Feedback on the Dutch Workshop, written by Li Schlüter

[HAEDONG]

ref)
https://m.cafe.daum.net/uwhkf/MbWZ/155?svc=cafeapp

3 Dan essay for Li Schlüter in Germany

https://m.cafe.daum.net/uwhkf/MbWZ/137?svc=cafeapp

2026 German Seminar Announcement Jinyoung Ssangkum Ryu HK

Feedback on the International Haedong Kumdo Workshop in Deventer (July 3–5, 2026)
Grand Master Kim Jeong Seong

The International Haedong Kumdo Workshop in Deventer from July 3 to 5, 2026, with Grand Master Kim Jeong Seong from South Korea, was an enriching experience for me.

The three intensive days of training not only gave me new insights into the art of Haedong Kumdo but also deepened my enjoyment of learning together and networking with like-minded people from all over the world.

On Friday,
black belt training was on the agenda. I didn’t learn any new kumbubs. One might assume that this is unfortunate. But that wasn't the case at all.

Under GM Kim’s guidance, I was able to deepen and refine the forms I already knew.

For me, that was much more valuable at that point than memorizing new sequences of movements.

The reason is that I rarely have the opportunity to train with GM Kim, and I’m grateful for every professional tip on how to improve my techniques.

It was also wonderful that I had the opportunity to teach other participants.

These experiences show me time and again how important it is to pass on one’s own knowledge and, in doing so, to reflect on it once more.

Saturday was marked by two exciting training sessions.

In the first session, the focus was on basic techniques:

from basic kimu to basic stances and sword handling. GM Kim repeatedly emphasized the importance of a solid foundation in the art of the sword.

It was a joy to work through these fundamentals with him and to feel how even small corrections immediately affected the precision and elegance of our movements.

In the afternoon, we focused on Kyukkum techniques with two swords.

Together with my training partner Emanuel from Belgium, I practiced diligently.

It was a special joy to train with people from other countries, make new friends, and build international networks. Sharing a common passion brings people together.

On Sunday, sparring with the soft sword was on the schedule.

Unfortunately, after the intense days, I was so exhausted that I couldn’t actively participate.

Instead, I was able to use the training session to document the training content.

This is also an important reason for me to attend as many workshops with GM Kim as possible.

That way, I have the opportunity not only to deepen my own knowledge of the martial art Haedong Kumdo but also to ensure the transfer of that knowledge to my school in Bonn and to raise the level of our school.

It’s a real shame that I had to miss the afternoon competition and the healing session on Monday because I had to leave early.

Nevertheless, I’m taking home many valuable insights and renewed motivation.

The workshop showed me once again how important it is to strengthen our foundation, exchange ideas, and grow together.

I’m already looking forward to the next gathering in Sofia/Bulgaria (28.-30.8.26) with GM Kim and the international Haedong Kumdo community!

Finally,
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Dutch organizing team—especially Dominic—for making this workshop possible.

Li Schlüter from Germany!!

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Commentary
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Strong Foundations Build a Strong Future

Thoughts on Li Schlüter's Reflections from the 2026 Netherlands Seminar

As I continued reading the reflections from our international representatives, I was reminded once again that although everyone attended the same seminar, each person returned home with a different lesson.

Keith wrote about learning.

Chris wrote about philosophy and self-cultivation.

Dominic wrote about leadership.

Ben wrote about community.

Patrick wrote about learning through teaching.

And Li reminded us of something that every martial artist must never forget—the importance of strong foundations.

Many people believe that progress means constantly learning new techniques.

However, true progress comes not from collecting more techniques, but from understanding and refining the ones we already know.

Li expressed this beautifully.

Although no new forms were introduced during the black belt training, she found tremendous value in polishing the techniques she had already learned.

Reading those words made me very happy, because this is one of the greatest realizations a martial artist can have.

The basics are the first things we learn, but they are also the last things we continue to refine throughout our lives.

If our foundation is weak, everything built upon it becomes unstable.

But when the foundation is strong, new techniques naturally grow from it.

I was also impressed by Li's commitment to bringing everything she learned back to her students in Bonn.

Knowledge has little value if it remains with one person.

It becomes truly meaningful when it is shared, practiced, and passed on to the next generation.

In this way, the growth of one student becomes the growth of one school, and the growth of one school becomes the growth of our international Haedong Kumdo family.

Li,

Thank you for your humility, your dedication, and your sincere commitment to your students.

You are not simply teaching techniques—you are preserving and passing on the value of strong fundamentals.

Although you unfortunately had to miss the Healing Practice at the Netherlands seminar because of your travel schedule, I hope that opportunity will be fully restored at our next international seminar in Sofia, Bulgaria this August.

This seminar will place a special emphasis on Healing Practice and KiMu Practice, giving everyone the opportunity to experience more deeply how martial techniques, philosophy, KiMu, and healing are all connected through the same natural principles.

I hope it will become another important step in your journey—not only to strengthen your techniques, but also to deepen your understanding of the invisible principles that give martial arts their true meaning.

Strong foundations create strong techniques.
Strong techniques build strong character.
And strong character creates true martial artists.

I look forward to seeing you again in Bulgaria.

HAEDONG!