Kumdo vs. Kendo.
- Thread starter arnisador
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T
tonbo
Guest
I have only seen a few articles and stories about Kumdo in the past, so I am not even going to pretend to be an expert. However, from what I have read, it is a Korean sword art which is founded on Chinese sword tactics. It was primarily done with a straight sword of Chinese design (like the gim, or Tai Chi straightsword), but is currently practiced with a curved blade like a Japanese katana.
The primary form of attack was thrusting, with a secondary emphasis on slashing, from what I could tell. Also, some of the articles that I have read have indicated that Kumdo practitioners can and do participate in Kendo tournaments and can hold their own--it's just a matter of their "playing by the rules" of the Kendo tournaments and USKF. If the school is affiliated with the USKF, then I doubt there would be any problems there.
Again, I am no expert, that's just my 2 cents' worth.
Peace--
The primary form of attack was thrusting, with a secondary emphasis on slashing, from what I could tell. Also, some of the articles that I have read have indicated that Kumdo practitioners can and do participate in Kendo tournaments and can hold their own--it's just a matter of their "playing by the rules" of the Kendo tournaments and USKF. If the school is affiliated with the USKF, then I doubt there would be any problems there.
Again, I am no expert, that's just my 2 cents' worth.
Peace--
Yari
Master Black Belt
I don't know anything about kumdo, but I think it's great that people can pratice something else an still be part of each other........
/Yari
/Yari
H
Humble artist
Guest
I´ve got the idea that kendo and kumdo are actually one and same art,practically.
Kumdo is what they call it in korean,while kendo...
A bit like japanese art of judo which is also slightly popular in korea and called yudo in there,don´t know if that´s a good example though.
Kumdo is what they call it in korean,while kendo...
A bit like japanese art of judo which is also slightly popular in korea and called yudo in there,don´t know if that´s a good example though.
Yari
Master Black Belt
INteressting Arnisador...
More Iaido than kendo. But what is the Korean twist.
I had this sensei once tell me that one of the biggist differances between korea and Japan, was the way the expressed tehmselves while chanting ( he was alot into Zen). While the japanese chanting was monoton, and straight, the korean was bouncy and muscial. He said that it showed in the MA from the contries. Were the japanese would try and keep the same hight, center in focus and so on, the korean would "bounce" more.
I don't know if this is true, but a "korean" iaido I'd like to see and compare....
/Yari
More Iaido than kendo. But what is the Korean twist.
I had this sensei once tell me that one of the biggist differances between korea and Japan, was the way the expressed tehmselves while chanting ( he was alot into Zen). While the japanese chanting was monoton, and straight, the korean was bouncy and muscial. He said that it showed in the MA from the contries. Were the japanese would try and keep the same hight, center in focus and so on, the korean would "bounce" more.
I don't know if this is true, but a "korean" iaido I'd like to see and compare....
/Yari
Yari
Master Black Belt
What about stances? Anything there? Any pictures that could show something, or did it just "japanese"?
/Yari
/Yari
Kennesten
White Belt
From what I understand, there are two forms of "Kumdo". The one most people will encounter is very similar, if not identical, to kendo, since it was taught to Koreans during the Japanese occupation (while visiting my Aunt in Korea this past summer, I mentioned I studied sword and she all of a sudden jumped forward and cried "Tsuki!", much to my surprise -- she was taught in high school during the occupation) -- after the removal of the Japanese influence, Kumdo was still practiced by some people, and though some variations have entered into the system, they aren't significant enough to allow instant discernment between the two arts. Therefore pratictioners of this Kumdo can and do participate in kendo tournaments -- most of the ceremonies are similar as well.
The second, and more rare, Kumdo is an indigenous Korean sword art. I don't know much about it being taught as its own art, but sword is taught as part of Kuk Sool Won, among other styles. Certain elements are similar to Chinese sword (jumps, elegant circular motion, a variety of stances, incorporation of kicking), and certain elements are similar to Japanese sword (strong linear cuts, the design of the weapon).
I hope this helps!
Nicholas
The second, and more rare, Kumdo is an indigenous Korean sword art. I don't know much about it being taught as its own art, but sword is taught as part of Kuk Sool Won, among other styles. Certain elements are similar to Chinese sword (jumps, elegant circular motion, a variety of stances, incorporation of kicking), and certain elements are similar to Japanese sword (strong linear cuts, the design of the weapon).
I hope this helps!
Nicholas
O
Old Warrior
Guest
The key word for understanding the difference is "ethnocentricism". Look it up.
While we live in a modern world where former enemies are our staunchest allies, the wounds of the past don't always disappear. The Koreans still remember the Japanese occupation of their country and the decimation of their populace and resources. The Japanese, who clearly won "the peace" take great pride in their resilience and are very proud of their history including their contribution to the martial arts.
The Koreans have a sword tradition that dates back to the time of Musashi, if not before. The are offended by the notion that the Japanese "invented" Kendo. But clearly, the Japanese made it a sport, created the armor, codified the rules and the customs surrounding the art. Most Koreans acknowledge the contribution and then remind you of their own sword tradition.
I study Kumdo. The translation of the word and the running of our classes is virtually identical to everything I've read about Kendo. The Koreans have changed a few minor aspects such as the form of bow, the color of flags used by judges, the color of beginner's uniforms etc. Some people believe the Korean approach is a bit more aggressive, but my opinion is that the style of the individual practitioner is not a commentary of the art.
Kumdo is Kendo through the eyes of a ethnicity reluctant to credit their former adversaries with anything. But, times are changing and I do not detect open hostiltiy toward anything Japanese in our Dojang. We interchange Korean/Japanese words for things we do and objects we use and there is nothing but respect shown for anything having to do with the discipline.
While we live in a modern world where former enemies are our staunchest allies, the wounds of the past don't always disappear. The Koreans still remember the Japanese occupation of their country and the decimation of their populace and resources. The Japanese, who clearly won "the peace" take great pride in their resilience and are very proud of their history including their contribution to the martial arts.
The Koreans have a sword tradition that dates back to the time of Musashi, if not before. The are offended by the notion that the Japanese "invented" Kendo. But clearly, the Japanese made it a sport, created the armor, codified the rules and the customs surrounding the art. Most Koreans acknowledge the contribution and then remind you of their own sword tradition.
I study Kumdo. The translation of the word and the running of our classes is virtually identical to everything I've read about Kendo. The Koreans have changed a few minor aspects such as the form of bow, the color of flags used by judges, the color of beginner's uniforms etc. Some people believe the Korean approach is a bit more aggressive, but my opinion is that the style of the individual practitioner is not a commentary of the art.
Kumdo is Kendo through the eyes of a ethnicity reluctant to credit their former adversaries with anything. But, times are changing and I do not detect open hostiltiy toward anything Japanese in our Dojang. We interchange Korean/Japanese words for things we do and objects we use and there is nothing but respect shown for anything having to do with the discipline.
Kennesten
White Belt
Hello, Old Warrior. I am greatly interested in the difference between Kumdo and Kendo, and I was hoping you can elaborate on what was wrong in my post. From what I could tell, we made the same points, excepting the "ethocentricism" angle.
Thanks,
Nicholas
Thanks,
Nicholas
O
Old Warrior
Guest
"I was hoping you can elaborate on what was wrong in my post"
There's nothing "wrong with your post". My personal opinion is that Kumdo and Kendo are the same. They both literally translate to "the way of the sword". There is nothing in the lineage of the Korean Sword Arts, of which I am aware, that resembles, in any way "the practice of swordsmanship with bamboo weapons within certain certain clearly defined rules". This is what we all know as Kendo. The fact that another language and culture calls it Kumdo and has a simultaneously developed history of the use of the sword, does not change my thesis.
There's nothing "wrong with your post". My personal opinion is that Kumdo and Kendo are the same. They both literally translate to "the way of the sword". There is nothing in the lineage of the Korean Sword Arts, of which I am aware, that resembles, in any way "the practice of swordsmanship with bamboo weapons within certain certain clearly defined rules". This is what we all know as Kendo. The fact that another language and culture calls it Kumdo and has a simultaneously developed history of the use of the sword, does not change my thesis.
Kennesten
White Belt
Ah, ok. I thought your Subject referred partly to my post. My mistake. =)
Nicholas
Nicholas
OP
- Thread Starter
- #18
The current (Apr. 2003) issue of Black Belt has an article on Haedong Kumdo (a.k.a Haidong Gumdo) which the article describes as traditional Korean sword work ("Haidong" being an old Chinese term for Korea, "eastern sea" it says). It also states that most Kumdo practiced in Korea these days is very much Japanese Kendo with a Koreanized name.
Y
ydma1796
Guest
"Kum Sul (now know as KumDo) systems were taught only to those whose moral character was unquestionable. This noble art was also taught to the Royal Court for their personal self-defense.
Until 1886, Kum Sul remained an art of the noble class. Dae Woon Kahm, the last King of Korea, proclaimed that all government officials and leaders were taught the art of Kum Sul. In 1910, the Japanese occupation of Korea began and Kum Sul began it's metamorphosis to Kum Do."
excerpt taken from "Korean Sword Master Form Do Sa" by GM Sungwoo Kahm (A.K.A Master Kum Sung)
Master Kum Sung Martial Arts.... World Kum Do / Tae Kwon Do
I have the great pleasure of being a student of his... I'm just now learning this art. Unfortunately I'm not familiar with the other "national" sword styles... But I hope this helps alittle.
Salute :asian:
Kevin
Until 1886, Kum Sul remained an art of the noble class. Dae Woon Kahm, the last King of Korea, proclaimed that all government officials and leaders were taught the art of Kum Sul. In 1910, the Japanese occupation of Korea began and Kum Sul began it's metamorphosis to Kum Do."
excerpt taken from "Korean Sword Master Form Do Sa" by GM Sungwoo Kahm (A.K.A Master Kum Sung)
Master Kum Sung Martial Arts.... World Kum Do / Tae Kwon Do
I have the great pleasure of being a student of his... I'm just now learning this art. Unfortunately I'm not familiar with the other "national" sword styles... But I hope this helps alittle.
Salute :asian:
Kevin
M
MartialArtist
Guest
http://www.strangehorizons.com/2002/20021216/korean_fencing.shtml - a good article on the sport of how the two are a bit different if you study in Korea vs. Japan
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