Inspired by the “Japanese Kendo” is an East Asian martial art form known as Kumdo. This “weapon” based combat form is said to have originated from South Korea. Apparently, when literally translated Kumdo means “the way of the sword”. Furthermore, this form of combat is based on the “O Gae/five tenets” philosophy that states the following

“Be loyal and faithful to your country and organization.

Be faithful and respectful to your parents and elders.

Be faithful and respectful to your friends and colleagues.

Be confident and show courage when faced with injustice.

Be benevolent.”

In addition, as of today the term “Kumdo” is generically used to describe all Korean combat forms that involve the use of “sword”.

History/origin of the Kumdo:

It was in the year 1895 that an organization called Dai Nippon Butoku Kai (DNBK) was established in Japan to preserve martial art forms such as swords, archery, unarmed combat, etc. Furthermore, it was a year later that the DNBK was also made available in South Korea. Eventually it was in the year 1920 when Koreans who were under Japanese rule made use of Kendo as a martial art form, and renamed it to “Kumdo”. It was only after the completion of World War II that this martial art form and Kendo were segregated out from each other into different styles.

b. Weapon used in the Kumdo:

The weapon mainly used by a fighter in this form of combat is a “bamboo sword” known as the “Juk-To”.

The technique involved in the Kumdo and training availability:

In terms of technique, the fighter in this form of combat basically uses a “bamboo sword” known as “Juk-To” to strike/thrust and eventually overcome an opponent. As for training centers/schools, there are a number of them available especially in South Korea for those interested in learning this “weapon” based martial art form.

image credit ')}