NYC middle school : Martial arts comparison series
NYC middle school : Karate and Kumdo are both martial arts, but the two couldn’t be more different. So, how does karate compare to Kumdo and which is right for your child?
Just like karate, Kumdo has origins from Japan. It is almost identical to Japanese Kendo, but it is actually a Korean sword teaching martial art. Kumdo means the way of the sword. So unlike karate, it will not prepare your child for a potentially life-threating attack.
However, some people enjoy swordsmanship, from more of a sports point-of-view. If your children are young, you might consider starting out with karate. Once they are older and more responsible, they can also train in Kumdo.
Training in Kumdo
Firstly, practice takes place using a wooden training sword (Mukkum). In competition, opponents use a bamboo sword (Jukkum), along with light armor. Secondly, as students advance they will be able to practice with a metal sword (Jingum)
“It is a spirit to seek out knowledge that defines a martial artist.” – Igor Dyachenko
Parents will appreciate the lessons that develop a strong spirit, harmony, and balance. They may not appreciate the development of a warrior spirit and attitude. Also, the child may not like the strict etiquette.
The four principals of Kumdo are to:
- Develop a proper stance
- Respect the sword
- Interact with universal energy
- Combine breath with an appropriate sword technique
Sword techniques are varied, and students learn blocks, stances, strikes, strategy, and footwork. The conclusion here is that there are good and bad things in Kumdo for children. For adults, Kumdo can extend the martial arts experience; after all, it is a spirit of seeking knowledge that defines a martial artist. NYC middle school