Pan-American Haidong Gumdo
Preserving the Korean Sword Art of Haidong Gumdo
PanAm Haidong Gumdo supports students, instructors, masters, and dojangs throughout the Pan-American region through training, events, testing, and connection to the World Haidong Gumdo Federation.
Who We Are
PanAm Haidong Gumdo is part of the World Haidong Gumdo Federation, an international organization dedicated to sharing the art of Haidong Gumdo throughout the world.
Our role is to help grow and support Haidong Gumdo across the Pan-American region by providing a place for schools to connect, students to find training opportunities, and practitioners to participate in official events and Dan testing.
Through seminars, championships, testing, and continued instruction, PanAm Haidong Gumdo helps preserve the traditions of Korean sword training while supporting modern students in their martial arts development.
About Haidong Gumdo
Haidong Gumdo is a Korean martial art centered on sword training. The name is commonly understood as the way of the sword from the eastern sea, and its practice emphasizes strong posture, focused movement, disciplined breathing, precision, and mental control.
Students begin by building safe and correct fundamentals through forms, cutting motions, footwork, partner drills, and structured curriculum. As students advance, training may include wooden sword practice, non-sharpened sword work, paper or target cutting, candle extinguishing, bamboo cutting, and performance or competition forms depending on rank, school, and event rules.
The art is traditionally connected to the martial spirit of the ancient Korean Koguryo kingdom and the Samurang swordsmen. In its modern form, Haidong Gumdo was developed and spread internationally through Grandmaster Jeong-Ho Kim, President of the World Haidong Gumdo Federation.
Training More Than Sword Technique
Haidong Gumdo training is physical, mental, and personal. The sword is the tool, but the goal is the development of the student.
Discipline
Students learn patience, repetition, respect for instruction, and responsibility for their own progress.
Focus
Sword training requires attention to timing, distance, breathing, posture, and intent.
Community
PanAm connects schools, instructors, students, and families through shared events and continued training.
Grandmaster Jeong-Ho Kim
Grandmaster Jeong-Ho Kim is recognized as the modern founder of Haidong Gumdo and President of the World Haidong Gumdo Federation. Through his leadership, Haidong Gumdo grew from Korea into an international martial art practiced by students and schools around the world.
PanAm Haidong Gumdo honors that connection by supporting official instruction, organized events, and continued development of Haidong Gumdo throughout the region.
Find a Dojang or Continue Your Training
Whether you are new to Haidong Gumdo or already training, PanAm Haidong Gumdo can help you connect with schools, events, and testing opportunities.