice to enable the practitioner to discover the correct way to move with each technique in order to develop proper timing, speed and power.

The patterns are very dynamic and grow more physically challenging with each rise in rank. The gradual progression of the patterns teaches understanding of how to combine various offensive and defensive postures with movement to create effective tactics.

A first degree black belt in Gumdo should have learned the responsibility of self-control, developed an understanding of honour, internalized the 12 basic two-handed sword patterns (ssangsu gumbup), the 12 corresponding 'key-point' drills (gyuk-gum), developed a high tolerance for the physical and mental demands of Ki Gong exercises (breathing-based meditation facilitated by movement), basic unarmed defense vs. punches and kicks, basic kicking skills, learned safe falling and tumbling practices and achieved a fairly good level of emotional and physical fitness.

Sparring

Sparring is NOT a mandatory component in Haidong Gumdo but it is offered to interested students. Bamboo sword sparring drills are offered during regular class hours without use of any armour.

However, specially-developed armour is available for personal protection during full contact sparring, normally held once a month. The armour, when used in conjunction with RSW swords (a padded, correctly weighted sword developed by Realistic Sparring Weapons in Hong Kong) provides acceptably safe conditions for those interested in further exploring contact sword battle.

Begi (cutting)

Throw and Paper Cutting
Throw cutting includes techniques are designed to slice through objects such as oranges while they are in mid-air.  Students often begin practicing throw cutting with a plastic baseball, and then progress to ping pong ball. For paper cutting, students use various techniques to cut through paper at different angles, with either a jingum or kagum. 

Bamboo Cutting
Bamboo cutting is reserved for higher ranks of adult students of Haidong Gumdo (18 years and older).   First, a bamboo pole with a diameter of up to 4" is placed in a metal bamboo holder.  Then, with great concentration and focus, the student draws the sword.  With a quick motion, the student uses a diagonal cut to cut through the bamboo at a 45 degree angle.  Bamboo cutting is not about physical strength.  Bamboo cutting is successful only if the diagonal cut is performed with speed and the proper technique.

Master Instructors with great skill in bamboo cutting will often arrange several bamboo poles in a circle or line, and cut through them successively with elegant spins and lethal-looking, precise cuts.  The most skilled instructors in Haidong Gumdo are able to cut through several bamboo poles mounted in a multi-pole holder  at once.

Ki Gong

Ki (also known as qi or Chi) is energy which circulates in our bodies that each of us has the ability to control and command. This energy exists in the universe, here on earth and from within our own bodies. Each of these is interconnected and in harmony with each other. Kigong (qigong or Chi Kung) is learning to improve the flow of Ki energy within our bodies which helps us improve our health and well being. Like Taichi or Yoga, Gumdo has its own training method to improve the strength and balance of the Ki. The basics of the Ki Gong will be taught and regularly practiced in class.

Locations

CMA
55 Glen Cameron Road
Thornhill, ON, L3T 1P2
Contact: Master Arthur Lee
Phone: 416-895-8463
E-mail: arthurklee@gmail.com


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KCCC
1133 Leslie Street
Toronto, Ontario
Contact: Master Brian Gihm
Phone: 416-937-7377
E-mail: mastergihm@gumdo.ca


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Training Schedule

Ages

Classes are open to anyone between 15 years old and 75 years old. Younger students age between 10 and 14 may join the class with permission of the instructor but there won't be a separate class for children.

Fees

• Monthly membership fee: $350 (plus GST) / semester (4 months)
   
• Equipment package (Uniform, belt, wooden sword, bamboo sword, sword bag): $155 (plus GST & PST)