Basics Part 1

[@biblionimbus]

Hi-- I'm a black belt in Tang Soo Do and am interested in Haidong Gumdo. I have always been taught to never let my knees bend in, as that could eventually destroy the ligaments, leading to knee failure and replacement. Why do you bend the knees in, and what do you do to prevent knee damage?

[@TheSwordLynx]

There are a few reasons: it helps compensate the forward momentum of the cut, it stabilizes your position in both the side to side and forward back directions, and it hides where the knee joint is. You can prevent some of the worst injury by keeping the toe and knee cap aligned as you bend (thanks to master Jenko for the insight)

[@lirabarbajavier]

Very good teacher, thanks for sharing this kind of very useful videos! 😁😈

[@TheSwordLynx]

It’s my pleasure! Glad they’re useful!

[@matemiklos6179]

Good evening

[@rajeshkhilari]

What is the weight of this sword without the sheath ? It looks pretty light in this video.

[@TheSwordLynx]

This is a hanwei 29” practical iaito. The website says it’s 1 pound, 15oz.

[@rajeshkhilari]

That is pretty light. Thank you for the reply.

[@TheSwordLynx]

It’s pretty standard weight for a steel sword. A lot of practitioners use aluminum alloy so they can hear the sword sing more easily. I’ve always preferred steel.

[@matemiklos6179]

Good day! I live in Romania in Europe. I am a Taekwondo coach with six DAN. I have been studying Haidong Gumdo for 7 years. I studied in Hungary with Grandmaster Choi Kil Bong. Since he doesn't come to Busapestre anymore, I have no one to learn from and no one to take my black belt exam.It is in Romania, but it was only started a year ago. I have seen many teachings from you. I want to belong to your club and I want to pass the exam with you.Can I ask for your help as I have been refused by others in Europe?

[@TheSwordLynx]

Let me get back to you! Going to reach out to a few places!

[@matemiklos6179]

Thank you very much, I really count on you, Master

[@TheSwordLynx]

Someone more knowledgeable than I am will reach out to you soon!

[@TheJimtanker]

I'm sorry, but Haidong Gumdo looks too much like just dancing around. I much prefer Iaido; particularly for it's underlying philosophy.

[@TheSwordLynx]

They have different purposes. I trained in iaido as well and it is an excellent source of focus, nuance in the draw and put away, and breath work. It is, however, not efficient in body mechanics, application (my favorite example is the fourth kata), or flow. Gumdo is excellent at flow, body mechanics, and speed, but lacks fundamentals apparent in Iaido. On a scale of application, I would put Gumdo above Iaido, but also below HEMA or HJMA.

[@ggrossko1]

Way to much talking...