Fencing is okay but in my opinion it isn't very strict or disciplined. I'm a Kumdo Practitioner so I have discpline and have improve over my first year and I have compete in my first tournament back in December 2007. It was against a guy who two belts higher than me and I did mentioned to go to overtime with him. I lose in the end but my master and memebers of US Hwa Rang Kwan Chantilly were surprised to see me compete well to the end.
From US Hwa Rang Kwan Website
Quote:
Kumdo literally means "the way of the sword."
The present form of using a "juk do"(bamboo sword) and the "ho goo"(the protective gear) began around the 18th century. With the implementation of the "juk do" and the "ho goo", the art of Kum Do took a surprising change in its style. It allowed for more experimentation with minimum injuries, and the style became more effective by allowing stronger and deadlier blows without the extensive swing of the sword. The present form combines the inner strength, signified by a scream, "ki", the swing and striking of the sword "kum", and the use of one's lower back and body, the "chae", was recently perfected. This is known as the "ki-kum-chae."
In tournaments, one does not receive a point by only striking with the sword. The strike needs to be accompanied by all of the three components of the "ki-kum-chae."
In other martial arts, strength has an advantage in most cases. There is more advantage if one is fitter and stronger, than the opponent (of course giving consideration to certain level off expertise and experience). During a fight, one can come back after a hit, to win a losing battle.This is not the case for for Kumdo. In Kumdo, there is no second chance. If you receive a blow, the battle is over. Under this circumstance one's attitude and spiritual understanding of oneself is most crucial. The statement of "never underestimate your opponent" cannot be more true for Kum Do than anything else. Without the proper attitude and reverence to the art form, one opening for the opponent is all it takes to lose. Although combination of strength and speed plays a crucial role, one cannot master the art of Kum Do without the pure and unadulterated state of mind and soul.
The spiritual maturity, inner strength, calmness of the soul, and pure heart combined with strength and speed is the "essence" of Kumdo.
From GMU Kumdo Club Website
Quote:
The Purpose of Practicing Kumdo
The purpose of practicing Kumdo is:
To mold the mind and body,
To cultivate a vigorous spirit,
And through correct and rigid training,
To strive for improvement of Kumdo,
To hold in esteem of courtesy and honor,
To treat others with sincerity,
And to forever pursue the cultivation of oneself.
Thus, one will be able:
To be a patriot of righteousness in the highest form,
To respect and honor one's parents,
To trust, honor and loyal to friends,
To perceive and never retreat from challenges,
And to respect all lives and living things.
_________________
"You are the stars and the world is watching you. By your presence you send a message to every village, every city, every nation. A message of hope. A message of victory."- Eunice Kennedy Shriver
16 Apr 2008, 8:00 pm
