Kumdo
Korean martial art derived from Japanese Kendo
コムド · 검도
- Type
- martial arts
Kumdo (Korean: 검도; lit. 'the way of the sword') is the Korean term for kendo, the Japanese discipline of swordsmanship. The name is also romanized as Kŏmdo, Keomdo, Gumdo, and Geomdo.
Kumdo, commonly translated as "the way of the sword," encompasses various sword-based martial arts influenced by Japanese traditions. Among these, Haidong Gumdo, a popular style in Korea, emphasizes broad, flowing sword movements intended to replicate ancient battlefield techniques, in contrast to kendo’s focus on precision and controlled strikes.
Since its introduction from Japan, kendo has been widely integrated into Korean culture and society. Over time, the term "kumdo" has evolved into a broader label encompassing Korean martial arts rooted in swordsmanship. It can refer to the competitive, sport-oriented practice originated from Japan, as well as other martial forms such as Haidong Gumdo and Hankumdo.
External links
Facts from Wikidata Q1430995 (CC0); quoted introduction from English Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0). Data retrieved 2026-10-22.
Data: Wikidata (CC0 1.0); Wikipedia (English) (CC BY-SA 4.0). Retrieved 2026-10-22.