3rd Chakgum - Haidong Gumdo Put Away

[@Jaedeok82]

That #3 chakgum still vexes me. I've gotten 1,2, and 4-7 down without issue, but very frequently, #3 will reverse the blade edge on me toward my forearm when I do it with a steel sword, which is well, horrible for one's safety and well-being. I have no issue doing it with lighter blades like ABS plastic or mokgum, but the steel kagum loves to invert during the transition as the weight seems to make it flip? Did you experience this during your practice learning how to do it?

[@TheSwordLynx]

You might be engaging your wrist more than necessary. I actually find it easier with a heavier weapon because there’s more mass to stay still while you switch your hand over. I might recommend try it with a bo staff and practice the switch motion. Think more about moving your hand around the hilt than swinging the sword over, if that makes sense. Keep me posted!

[@Jaedeok82]

@@TheSwordLynx After just practicing it repeatedly it has improved. Still not to my liking. This one seems the most challenging overall because of the loss of grip. As an aside, I've looked for anyone who teaches Haidong Gumdo in my state and the only school was 6 hours away and their webpage appears to be inactive. I think they went under during covid. In the absence of good options, I'm starting to look for a distance learning program, but that seems equally hard to find. There is one program offered by International Korean Swordsmanship Association run by a 4th Dan in Haidong Gumdo, and Dan holder with the World Koommooye Federation in Korea, but the webpage for it looks iffy. Do you have any advice for someone in my position? Should I just suck it up and try to find an Iaido school?

[@TheSwordLynx]

If you want to contact me at [e-mail] I can give you more details. I just launched the email so let’s hope it works!