There are several different styles of Korean swordsmanship. One of the
major traditional styles is
Shim Soo Do™. Founded by Grand Master James S. Benko,
Shim Soo Do 
is based on traditional Korean
swordsmanship which stresses moral values and emphasizes fluidity, harmony,
circular movements, and the theories, concepts and principles of defensive
action. The Shim Soo Do style of traditional Korean swordsmanship concerns
itself with the development of the mind, body and spirit of its
practitioners through physical, mental and spiritual training.
In part, Shim Soo Do consists of
kul-da (drawing the sword from the scabbard),
chae-dan
(cutting movements),
se-tak
(cleaning the blood from the blade), and
gum-jip
(sheathing the sword). Each of these four components must be
perfected. The intricacies of these actions may take years to master, and even
then can only be maintained through constant practice and dedication to the
perfection of oneself through Shim Soo Do™.
There are 17
hyungs
(patterns) which must be learned before attaining the first
degree black belt level in Shim Soo Do. Another essential part of the training
curriculum is
gum dare ee on
(sword sparring sets).
Sparring sets are practiced in order to understand the physical applications of basic and
combination techniques of the sword.
A na mu ui gum (wooden sword) is an integral part of sword training. The
student must first learn the proper movements of the
yul ki bon pe-da
(10 basic cuts) of the sword. These are practiced both single-handed and
two-handed until the movements are performed correctly. Only later, after the student is able
to demonstrate his ability to control the movements of the sword to the finest
detail, will he be permitted to use a "live blade".
The yul ki bon pe-da (10 basic cuts) are the foundation of sword practice. Students,
using the na mu ui gum (wooden sword), move up and down the training floor repeating each cut over and
over again. Each movement takes the student one step closer to perfecting
each technique.
The scabbard is slid into the belt, sharp edge of the blade facing upward.
Some Korean sword schools require the blade face downward, but this is the
"exception" and not the rule. The sword was kept in the belt in order to
free the hands of the practitioner when not engaged in combat. When using two
hands to grip the handle of the sword the right hand (for a right-handed
swordsman), is against the hand-guard. The left hand is at the bottom of
the handle. If the left hand were to grab further up on the handle the
movements would lack both speed and power.
Shim Soo Do involves much more than mere physical training of techniques.
The Art also focuses on the development and cultivation of nae gong
(inner power) and wae gong (outer power). Shim Soo Do also
stresses shim gong (mental powers and development). All of these
aspects of the Art are taught in order to help the student attain a
deeper understanding of himself through the study of Shim Soo Do.
This traditional Art of Korean swordsmanship also focuses on the development of the
positive aspects of the exponent's character. The sword is not merely an extension of the practitioner's
hand or movements. This is purely a physical interpretation and concerns itself with only
techniques, which are only a small part of the complete Art. The individual who maintains this attitude toward Korean
swordsmanship trains strictly on a physical level leading to low levels of personal
character development.
The study of the Art of Shim Soo Do is a continuous journey, not
an attainable goal. Shim Soo Do practitioners commit and dedicate themselves to
the idea that they will be students all of their lives, each and every day. The Art becomes much more
than mere physical or mental training. To the practitioner it becomes a "Way"
of life.
To study Shim Soo Do first-hand and learn directly from Grand Master Benko you may wish to
take advantage of the opportunity to attend Korean Swordsmanship Seminars.
You will be able to experience the "true" Art of Korean Swordsmanship.
In order to insure you are learning the complete Art of Shim Soo Do,
you will find Korean Swordsmanship DVDs
in our on-line catalog. Grand Master James S. Benko
guides you every step of the way through each aspect of the Art of
Korean Swordsmanship, in these presentations.
