Years ago, I started offering donation-based introductions to Haedong Kumdo at a local primary school. Over the course of several years, I taught hundreds of children. We had an incredible time together.
I still remember the excitement in their eyes — and also the nervous tension. The children could release their energy through sword techniques and powerful kihaps. They built confidence while practicing sparring techniques and even paper cutting — something that felt both thrilling and impressive to them.
Eventually, I stopped. In the bigger picture, my Haedong Kumdo introduction courses seemed like just a small part of the wide variety of sports being offered at the time. For a brief moment, it even felt as if it had all been for nothing. None of the children chose to continue with serious weekly training among my regular students.
None — except one.
There was one student who truly resonated with the art of the sword. One young boy who decided to step into the adult class and continue training: Jildert Leijenaar.
To be honest, I did not expect him to last long among young adults and grown men. I was wrong.
Jildert grew into a versatile student with an incredible spirit for learning the sword art. Year after year, I noticed how much he remembered, how naturally his technique developed, and how his understanding deepened. He is currently preparing for testing to become a Red Belt.
Last year, we spontaneously started sparring with two swords each. The tempo was high — very high. Yet he stood there without fear, holding his junior swords against his teacher: nearly 1.90 meters tall, with a powerful warrior’s kihap.
His kihap was just as strong.
What also stood out was his consistency. Excellent attendance. Never late. Always present.
In January, he even trained twice — alone with his teacher — in temperatures of -15°C. That kind of dedication cannot be taught. It comes from within.
Another remarkable milestone: Jildert is the only student who has truly developed his own Kummu.
Kummu — the art of Sword Dance — is a creative expression within our discipline. It combines Ki-Mu (energy exercises in martial arts) with skillful techniques using one sword and even two swords simultaneously.
As a teacher, I am deeply proud of his creations. Watching him find his own flow — playing with the foundations of sword techniques and forms — is a joy.
During the recent New Year training in Deventer, he was the only member of Spring Dragon Martial Arts who travelled independently to train and spar with members from other schools. That speaks volumes about his commitment.
He often says that he wants to learn what it truly takes to become a great Black Belt.
After the New Year training of Kum Sarang, something became clear to me. Jildert is not simply a student who performs slightly above average from time to time. He is an exceptional student. And more than that — he is an inspiration to others.
Growth. Dedication. Courage. Discipline. Creativity.
For all of these reasons, I am proud to present him with the Official Certificate of Excellence — an honour I grant only in exceptional cases, when a student demonstrates extraordinary growth, commitment, and spirit.
