Korean Job Discussion Forums

The Hierophant · Joined: 13 Sep 2005

Hi.

I started Gomdo training today, and as one of the senior instructors was showing me how to put on the rather complicated uniform he insisted that I NOT wear underwear while training, as it is part of 'Gomdo manners'. So, not wishing to make waves on my first day, I obliged and ditched my dacks.

Now, in future I will dress myself in the change rooms without others watching me (I take the late class when most of the trainers and trainees have gone home), and to be honest I think I'll stick to wearing briefs under my Do Bok. I won't be able to tell if I've tied up all of the myriad strings on my uniform properly at first and I don't want anything to come undone and fall down in mid sword-strike. Exposing my wang to my female instructor is not a prospect I relish.

So, is this truly a big no-no? Does anyone else wear undies 'neath their Gomdo robes?

tfunk · Joined: 12 Aug 2006 Location: Dublin, Ireland

I don't do it, but I remember my friend telling me that he had to drop everything in front of the class.

Embarassed

The Hierophant · Joined: 13 Sep 2005

Qinella · Joined: 25 Feb 2005 Location: the crib

Why do you expect to wear undies? No one does, but just keep in mind that in gomdo, crossing swords will happen and you have to be ready for it. Don't let your peers be too hard on you. Sword fighting, while not my kind of thing, is an acceptable recreational activity if you have sufficient skill and, most importantly, equipment. You are using proper protection, right?

Aside from those tips, you must be sure to polish your sword regularly. Do not let your female instructor do it for you; better to get one of the guys in class to show you how--stronger grip makes a difference.

Let's see.. ah, yeah that's about all the advice I got for you know.

hubba bubba · Joined: 24 Oct 2006

When I did gumdo everywone wore their panites.

poet13 · Posted: Mon Dec 18, 2006 3:59 pm Post subject:

"Aside from those tips, you must be sure to polish your sword regularly. Do not let your female instructor do it for you; better to get one of the guys in class to show you how--stronger grip makes a difference. "

This is so very wrong. Laughing

kimchi_pizza · Posted: Mon Dec 18, 2006 5:37 pm Post subject:

Wearing a hakama in Japan, I wore my boxers because I really didn't know any better.

Since wearing a hakama(do-bok) to practice Kumdo here I go commando. It was a bit uncomfortable at first, but now I don't give it a second thought. After practice I'm drenched in sweat so I gotta take a shower in my Kumdo-chang before heading off to teach as well with several other members. My boxers would be drenched if I wore them.

I'm no longer so self-conscience about being in the buff. It's kinda...freeing...in more ways than one. Like worrying about being "sized-up"(?) or freezing in the urinal cause another guy is using the next one down. There are more important things to be concerned with.

If you're really wanting to learn Kumdo then go ALL the way and go commando. Really get that Asian experience! Laughing

Hey~Not THAT kinda experience, ya buncha derty-mind'd...

Just for the record....I'm straight as a Jukdo! (As for size, well, the jukdo almost compares Wink

)

Do you practice Hae-dan Kumdo or Dae-han Kumdo? There's a big difference between the two.

The Hierophant · Joined: 13 Sep 2005

kimchi_pizza · Posted: Mon Dec 18, 2006 10:13 pm Post subject:

Even I'm not too sure of the differences, but it seems that Dae-han Kumdo which is what I've been praciticing is more like Japanese Kendo with the bamboo sword (for competitions) and a wooden sword (in learning to use a real sword).

Hae-dong Kumdo seems like it focus' on only using a wooden sword with a more Korean style. Again, I'm not all too sure.

All I know is that it's been the best and hope to keep at it for quiet some time. Even reaching 4-dan and becoming an instructor at least is a goal of mine.