About

Haidong Gumdo is a Korean martial art. Many Americans might be more familiar with empty hand arts, such as Karate, Taekwondo, or MMA. However, Haidong Gumdo is distinguished for its focus on sword work, and is probably more readily compared with arts such as Kendo, Iaido, or HEMA. Haidong Gumdo draws on battlefield tactics and techniques in a modern and professional curriculum of swordsmanship. Students approach the study of the sword through patterns, drills, meditation, and test cutting using sharpened, live blades.

The East Coast Haidong Gumdo Association is comprised of Haidong Gumdo sword schools and instructors in the eastern United States. It is a part of the larger U.S. Haidong Gumdo Association and the World Haidong Gumdo Federation, based in Korea and headed by President Kim Jeong-Ho.

In addition to training at your local school, the Associations and Federation regularly hold regional testing and training seminars, as well as both national and world-level competition.

Check to see what schools are located closest to you, and learn about upcoming events using the menu above.