Powerful, complex and beautiful, Gumdo is a dynamic and exciting sword art that originates in Korea. The focus in Gumdo is not dueling: it draws on battlefield techniques (meaning it focuses on multiple attackers and uses a very broad range of techniques) to build a curriculum for mental, physical and spiritual development.  Gumdo was founded on the principles of discipline, loyalty, respect and honor.

The essence of Gumdo is in shimgum. Shimgum is the unification of the mind, body and spirit expressing itself through the use of the sword. It implies a technical mastery of the sword, but transcends technical limitations. One can be “technically perfect” but still not achieve shimgum. One may also be technically imperfect and still achieve shimgum. Shimgum is what makes Gumdo not only a martial science but also a martial art

Gumdo not only requires extreme levels of concentration and precision, but also requires a strong sense of awareness of one’s surroundings, excellent speed and reflexes, a fluidity of technique, and great coordination of body and mind.  All of these qualities are developed and enhanced through years of study and practice – anyone can learn!