검도
Gumdo
The Korean art of the sword
Gumdo is the traditional Korean art of the sword, drawn from real battlefield systems. Training builds mental clarity, posture, core power, precise cutting angles and breath control — and it is unlike anything else in the building.
Practice covers basic technique, forms, step sparring, sparring, energy-building exercise and cutting. Most work is done with the mokgum, a wooden sword; cutting practice uses straw, paper and bamboo.
Where Japanese kendo is built around one-versus-one duelling, the Korean tradition is built around one-versus-many — the tactics of an open battlefield. It is powerful, complex and beautiful, and it can be practised for the whole of a life.
What you actually train
- Bupbub — traditional solo sword forms, mastering stance and draw angles.
- Mokgum — partner drills and blocking with wooden practice swords.
- Gekgum — precision cutting through straw, paper and bamboo, for edge control.
- Danjeon — lower abdominal breathing and mental focus conditioning.
Your first lesson is free
Wear a t-shirt and tracksuit pants. There is nothing to buy and nothing to sign.