Kumdo (The Way of The Sword)
A direct translation of "Kumdo" is "the way of the sword." The art of the sword in Korea evolved from a martial art heritage reaching back more than three thousand years to the time of the Bronze Age. Archeological records indicate that the sword and its art were a part of daily life in Korean antiquity to defend territorial hold extending from Manchuria to Korean peninsula and early settlements in the Japanese main island.
In 1896, during the era of modernization, the art of the sword, was selected as a mandatory training requirement for newly established police academy. From there on, Kumdo, the modern amalgamation of 'the art of the sword' was developed to be practiced by some as a sport and by others as a means of character development or spiritual refinement.
The present form of using "Jook-Do" (the 4 split bamboo sword), Kumdo took a surprising turn in its style. Allowing more experimentation without injury, the style became more effective by allowing stronger and deadlier blow without a considerable and extensive swing of the sword. The present form combines the inner strength, the absolute and unbounded swing of the sword, and use of one's lower back and body. This is known as "Ki-Kum-Chae." Thus in tournaments, one does not receive a point, although striking the opponent successfully, if the blow is the accompanied by all three components of "Ki-Kum-Chae."
Kumdo is a technique which enables a strike to be executed on an opponent in a preciously determined spot, by mean of bamboo sword. In this sense, Kumdo maybe likened to a modern sport. However, we should retain the spirit of Kumdo which has survived through the ages as an unbroken tradition. The original slogan of Kumdo was "victory means survival, defeat means death." Although today this is not to be taken literally, it is important to adopt a serious attitude toward the practice of Kumdo. With the aim of forming a rounded human being, incorporating physical, spiritual, and social development.
For all, Kumdo is both a physically and mentally demanding martial art. A Kumdo practice with a skilled opponent is an intense experience. As one opponent faces another, concentration is absolute, conscious thought is suppressed, and action is instinctive. Such training develops the power of resolution and endurance which frequently affects Kumdo students' lives beyond the confines of the training hall.
Etiquette (Rae)
Kumdo practice begins with the Rae (etiquette) and finishes with the Rae. There are 5 Rae, first to Nation, second to Teachers, third to DoJang (dojo), fourth to each other and fifth to juniors. Paradoxically, successful practice of Kumdo depends on your ability to keep up a fighting spirit while continually showing appropriate respect to your partner. Your practice will become very unbalanced if one of these complementary elements is missing. We recommend strict observance of Kumdo etiquette to help you make the most of practice. Besides facilitating better practice, correct etiquette also gives rise to the beauty found in Kumdo. Sitting, standing, and respectful behavior is formal etiquette. There is also the etiquette of hearts which is standing bow is the one with 30 degree bending to higher rank or 15 degree bending to same level and lower rank. Sitting bow is the kneeling down to each other. The bamboo sword or wooden sword are the important equipment on Kumdo practice. So everyone has to avoid stepping on, jumping over, hitting the floor, or touch the floor with the kensen (tip of the sword).