Author name: spring dragon

Blades Across Borders: The Belgium Haedong Kumdo Journey (Day 2 of 4)

Day 2 – Pushing Limits: Black Belt Test & Ki-Mu WorkshopThursday, May 29 After a calm morning, Day 2 began in quiet focus, with a powerful intention. We each prepared mentally in our own way for the moment we had trained toward for months: the Black Belt exam at 1:00 PM in Gellik. We stepped outside one last time to rehearse only the most essential sword forms—stripped down to what mattered most. The mind was […]

Blades Across Borders: The Belgium Haedong Kumdo Journey (Day 2 of 4) Read More »

Blades Across Borders: The Belgium Haedong Kumdo Journey (Day 1 of 4)

Day 1 – The Journey to the Belgium Haedong Kumdo EventWednesday, May 28 The adventure began at 10:15 sharp, as I boarded the train from Harlingen to Heerenveen—filled with anticipation and the hum of early travel. At the transfer station in Leeuwarden, fate briefly stepped in: I unexpectedly ran into my student Jimmy (see photo), a chance encounter that added a spark of encouragement to the day. Soon after, I joined Tjardo, and together we

Blades Across Borders: The Belgium Haedong Kumdo Journey (Day 1 of 4) Read More »

Ninjas, Sword Forms & Promotions: A Day in Haedong Kumdo Class

Today’s Haedong Kumdo class had it all: balance, speed, stealth… and just a touch of chaos. We opened with something new (and mildly dangerous in the funnest way): a full-blown Ninja Obstacle Course. The course had stations for rolling, balancing, climbing, jumping, and striking – basically every ninja skill except disappearing in a puff of smoke (we’re working on it). And of course, no ninja training is complete without an end-boss fight, which may or

Ninjas, Sword Forms & Promotions: A Day in Haedong Kumdo Class Read More »

Sword Training… with Flying Dodgeballs? Yes Please.

Ah, Haedong Kumdo — the ancient Korean martial art of elegance, discipline, and controlled swordsmanship. Until someone yells “Ready… THROW!”And then all that serenity gets absolutely smacked by a foam ball at Mach 3. Here’s how it went down: Why we love it: Because martial arts isn’t just about sharp moves — it’s about sharp reflexes, sharp minds, and the occasional sharp whoopee-style laugh when someone blocks a dodgeball like a movie hero. Would Bruce

Sword Training… with Flying Dodgeballs? Yes Please. Read More »

Progress and Purpose – Tjardo’s Journey to 2nd Dan

Recently, we’ve had the pleasure of witnessing Tjardo’s progress firsthand. Through dedicated cutting practice, he is steadily preparing for his 2nd Dan Black Belt in Haedong Kumdo – Jinyoung Ssangkum Ryu. Watching someone grow in their martial path is always a powerful reminder of what we’re all capable of — as long as we choose the right path and stay true to what we genuinely want in our hearts. Tjardo’s journey is a reflection of

Progress and Purpose – Tjardo’s Journey to 2nd Dan Read More »