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In Korea, there were 'Cho Sun Se Bup' and 'Bon Gook Gum Bup,' which are the unique sword techniques. First, we would like to introduce 'Bon Gook Gum Bup' which is one of the many older sword techniques in the world. (Others include the respected Japanese styles of Kendo and Iaido). Roughly 2000 years ago, the Three Kingdoms period marks a contentious period in which Koguryo, Paekche, and Shilla were in contention with one another and the Han Chinese for control of East Asia.

At that time, "Bon Gook Gum Bup" constituted with 33 movements was developed by Shilla's Hwa Rang warriors to defend their territorial hold. In addition to 'Bon Gook Gum Bup,' Korea prides 'Cho Sun Se Bup' which was introduced by the Chinese Book named 'Moo Bee Jee.'

In 1621, a Chinese man, Mo Won Eui, published 'Moo Bee Jee' after studying about 2000 Chinese military tactic books. In 'Moo Bee Jee,' the only sword technique introduced by 'Mo Won Eui' was 'Cho Sun Se Bup.' 'Cho Sun' means 'Cho Sun Dynasty' which is the old name of Korea. He also said that there was no well-developed sword technique in China, but that was in Cho Sun Dynasty.

At the beginning of the Cho Sun Dynasty in the 15th Century, the political and ideological foundations changed dramatically. These changes brought the elimination of the warrior class and their power bases in private soldiers. Thus, gradually, the art of the sword was limited to the state military that was regarded as inferior to scholars.

In 1896, during the era of modernization, the art of the sword, was selected as a mandatory training requirement for newly established police academy. From there on, Kumdo, the modern amalgamation of 'the art of the sword' was developed to be practiced by some as a sport and by others as a means of character development or spiritual refinement.

The feet are separated by about the length of one foot. The right foot is firmly planted on the sole, with the heel slightly raised. The left foot is drawn back to the rear so that the toe is just in line with the heel of the right foot and about a foot length away to the left. The picture below shows the footwork for the various movements in Kumdo. This footwork must be mastered, and the best approach is constant practice. Starting from the shaded position, the Kumdoist moves to the left with his left foot first and to the right with is right foot first. The square or box movement can be accomplished by first moving the right foot to the right, followed by the left foot. Then move the left foot back and follow the movement with the right foot. The next movement will be to the left with the left foot, the right foot following. To complete the box, the right foot is pushed forward, and the left foot follows. Practice the patterns in the picture so that you can master the movements and maintain position of the feet.