US National Taekwondo Association Approved Sword Program

KumMuSool: The "Art of Martial Sword Technique"

There are several different styles of Korean swordsmanship. One of the modern styles is KumMuSool. Based on the techniques of KyukKumSool developed by the Korean military during the Shilla Dynasty. KumMuSool  is based on traditional Korean swordsmanship which stresses moral values and emphasizes fluidity, harmony, circular movements, and the theories, concepts and principles of defensive action. The KumMuSool style of traditional Korean swordsmanship concerns itself with the development of the mind, body and spirit of its practitioners through physical, mental and spiritual training.

In part, KumMuSool consists of kul-da  (drawing the sword from the scabbard), chae-dan  (cutting movements), se-tak  (cleaning the blood from the blade), and gum-jip  (sheathing the sword). Each of these four components must be perfected. The intricacies of these actions may take years to master, and even then can only be maintained through constant practice and dedication to the perfection of oneself through KumMuSool.

There are 17 hyungs  (patterns) which must be learned before attaining the first degree black belt level in KumMuSool. Another essential part of the training curriculum is gum dare ee on (sword sparring sets). Sparring sets are practiced in order to understand the physical applications of basic and combination techniques of the sword.

A na mokdo (wooden sword) is an integral part of sword training. The student must first learn the proper movements of the yul ki bon pe-da  (10 basic cuts) of the sword. These are practiced both single-handed and two-handed until the movements are performed correctly. Only later, after the student is able to demonstrate his ability to control the movements of the sword to the finest detail, will he be permitted to use a "live blade".

The yul ki bon pe-da (10 basic cuts) are the foundation of sword practice. Students, using the na mu ui gum (wooden sword), move up and down the training floor repeating each cut over and over again. Each movement takes the student one step closer to perfecting each technique.

The scabbard is slid into the belt, sharp edge of the blade facing upward. Some Korean sword schools require the blade face downward, but this is the "exception" and not the rule. The sword was kept in the belt in order to free the hands of the practitioner when not engaged in combat. When using two hands to grip the handle of the sword the right hand (for a right-handed swordsman), is against the hand-guard. The left hand is at the bottom of the handle. If the left hand were to grab further up on the handle the movements would lack both speed and power.

KumMuSool involves much more than mere physical training of techniques. The Art also focuses on the development and cultivation of nae ki (inner power) and wae ki (outer power). KumMuSool also stresses shim gong (mental powers and development). All of these aspects of the Art are taught in order to help the student attain a deeper understanding of himself through the study of KumMuSool.

This traditional Art of Korean swordsmanship also focuses on the development of the positive aspects of the exponent's character. The sword is not merely an extension of the practitioner's hand or movements. This is purely a physical interpretation and concerns itself with only techniques, which are only a small part of the complete Art. The individual who maintains this attitude toward Korean swordsmanship trains strictly on a physical level leading to low levels of personal character development.

The study of the Art of KumMuSool is a continuous journey, not an attainable goal. KumMuSool practitioners commit and dedicate themselves to the idea that they will be students all of their lives, each and every day. The Art becomes much more than mere physical or mental training. To the practitioner it becomes a "Way" of life.

To study KumMuSool first-hand and learn directly from Grand Masters of the system you may wish to take advantage of the opportunity to attend Korean Swordsmanship Seminars. You will be able to experience the "true" Art of Korean Swordsmanship.

In order to insure you are learning the complete Art of KumMuSool, you will find Korean Swordsmanship DVDs in our on-line store (available in 2007). Grand Masters guide you every step of the way through each aspect of the Art of Korean Swordsmanship, in these presentations.

KumMuSool Ranking System
The KumMuSool belt ranking system is divided into two different classifications, gups and dans. A student of KumKiDo who has not yet attained the rank of black belt is referred to as a yu gup cha  or gup which means "grade" There are 10 gup levels in KumMuSool, with 10th gup being the lowest and 1st gup being the highest. Gup ranks are distinguished by different colored belts.

Once an individual has reached the black belt level he is referred to as a yu dan cha  or dan (pronounced "don") which means "degree" There are 9 levels of black belt in KumMuSool which are divided into three distinct classifications:

First through third Dan (Novice)

Fourth through eighth Dan (Master)

Ninth Dan (Grand Master)

It is important to remember that no matter how long a person trains or what rank or title a person may achieve in KumMuSool he or she will always be a student.

Color of Belt  Rank
White Belt  10th Gup
White Belt With Yellow Stripe  9th Gup
Yellow Belt  8th Gup
Yellow Belt With Green Stripe  7th Gup
Green Belt  6th Gup
Green Belt With Blue Stripe  5th Gup
Blue Belt  4th Gup
Blue Belt With Red Stripe  3rd Gup
Red Belt  2nd Gup
Red Belt With Black Stripe  1st Gup
Black Belt  1st To 9th Dan


 
You Can Earn Your Black Belt In Korean Swordsmanship KumMuSool

 White Belt To Black Belt
There are 17 hyungs  (patterns) which a student is required to learn before attaining the rank of 1st degree black belt in KumMuSool.

At promotional examinations the student may, in addition to the hyung or hyungs required for him to advanced to the next rank, be asked to perform any or all of the hyungs up to the rank he is testing for. Therefore, students should practice all of the hyungs they know, in addition to any new hyungs they may be learning.

Improper execution of a hyung shows the instructor that the student has not yet grasped the correct movements of KumMuSool. If the student's movement is off by even a fraction of an inch it could result in serious injury to either himself or those he is training with. Therefore, there is no room for error when training with the blade.

Of all categories examined at a promotional testing, hyungs are the most critical factor as to whether a student passes or fails the examination. If basic movements are not learned properly, it will be evident in his hyungs. The instructor will continue to assist the student in the development and cultivation of correct form and technique through the practice of KumMuSool hyungs.


How Can I Advance In Rank?
It is best to train directly under a "certified" KumMuSool instructor and attend seminars conducted by Grandmasters, to insure you are receiving the best instruction possible. However, as an additional method of training to advance in rank, is by testing through the ETP (External Testing Program).

Once you have enrolled in the program you shall receive a Program Guide outlining the requirements you are to perform for each rank in order for you to reach the 1st degree black belt level in KumMuSool. All ranks are certified by the WSAF (World Sword Arts Federation).

You study the Korean Swordsmanship DVDs which contain the promotion requirements. When you feel you are ready to test you make a video of yourself performing the requirements for the rank(s) you wish to test for at that time. Submit the video with the $125.00 Examination Fee per Gup level. If you are testing from 10th Gup to 9th Gup, submit $25.00. If you are testing from 10th Gup to 8th Gup, submit $150.00. Your Black Belt Examination Fee will be $700.00. Each time you are promoted you shall be awarded a Certificate of Rank plus a Rank and Identification Card.

You may test for two ranks at a time in you so desire. For example: for your first test you may test from 10th Gup to 8th Gup, (belts are not included with the program). This will help you move more quickly through the program based on your martial arts experience and ability to comprehend and demonstrate the necessary requirements to advance in rank.

Once you have attained the rank of 1st Degree Black Belt in KumMuSool you may enroll in the 2nd Degree Black Belt Program. You may continue through the ranks and even enter the Master KumMuSool Program.

Where Can I Find A Sword To Train With?
You can order all needed weapons and training materials directly from our headquarters. There are many different types of Korean swords. The sword used in KumMuSool is the same type used by the Royal Palace Guards during the Silla Dynasty of ancient Korea. The blade is straight and measures 24 to 24 1/2 inches in length from the sword's hand-guard to the tip of the blade. The hand-guard is oval and large enough to protect the entire hand.

The only comparable replica sword available on the market today are available exclusively from our headquarters.

How Do I Enroll In The KumMuSool Black Belt Program?
To enroll in the program and begin earning your Black Belt in Korean Swordsmanship, complete the KumMuSool (1st Degree Black Belt Program) Application For Admission and any other necessary materials as stated on the application.

Once you have been accepted into the program you shall receive your WSAF Certificate of Rank, WSAF Rank and Identification Card, 5 Korean Swordsmanship DVDs featuring promotion requirements from White Belt to Black Belt, and a Program Guide outlining the requirements you are to perform for each rank in order for you to reach the 1st degree black belt level in KumMuSool.

How Can I Become A KumMuSool Head Instructor?
Once you have been awarded your black belt in KumMuSool you may apply to become a KumMuSool Head Instructor. This will enable you to add Korean Swordsmanship to your school curriculum and teach KumMuSool to your students.

To become a certified KumMuSool Head Instructor submit the following:

WSAF Head Instructor Application and Fee.
WSAF School Membership Application and Fee.
WSAF Individual Application For Membership and Fee (for yourself).
WSAF Individual Application For Membership and Fee (for each student).
Photocopy of your current KumMuSool Certificate of Rank.
Submit Fees in the form of a Money Order or Bank Draft,
in U.S. Currency, made payable to the World Sword Arts Federation.
Once you are accepted and your applications processed, you shall receive the following: your WSAF Certificate of Rank, your Rank and Identification Card (unless you are already a WSAF registered member), your Head Instructor Certificate, your School Membership Certificate, a Certificate of Rank and a Rank and Identification Card for each of your students, A Schedule of WSAF Fees, and Applications for Promotion, for when you test your students.

Must I Own A Building To Be An Instructor?
No. In order to register your School or Club and become a World Sword Arts Federation Head Instructor, you must have at least 5 students (not including yourself). You do not have to have a "full-time" commercial school. All you need is the ability and willingness to share your knowledge of KumMuSool with others.

How Will I Know What To Teach?
To help insure KumMuSool practitioners are learning correct History, Terminology, Dojang Class Etiquette, and other necessary information, Grand Master Oh has created an extensive and ever-growing collection of Korean, Swordsmanship DVDs which may be found here in our on-line store. These presentations guide you every step of the way through each aspect of the Art of Korean Swordsmanship.

To further help insure you are learning and/or teaching KumMuSool properly, Grand Master Oh is in the process of publishing his newest book “The Way of the Sword.” Check our web site to find out when it will be available.

Grand Master Oh is currently working on a complete set of KumMuSool Black Belt Levels and Master Levels DVDs. These presentations will enable martial arts practitioners to attain the rank of Master in KumMiSool. This DVD collection will also be available in the near future.

To study KumMuSool first-hand and learn directly from Grand Master Oh you may wish to take advantage of the opportunity to attend KumMuSool Swordsmanship Seminars. You will be able to experience the "true" Art of Korean Swordsmanship.