Class Schedule

Welcome to Haidong Gumdo, the Sword Way of the Eastern Sea. Tracing its roots back to the ancient land of Haidong Seongguk Balhai in Korea, Gumdo developed as a battlefield Martial Art. Its sword forms, called Gumbup, are derived from woodblock prints found within the Muyedobotongji (Comprehensive Illustrated Manual of Martial Arts, 1790 CE) and influenced by the indigenous Korean art of Kicheonmun (Gate of Energy).

Our school became fully accredited in Dec. 2006 under the World Haidong Gumdo Federation in South Korea, Dojang registration #939. At this time, our Sah Bum Nim - Master J. DeVaull (pictured left) was appointed by Grandmaster Kim Jeong Ho, President of the World Haidong Gumdo Federation, as a Master Instructor under the United States Haidong Gumdo Association. Our practice conforms to the international standards set forth by the Chief of Education, Grandmaster Kim Jeong Woo (pictured right), at the headquarters school in Gwangju City, Gyunggi-do, South Korea.

Students in the Haidong Gumdo program do not need to have any previous experience with martial arts in order to take up sword practice. Everyone begins with simple, repetative movements and moves on to progressively more difficult techniques and forms. The minimum age of study is 5 years old, and Gumdo students well into their 60s and 70s are able to maintain an active training schedule.

Studies

While Haidong Gumdo is a martial art, it is far different than empty-hand practice - as kicking and punching are rarely seen in a Gumdo. Through sword practice, an individual learns to develop their intention, guide their energy, and become a better person (physically, mentally, and spiritually). The goal of practice is not to learn skills to destroy life, but rather to cultivate insight and achieve mind-sword enlightenment for the benefit of all living beings. To this end, our curriculum focuses on the following areas of development:

• Kicho Gumbup (Basic Cutting & Blocking)
• Kibon Tongjak (Practical Variations of Basic Techniques)
• Gum Daeryun (Sword Sparring)
• Chak Gum (Sheathing the Sword)
• Pal Gum (Drawing the Sword)
• Kyok Gum (Short Form Drills)
• Ssang Soo Gumbup (Two Handed Sword Method)
• Shimsang Gumbup (Appearance of the Heart Sword Method)
• Yedo Gumbup (Short Sword Method)
• Chotbul Kugi (Candle Extinguishing)
• Sinmunji Pegi (Paper Slicing)
• Kagmok Charugi (Board Breaking)
• Taenamu Pegi (Bamboo Cutting)
• Straw Cutting (Rolled Mats)
• Throw Cutting (Play Dough, Fruit)
• Ho Sin Sool (Self Defense)
• Gum Ho Sin Sool (Sword Self Defense)

Black Belt

It takes approximately three and a half years to meet the time and knowledge requirements for 1st Dan (Degree) Black Belt in Haidong Gumdo. Individuals who reach this level are initiated into the Assistant Instructors training program, unique to the Center of Harmony, wherein they receive special instruction on teaching methodology, Ki-Gong practice, and take on supportive roles within the school. 2nd Dan Black Belts enter the Instructors Training Program and receive advanced training in Ki-Gong therapy, the use of Chinese Herbal Medicinals, and acupressure. 3rd Dan Black Belts undergo intense training as Senior Instructors, spending much time on high level forms and in training and overseeing Junior Instructors and students.

School Masters, Instructors and students of the Haidong Gumdo program do special outdoor training in the summer months. In Korean, this practice is called Ipsang Suhaeng, which means "Enter the Mountains and Practice Cultivation". We expand our knowledge of Gum Bup (sword method) with endless repetition of movement, practice battlefield techniques and acrobatics, and cultivate internal abilities through Ki Gong (Ki Cultivation), Yuk Hap Dahn Gong (Six Methods), and Neh Dan Do (Daoist Alchemy).

Lineage

Master DeVaull trains under Grandmaster Ralph Estrada, Chief Master - US Haidong Gumdo Association. GM Estrada is highly respected for his advanced knowledge of Gumdo practice and for his extraordinary efforts to expand the practice of traditional Haidong Gumdo in North America. In addition to his responsibilities as a Chief Master, overseeing the New York and Caribbean Gumdo Schools, GM Estrada maintains one of Long Island's largest and most respected martial art centers, Estrada Taekwondo & Haidong Gumdo Academy.