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Progression from 8th Gub to 1st Gub (Colored Belt Ranks):
There are generally eight (8) color belt ranks (gubs) of learning before a student achieves the level of 1st Degree Black Belt (1st Dan). The system of gubs and dans is taken from the Japanese martial art of Judo and was adopted by the World Haidong Gumdo Federation. In Haidong Gumdo it is felt that the purpose of the belt is to keep your pants up, your jacket closed and your testing judges or new instructors apprised of what they can ask you to do.
Beginner students are taught one or more memorized patterns of movement as well as short, step-drills which emphasize the key-points of those patterns. The patterns are named 'ssang-su gumbub' which means sword methods for two hands.
The memorized patterns (forms) can be thought of as solo performance pieces that serve two functions. The first function is to enable the practitioner to discover the correct way to move with each technique in order to develop proper speed, power and timing. Without these things the student is lost. The second function is to provide the student with a safe way to demonstrate their level of skill. The two-handed sword techniques (ssang-su gumbub) begin with a very basic approach to moving and cutting properly. Over the course of these 12 pattern series the student will be required to reach greater speeds, higher endurance levels and expand their level of environmental awareness.
At each belt level, students are also required to learn one or more fighting sword drills or key-point drills (called gyuk-gums). These are only a few steps each and include the essence and important techniques introduced in the twelve ssang-su gumbub forms. They include a draw, the new technique, a 180 degree rotation, a repeat of the attack and a return of the weapon to the scabbard (sword case). These drills must be performed as quickly as possible with a focus on skillful execution.
Shimsang gumbub is the last sword form learned before Black Belt and is used to determine the overall skill of a candidate for first dan. It comprises all of the techniques found in the ssang-su gumbub forms and exceeds them. It is extremely fast and involved, covers a great deal of area and repeatedly simulates confrontations with multiple attackers at all angles.
Progression from 1st Dan to 8th Dan (Black Belt Ranks):
As should be expected the road through the higher degrees of Haidong Gumdo is slower and much more demanding. The curriculum is smaller but involves a higher degree of technique and conditioning on the part of the student. Cutting skills are the primary requirement for test candidates but forms are practiced as well. The highest rank in Haidong Gumdo is 9th Dan but as in most Korean arts this rank is ceremonial and is reserved for the Head of the art as a whole.
To achieve the rank of second dan requires learning a series of patterns called yedo gumbub.
To achieve the rank of third dan requires learning 1-4 in a series of patterns called bonguk gumbub.
To achieve the rank of fourth dan requires completing bonguk gumbub by learning 5-7.
To achieve the rank of fifth dan includes the learning of jang paek gumbub.
To achieve the rank of sixth dan includes the learning of um-yang gumbub.
To achieve the rank of seventh dan includes the learning of taeguk gumbub.
To achieve the rank of eighth dan includes the learning of haidong gumbub and the learning of ssang-gumbub (two-blades).
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