Master Chun & Master Moon with Kum Do students Eric Aldape & Rafael Rodriguez

	Kum-Do, or Asian fencing, is over 3,000 years old...and was at first practiced only by Korean royalty. Applied to modern times, this fighting art teaches you how to protect yourself effectively with a broomstick, cane, umbrella, or other such everyday items. As practiced today, Kum Do is neither a martial art or sport, but a spiritual discipline. Its purpose is to settle the problems of life- physical and mental. Learn this fascinating art from Master Chun and Master Moon, You’ll see expert demonstrations of proper swordplay, etiquette and technique. Master its strategies and discover its secrets that have been handed down from generations of Kum Do Masters.  Kumdo means "the way of the sword." The present form of using "juk do"(4 split bamboo sword) and the "Bogu" (the head and body gear) began around 18th century. With "juk do"  the art of Kum Do took a surprising turn in its style. Allowing more experimentation without injury, the style became more effective by allowing stronger and deadlier blow without a considerable and extensive swing of the sword. In other martial arts the strength always has an advantage. If one is fit and strong, such a person can win over most opponents (of course giving consideration to certain level off expertise and experience). During a fight, although one is hit, he/she can come back and win the battle. Not so for Kumdo. In Kumdo, one does not get a 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 truer. 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. By the early 20th century, Kumdo training had adopted and utilized a practice weapon made of bamboo and lightweight armor. This method of practice largely replaced the earlier, more dangerous, methods of training. Yet, the Kumdo popularity had been limited until early 1960 when the practice armor could be mass-produced with the latest materials. When Kumdo equipment became easily available and affordable, the Kumdo population started to grow rapidly. Kumdo became no longer the martial art of the selected few. KUM DO PRACTICE STUDENT: ERIC ALDAPE Kumdo is both a physically and mentally demanding martial art. A Kumdo bout with a skilled opponent is an intense experience. For a moment, as one opponent faces another, concentration is absolute, conscious thought is suppressed, and action is instinctive. Such training develops the power of resolution and endurance under pressure, which frequently affects Kumdo students' lives beyond the confines of the training hall.

Bogu: Armor	The Kum Do armor is worn to protect the practitioner from injury, with protection being concentrated on the target areas and the groin. The current armor was developed over time, with first the hands, then the chest, then groin and finally the head being covered.
Dobok: Uniform	In general the dobok (Uniform) looks like this, although the deep blue colored dobok is preferred for our students other than the white one shown here. The dobok is roomy to allow the student to move freely and fluidly with precision  and accuracy toward their opponents. It is recommended the pants should come off the ground 1-2 inches, so as not to restrict the wearer in their actions.
undefined  Ho-Myun: Head gear	Protective gear for the face and neck area, as well as the shoulders. This is made of cotton, with an iron / steel / titanium face grill.  Note the neck guard to protect against thrusts to the throat.
Kap-Sang: protective apron	Protective gear for the waist, thigh and groin area. It is made of compressed / quilted cotton, with five overlapping plates to allow movement, and is tied around the waist.
Kap: Chest plate	Protective gear for the waist, and abdomin as well as the chest area. Traditionally the Kap is made of bamboo slats covered in laquer around the belly, with leather fittings.
Ho-Hwan: hand gear	Protective gear for hands and wrist area. They are padded over the knuckles and protect the wrist and forearm with compressed cotton wadding. The palms are traditionally made of smoked hide, though synthetics are used in cheaper sets.
Mokkum: wood sword Jin-Kum: real sword	The Mokkun is made of hard wood and is used for the practice of forms The Jim-kum is made of steel (needed for demonstration and high level forms)