Why Study the Sword in 2013?

Why Study the Sword in 2013?

Why study a traditional sword art, like Kuhapdo in 2013. You can’t walk around with a sword in modern times. What a great question! And there are more than a few answers. First, what is Kuhapdo? and what relation does it have to our main art taught at Self Defense Academy, in Howell NJ….Hapkido?

Kuhapdo is a sword art. The word “Kuhapdo” is the Korean word for the Japanese sword art “Iaido”; the sword art of the samurai. In its simplest form; Kuhapdo is an art where one will draw the sword from a sheathed position, perform a cut or series of cuts, then re-sheath the sword back to starting position. Of course the mechanics, physical strength, speed and mental focus to accomplish this are the specific areas one trains in.
Chung Suk Kuhapdo was founded by Korea’s top swordsman- 9th Dan Grandmaster Lim Hyun Soo of the Jungki Kwan, Daegu City South Korea.

Okay….but can Kuhapdo help your Hapkido get better? Yes it can! My personal experience studying the sword has improved my Hapkido technique both physically and mentally. My ‘Ki Yap’ or energy yell has greatly inproved and my foot work is better as well. Last year at a Kuhapdo Seminar in the United States Grand-master Lim said something very interesting, “Kuhapdo is the high level of Hapkido, and Hapkido is the high level of Kuhapdo.” Wow, that’s deep. I believe in the power of learning the sword so much that I made it a requirement for my adult students who are testing for their Black belt in Hapkido to learn the Kuhapdo basics.

What can one learn from Kuhapdo?

You reach a stage of being free of all thoughts.
You always make right decisions in a daily life.
You keep a dignity and calmness even in a dangerous situation, you become confident.
You get acquainted with the sword and get to understand the sword. You do net learn the way of the killing with the sword. You use the sword for protection only.
You get a truthful and caring attitude toward other people by learning to be courteous.
You don't need a practice partner. It is easy for all ages and sexes to learn.

Kuhapdo is also great for anyone who wants an awesome physical and cardio work out. Swinging a heavy wood sword around for an hour can burn some serious calories!!



Master McCann