The World Hai Dong Gumdo Federation comprises an ever-growing base of more than 300 training halls (dojang) across South Korea and an outgrowth of over 500 dojangs internationally. In addition more than 2000 Korean schools and companies incorporate the art into their programs.
Hai Dong Gumdo is organized like most modern martial arts into a series of ranks and degrees. The initiate begins at white belt and progresses from that level through 5 more coloured belts before reaching the next beginning - black belt.
The western idea that a master holds a black belt is one that ought to be dispelled. Akin to a Bachelor's Degree, the black belt or first dan (degree) is full of 'sound and fury' but signifies only a foundation. The lessons preceeding this level teach you how to learn a martial art be it Taekwondo, Iaido or whatever aspect of the arts you prefer. This is not to say that the gubs (ranks below first dan) know nothing of their art! What I mean is that at the entry level one learns how to relate to the style on many levels and progression through to black belt is a circular journey...
Anyway, navel contemplation aside the progression in Hai Dong Gumdo is logical and well designed. A student will study memorized patterns for solo practice. These are very dynamic and grow more physically challenging with each rise in rank. The gradual progression of the patterns teaches understanding of how to combine various offensive and defensive postures with movement to create effective tactics. In one sense, patterns (or forms) are the historical version of multimedia presentations. They catalog techniques and stances, reveal body mechanics and strategies as well as fluidity of motion all in an easy-to-access location. The lessons taught must be learned well, at speed and at a more meditative pace, for once real combat begins everything you thought you knew flies out the window - only what you truly know remains.
When students develop sufficient control (judged on an individual basis) they can begin to develop combat drills with a partner to illuminate the actual dynamics of weapons use with a living, moving target. This practice prepares a student for the rigors and responsibility of safe and effective free-style combat without training away realistic combat behaviours like Kendo practitioners must do. Without some form of combat practice, it is almost impossible to completely learn some lessons. As an example, the psychological impact of conflict cannot be appreciated without experiencing it in some form. At the moment the only truly safe way to engage in full contact sword combat is via the art of Kendo (pronounced Kumdo in Korea). The shortcoming of this style lies in the targets which by necessity are the most heavily protected parts of the armoured warrior. C'est la vie. When duelling in the style of Kendo, it is important to remember that while participants are armoured they are simulating unarmoured combat.
A black belt in Hai Dong Gumdo should have learned the responsibility of self-control, developed an understanding of honour, internalized the 12 basic two-handed sword patterns (sang-soo gumpup), the 12 corresponding 'key-point' drills, be comfortable in unarmoured sparring, developed a high tolerance for the physical and emotional demands of Ki Gong exercises (breathing-based meditation facilitated by movement), basic unarmed defense vs punches and kicks, basic kicking skills, learned safe falling and tumbling practices and achieved a fairly good level of emotional and physical fitness.
The candidate for black belt must perform a long, demanding pattern devised to reveal the competency of the candidate in all the skills and techniques of the 12 basic patterns. In Korea this is performed before a large panel of judges who hold 5th dan or higher. Once this is completed the candidate must then perform a break. A long piece of wood is suspended by two loops of paper. The paper is looped over two 'live' blades with sharpened edge upward. The candidate must break the wood without ripping the paper loops using only a wooden training sword. Finally a brief demonstration of dedication is required. This comes in the form of push ups performed on thumb and index finger only...
It is a simple but intense test which is not as easy as it sounds although it is as easy as the dan tests come. All further tests at black belt level are accompanied by demonstrations of cutting prowess.
The coloured belt ranks test by demonstrating their current patterns (usually 3) as well as their knowledge of the 'key point drills'. Push ups on descending numbers of fingers are performed as well as candle snuffing. This latter requirement is useful outside of testing as a means to developing good control and also as a meditation aide. As the candidates rise in rank the number of candles to be snuffed with one proper stroke of a wooden training sword increases. It begins with one and ends with six. This exercise is said to refine and expand the understanding of Ki but reports vary between practioners.
If you are interested in a breakdown of the progression of learning in Hai Dong Gumdo please follow this link:
Progression of Learning
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