Haidong Gumdo lightly translated means ‘Sword Way of the East’, more directly translated though its meaning is ‘The way of the sword that upholds justice with the sword light, which is obtained as the first rays of sun rise over the eastern sea’. Haidong Gumdo is a relatively new word but the art itself is comprised of techniques, philosophy and tradition that dates back hundreds if not thousands of years through Korean history.

In the mid 20th century the founder and Grand Master of Haidong Gumdo Jeong Ho Kim trained in and compiled the ancient ways of Korean swordsmanship into one complete art called Haidong Gumdo. Though the name of the sword art is a recent innovation, the substance of it is long standing and dates back to the earliest records of Korean martial arts. Many of the techniques and culture of the art can be traced back to the ancient writings and manuals of Korean martial arts recovered in the late 18th century.

Unfortunately many dynasties and wars have had a devastating impact on Korean culture and records throughout history, consequently few written records of ancient times have survived to modern day and the exact origins of Haidong Gumdo and its ways are still shrouded in mystery. Today Haidong Gumdo is widespread throughout Korea and has been spreading steadily around the globe as people discover the true depth and meaning of the art.