Safety Gear

This section covers the different safety gear we are currently using. The current safety gear has been developed by other sparring programs and arts. There are plans to develop more tailored gear in the future. This will require months of research and testing. It will also require funding to build prototypes for testing and we first need a large enough sparring program to justify this cost.

Sword

The challenge with a sparring sword is finding the balance between how much it cushions an attack and how well it retains its sharp to perform proper techniques. For this program the bamboo sword has the best of this balance.

Pros

It cushions a cut or hit well while remaining rigid enough to use proper techniques.

Cons

It is unable to cushion a thrust requiring the safety to be in the gear covering the body.

The balance between safety and function have caused it to be traditionally used in many different sparring programs. In the United States it is most well know in Japanese Kendo.

Bamboo Sword

Japanese and Korean swords are very similar to each other. The picture to the left is of two Japanese Katanas and one Korean Jingum. The main difference is than the Jingum is typically straighter and heaver than the Katana. They are similar enough that a large number of Japanese or Koran techniques can be use with either sword.

Head

HEMA (Historical European Martial Arts) has developed a helmet that closely resembles ancient Korean helmets. It covering the top, back, and sides of head, while also protecting the throat and face. The metal mesh is strong enough to withstand thrusts from a bamboo sword and give the wearer a large field of vision.

HEMA Helmet

Ancient Korean Helmet

Torso

So far the bests match to protect the torso from the techniques and strategies of Haidong Gumdo comes from Japanese Kendo. The Kendo "Do" is good for protecting the chest and abdomen. Most of the time this is enough, but Haidong Gumdo uses techniques and strategies that target the back. Until a better match can be found or developed those techniques and strategies will only be used in controlled drills.

Kendo "Do"

The goal is to not only find or develop something to protect both the front and back, but for it to have a Korean style about it.

Ancient Korean Armor

Hands and Arms

The hands and wrists are required to be covered. The style of the glove or mitten use is a matter of personal preference. Each glove or mitten must be proved by a Master or instructor. Below are three examples of acceptable gloves and mittens.

Lacrosse Gloves

HEMA Gloves / Mittens

Kendo Mittens

The rest of the arm is not required to be covered. It is recommended for those that wish to avoid some bruises. Any arm protection will need to be approved by a master or instructor.

Legs and Feet

So far the bests match to protect the legs again comes from Japanese Kendo. The Kendo "Tare" is good for protecting the waist, hips, groin, and thighs. Again this works most of the time, but it does not protect from the techniques and strategies that target the back. Until a better match can be found or developed those techniques and strategies will only be used in controlled drills.

The goal is to not only find or develop something to protect both the front and back, but for it to have a Korean style about it. Traditionally the leg protection was typically a part of the torso armor.

Kendo "Tare"

Ancient Korean Armor

Below mid thigh is not required to be cover. It is recommended for those that wish to avoid some bruises. Any additional leg and foot protection will need to be approved by a master or instructor.