About Us
Haidong Gumdo is a Korean sword art which draws from battlefield tactics and techniques to build a curriculum for mental, physical and spiritual development. Students learn forms, step drills, sitting and moving meditation, sparring as well as bamboo and straw cutting. Powerful, complex and beautiful Haidong Gumdo is a wonderful style which can be pursued throughout your life.
Grandmaster Jeong-Ho Kim is the modern day founder and President of The World Haidong Gumdo Federation, an organization dedicated to spreading the art of Haidong Gumdo throughout the world. Grandmaster Kim has established nearly 500 Haidong Gumdo dojangs in Korea and well over 1,000 schools in over 50 countries outside of Korea. He continues to spread his vision of Haidong Gumdo martial art and conduct seminars for instructors throughout the world. He has received numerous awards, including one given by Bill Clinton, President of the United States, for his great contribution to American society. European Haidong Gumdo Association has been developing by Leading Master Han and Master Lee with national HDGD Association lnstructors since 2000.
Haidong Gumdo was introduced to Ireland by Korean Master Dorim Kim, in 2005 through the Irish Haidong Gumdo Association, of which he is president. Officially opened in June 2006, The Korean Martial Arts Centre, (KMAC) Kennedy Centre, Kennedy Rd, Navan is the Headquarters of the Irish HDGD Association. Since its short history, The Irish Haidong Gumdo Association has trained 18 black belt instructors, four of whom are women. There are presently 6 clubs opened by instructors and presently over 100 students practicing weekly.
In 2007, the Haidong Gumdo European Championships were held in Switzerland, where the Irish team, although in its infancy, brought home two gold, three silver and seven bronze awards. The Irish competitors ranged from 10 years to 40 years of age. Two members Jessica Harte (age 10) and Conor Bermingham (12), from Navan, have been selected by Korean World Headquarters to demonstrate the martial art at Euro Sports 2008 in Paris on 29th March, an event to be televised throughout Europe.
1st Irish Haidong Gumdo Open Championships 2008 successfully took place in Navan Co Meath on Saturday 26 April 2008.
2nd Irish Haidong Gumdo Championships 2009 successfully took place in Knightbrook Hotel, Trim, Co Meath on 6th June 2009.
Irish Haidong Gumdo Association H.Q. Korean Martial Arts Centre, Unit 3, Kennedy Centre (2F), Kennedy Rd, Navan, Co.Meath / 0863894611
