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 standing meditation, sparring as well as bamboo and straw cutting. Unlike Kendo and its Korean equivalent, Kumdo, the focus in Haidong Gumdo is not dueling but on the tactics of outdoor, pitched battles.  Ultimately, Haidong Gumdo does have dueling in it, but it is much more dynamic than in Kumdo.  It focuses on multiple attackers and uses a much broader range of techniques and attacks.

Haidong Gumdo can be practiced by people of all ages and any physical conditions.  It is perfect for those who want to study martial arts but don't want the normal kicking and punching of most.

Haidong Gumdo is a much softer style martial art compared to others such as Tae Kwon Do or Karate.  It focuses on mental and physical conditioning but much more mental control is developed.  Students of Haidong Gumdo will learn meditation and proper breathing exercises that will relieve stress and promote a healthy body and mind.  Don't let it's grace fool you though.  Although the many forms in Haidong Gumdo are elegant and beautiful, they all have an underlying background of strength and ferocity.