Principles and Purpose of Sword Form Training in JSKR-HK

[진영]

In Korean 국문번역
https://m.cafe.daum.net/enlightenment-k/dcM5/599?svc=cafeapp

해동검도 검법 설명 및 검법 수련을 통한 무예 수련의 궁극적 목표 도달

■ Principles and Purpose of Sword Form Training in Jinyoung Ssangkum Ryu Haedong Kumdo ■


The explanations of each sword form may differ slightly depending on the association or the skill level of practitioners.

However, in Jinyoung Ssangkum Ryu Haedong Kumdo, sword training is understood through the following principles so that practitioners may reach the true purpose of martial arts training.

☆ Fundamental Guidelines for Training

1. Practice with a clear understanding of the concept and purpose of sword form training.

2. Always recognize what the beginning stage and the final stage of training are.

3. Throughout the training process, constantly remember what is truly important.

4. Within the movement of the sword and the body, practitioners must internalize the fundamental flow of energy (Ki).

5. When this flow of Ki becomes embodied, practitioners can finally understand through experience the deeper principles such as
Unity of Sword and Self
(Kum-A-Ilche, 검아일체),
Sword and Zen as One (Kum-Seon-Il-yeo, 검선일여),
The Sword that Takes Life (Salsaeng-Kum,살생검),
The Sword that Preserves Life (Yangsaeng-Kum, 양생검),
and The Mind Sword (Sim-Kum, 심검).

6. When one realizes that the three foundations of martial arts—Technique, Philosophy, and Healing—are connected by one principle, the ultimate goal of martial training becomes clear.

7. If one clings only to the repetitive training of physical technique, the natural aging of the body will eventually prevent reaching the true final goal of martial practice.

8. Through repeated training, continuous reflection and renewed determination must elevate one's ability and guide the practitioner toward the final destination of martial training. This is the necessary and sufficient condition for progress.

9. Through the ultimate goal of martial training, a practitioner ultimately discovers the deeper purpose of human life, learning how to live with health and happiness for lifetime.

《Symbolic Meaning of the Sword Forms》

The main names of the sword forms in Jinyoung Ssangkum Ryu Haedong Kumdo begin with the names of mountains in the southern part of Korea and gradually progress northward along the Baekdu-daegan mountain range.

This progression symbolizes a journey:
beginning from the southern mountains,
ascending along the great mountain spine of Korea,
realizing the principle of Taeguk (the harmony of Um and Yang),
ultimately understanding Mugeuk (the limitless origin),
and continuing constant cultivation throughout one’s life.

Thus the structure of the sword forms reflects a path of martial, philosophical, and spiritual development.

○ Explanation of Major Sword Methods

■ Ssangsu Kumbup

This method uses both hands to wield the sword, employing the entire body in large and powerful movements.
Through the use of the whole body, the practitioner advances toward the stage where
Ki (Energy) – Kum (Sword) – Shin (Body)
become one.

Through this practice, the movement of the body becomes synchronized with the natural flow of the sword.

At higher levels of development, it leads to the realization that Technique, Philosophy, and Healing return to one principle.

■ SimSang Kumbup (Mind-Image Sword Method)

This sword method connects the body and the mind.

The movements are flowing, graceful, and expressive, clearly revealing the control of strength and softness,
speed and stillness.
Sim Sang training cultivates the unity of the flow of the sword and the flow of the mind.

It is not merely repetition of technique but a training that internalizes the movement of the mind through the sword, bridging technique with philosophical practice.

■ Yedo Kumbup

This sword method reflects the characteristics of a short and sharp blade, suitable for close-range and agile situations.
Because of the shorter weapon and quick movements, this form emphasizes
speed,
precision,
explosive power.

Through these qualities, practitioners cultivate mental flexibility and immediate responsiveness.

■ Bonkuk Kumbup

Although some historical references trace this method back to the Silla Dynasty, in Haedong Kumdo it is understood mainly as a sword form characterized by
wide and elegant movements,
dynamic rhythm of strength and softness,
large and flexible use of the entire body.
Beyond technical training, Bonkuk sword methods also represent a connection to Korean martial heritage and cultural spirit, encouraging practitioners to recognize their cultural roots through the sword.
Weisu Kumbup (Single-Hand Sword Method, 외수검법)
This sword method uses one hand to wield the sword, emphasizing agility and dynamic movement.
Compared to two-hand sword methods:
the cutting range is narrower,
but movement becomes faster and more adaptable.
This method is advantageous when facing multiple opponents or rapidly changing situations.
Because the sword is controlled with only one hand, the unity of body, mind, and energy must become even more precise, leading to training in concentrated Ki and instantaneous action.

■ Jangbaek Kumbup

Compared with the expansive and decorative Bonkuk sword methods, Jangbaek forms display
clear contrast between strength and softness,
dignity and weight,
concise defensive and cutting movements.
These forms combine blocking, cutting, and rotational movements.

At higher levels, this method expresses the integration of power and Ki, where each motion must contain both the condensation and release of energy.

Without understanding the flow of Ki within the sword path, these forms risk becoming nothing more than memorized physical movements.

■ Ssangkumbup (Two-Swords Method)

In many sword traditions, double-sword practice is reserved for advanced practitioners. However, in Jinyoung Ssangkum Ryu, double-sword training begins from the very beginning.

The swords are generally shorter than those used in two-hand sword methods(Ssangsu Kumbup), and sometimes two swords of different lengths are used.
This method greatly expands
balance,
coordination,
and technical versatility.

Through rotating and crossing movements of the two swords, the method combines the strengths of both Bonkuk and Jangbaek sword traditions.

The dynamic nature of double-sword practice—often including
rolling,
jumping,
kicking,
and simultaneous directional control—
makes it one of the most impressive and powerful expressions within Haedong Kumdo.

Through this training, practitioners ultimately realize that the essence of martial arts arises from one principle that unites Technique, Philosophy, and Healing, reflecting the traditional Three-Origin Philosophy emphasized by our ancestors.

■ Final Principle

If martial arts training is limited only to physical technique,
it remains only half of martial arts practice.

True martial training must ultimately reveal the deeper unity of Technique, Philosophy, and Healing.

~~~~~

7 March 2026
Jinyoung Ssangkum Ryu Haedong Kumdo JS Kim