Kendo, Kumdo and Iaido – What is the difference?

Kendo is the way of the sword, Japanese fencing. Kendoka wear armour protecting the head, throat, wrists and abdomen; these are the only legal targets. The split-bamboo practice sword they use is called a shinai.

Kumdo is the Korean pronunciation of kendo. Kendo was introduced to Korea by the Japanese during the occupation. After the Japanese left, the Koreans continued practicing using slightly different gear and new terminology.

Iaido is the art of drawing and attacking with a sword. Iaido is mostly performed solo as a series of kata, executing varied techniques against single or multiple imaginary opponents. Each kata begins and ends with the sword sheathed.

Grand Master Harrell (3rd from left) at the Haidong Gumdo Headquarters, Seoul, Korea
in October 2000 to gain Instructor qualification.