Haidong Gumdo: The Way of the Sword
Haidong Gumdo is the Korean martial art of swordsmanship taught in our sword program at Resurgence Martial Arts.
The name Haidong is associated with Haidong Sungguk Parhae, meaning "Parhae, the flourishing country in the East." The word Gumdo means "the way of the sword."
Today, Haidong Gumdo refers to a Korean martial art centered around the study and practice of swordsmanship.
Its philosophy describes the purpose of the art as executing justice with the light of the sword—majestic and brilliant like the morning sunlight rising over the East Sea.
The Tradition of the Korean Sword
The Korean peninsula has a long and complex history.
Its geographic position provided access to the sea while placing Korea in close proximity to both China and Japan. Throughout history, foreign invasions, internal conflicts, and struggles between rival powers repeatedly affected the Korean peninsula.
Korean warriors were required to defend against outside invaders as well as opposing forces within the country.
Within the traditional history and philosophy associated with Haidong Gumdo, these centuries of conflict contributed to the development and refinement of Korean sword techniques. Warriors continually developed and adapted their methods based on the realities of combat and the need to use their weapons effectively.
Modern Haidong Gumdo draws inspiration from this Korean martial heritage while providing a structured system for studying sword techniques today.
The Modern Development of Haidong Gumdo
According to the modern Haidong Gumdo tradition, these sword techniques were passed to a spiritual wanderer named Jang Baek-San during the 1970s.
While living on Kwanak Mountain, Jang Baek-San found an eager and talented student in Jeong-Ho Kim.
Jang Baek-San taught Mr. Kim what he knew of Haidong Gumdo. Grandmaster Kim later continued the development and modernization of the art while establishing an international presence for Haidong Gumdo.
Through this effort, Haidong Gumdo has grown into a worldwide martial art practiced by students and schools throughout many countries.
How Is Haidong Gumdo Different?
Haidong Gumdo is significantly different from the martial art commonly known as Kumdo.
While modern standard or Daehan Kumdo is strongly associated with one-on-one sword sparring and dueling, Haidong Gumdo emphasizes a broader curriculum of Korean sword techniques.
The art includes a variety of cutting, drawing, forms, and battlefield-inspired movements.
Haidong Gumdo and modern standard Kumdo are separate martial arts with different training methods, emphasis, and organizational histories.
At Resurgence Martial Arts, we find that Haidong Gumdo complements our Tang Soo Do program well.
Tang Soo Do is traditionally considered a hard or striking martial art, emphasizing physical techniques involving the body.
Haidong Gumdo provides a complementary approach through the traditional study of the sword.
Training for Many Students
Haidong Gumdo is generally a low-impact and no-contact martial art.
Students train with structured techniques, forms, drills, and sword exercises rather than direct physical contact with another student.
This makes the program accessible to students across a variety of ages, experience levels, and physical abilities.
Membership and Affiliations
The Haidong Gumdo program at Resurgence Martial Arts is led by Master Justin Koivisto.
Our school is a member of the World Haidong Gumdo Federation (WHGF) under the direction of Grandmaster Jeong-Ho Kim.
The World Haidong Gumdo Federation was established in July 1982 and is based upon the history, ideology, techniques, and training system of Haidong Gumdo.
In 1996, the organization expanded its presence internationally. Since that time, Haidong Gumdo has continued to spread beyond South Korea through affiliated organizations and schools throughout the world.
Grandmaster Jeong-Ho Kim serves as President of the World Haidong Gumdo Federation and continues to promote the art internationally through instruction, seminars, and organizational development.
Our Haidong Gumdo Lineage
The Haidong Gumdo lineage at Resurgence Martial Arts is:
- Grandmaster Kim, Jeong Ho — WHGF President
- Master Lee — WHGF Vice President
- Master Kim, Jeong Woo — WHGF Director of Education
- Master Marshall Parnell — USA Senior Chief Master
- Master Robert Frankovich — Former Midwest Haidong Gumdo Chief Master
- Master Justin Koivisto — Resurgence Martial Arts
This lineage connects our students directly to the instructors and organizational structure responsible for the development and continued teaching of Haidong Gumdo within the World Haidong Gumdo Federation.
Training and Advancement
As a member of the World Haidong Gumdo Federation, Resurgence Martial Arts follows the testing guidelines, curriculum requirements, and advancement standards established by the organization.
Students progress through a structured curriculum designed to develop their understanding of the sword, physical technique, forms, cutting techniques, and the broader philosophy of Haidong Gumdo.
Our goal is not simply to teach students how to use a sword.
We want students to develop the focus, discipline, patience, confidence, and respect that come from the dedicated study of a traditional martial art.
Whether you are interested in Korean martial arts, traditional swordsmanship, physical training, or simply learning something completely different, Haidong Gumdo offers a unique journey through the study of the way of the sword.