Haidong Gumdo is a name for many Korean martial arts organizations that use swords as their primary weapon. Haidong Gumdo comes from the martial arts traditions of the Samurang, a group of elite warriors originally trained by a master named Seolbong in the ancient Goguryeo Kingdom (modern-day northern Korea).

There are many forms of Haidong Gumdo practice, which are always done with a mok-gum - a wooden sword. The forms of Haidong Gumdo practice are kibun (basics), pumsae (forms), yaksuk daeryun (step sparring), sparring hada (free sparring), chingum kyukgum (sparring with live blades), kigong (energy-building exercises) and begi (cutting practice).

Sparring with wooden swords is primarily what those who practice Haidong Gumdo focus on. It is an art that combines many different styles of swordplay into one formidable style.

Haidong Gumdo draws from battlefield techniques that help focus students' mental, physical and spiritual development. Students learn forms, step drills, sitting and moving meditation, sparring, and bamboo and straw cutting. It is beneficial physically and mentally.

Practicing this art requires great tactical thinking and superior physical conditioning. More importantly, it is about discipline and respect.