Since last year, I’ve reconnected with a sport I cherished growing up in Korea—검도 (Gumdo), also known as “the Way of the Sword.” This martial art emphasizes the discipline of the mind, body, and sword, uniting them into a harmonious whole. Practicing Gumdo has reignited my passion for this traditional art form. It reminds me of the profound balance, focus, and strength it cultivates.
Brief History
Gumdo, also known as “Kumdo” or “the Way of the Sword,” is deeply rooted in Korean martial traditions. It shares a close connection with the Japanese art of Kendo. Originally, warriors practiced this to train in swordsmanship. Over time, it evolved into a disciplined martial art. Gumdo emphasizes spiritual development, physical endurance, and mental fortitude.
Similarities Between Kendo and Gumdo
Gumdo and Kendo are often compared because both emphasize swordsmanship, discipline, and spiritual development. Each martial art uses a bamboo sword—jukdo in Gumdo and shinai in Kendo—along with protective armor. The key difference between them lies in their cultural origins and techniques. While Kendo is widely practiced in Japan, Gumdo incorporates unique elements from Korean martial arts, reflecting Korea’s distinct historical and cultural influences.
The Gear I Use to Document Our Training
To capture the intensity and focus of our Gumdo training sessions, I rely on the Canon EOS 5D Mark III. Its exceptional image quality allows me to document the dynamic movements and powerful expressions during practice. I use a range of lenses to capture different perspectives:
- EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM: This lens is ideal for wide-angle shots, capturing the entire training environment, including group formations and the dojo’s atmosphere.
- EF 35mm f/1.4L USM: Perfect for close-ups with a shallow depth of field, this lens highlights the details of the sword, armor, and the concentration on the practitioners’ faces.
- EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM: This telephoto lens allows me to photograph the action from a distance, focusing on individual movements and expressions without disrupting the flow of practice.
사범님 (Master Instructor), Washington Kendo Club
Yong W. B.
“It was my very first time working with Jiho, and I was truly blessed to have had a chance to let him do our promotional video.”
Creativity was tops and the manner in which he understood our martial art and the ability to capture the essence of our marital art was very impressive. In the few hours in which he had spent with us he was able to immerse into our practice sessions and capture moments which I missed on a daily basis such as the personality of each student, the vibe of our studio, and the studio space itself came to life . His method of capturing it in camera and the way the editing was done was superb. I would like to, on behalf of US Hwa Rang Kwan Kumdo, to thank him for his professional work, and to have made this process not only smooth, but an honor.
Apart from the videos, the photographs which Jiho took for us is of valuable asset and will be used for our marketing purposes both in print and web at WashingtonKendo.com. All credits to you Jiho!
Thank you very very very very much!!
