About Us
The Art of the Korean Sword
Kummooyeh is one of Australia's few schools dedicated to the authentic practice of traditional Korean sword arts. We are a community built on discipline, respect, and a genuine love for the art.
Our History
A Living Tradition
Korean swordsmanship has its roots in the martial culture of the Three Kingdoms period, refined through centuries of military practice and court tradition. The Joseon Dynasty (1392–1897) saw the formal codification of sword arts within the royal military, documented in the Muyejebo and Muyedobotongji — comprehensive manuals of Korean martial arts that preserved techniques across generations.
These traditions were nearly lost during the Japanese occupation of Korea (1910–1945), when the practice of Korean martial arts was suppressed. The decades that followed saw dedicated scholars and practitioners work to recover, reconstruct, and revive what remained — drawing on historical texts, surviving oral traditions, and related living arts.
It is from this spirit of revival and scholarly dedication that Kummooyeh was born.
The Founder
Grandmaster Hyun Kyoo Jang
Kummooyeh was founded by Grandmaster Hyun Kyoo Jang, a Korean martial artist and scholar who dedicated his life to recovering and systematising the traditional sword arts of Korea. Drawing on the historical military manuals, surviving lineages, and decades of personal research and practice, Grandmaster Jang developed Kummooyeh as a complete and authentic system of Korean swordsmanship.
His work was not merely technical reconstruction — it was a cultural act of preservation. Grandmaster Jang sought to restore the philosophical and spiritual dimensions of the sword arts alongside the physical techniques, creating a curriculum that honours the full depth of the Korean martial tradition.
Today, Kummooyeh is practised internationally, with schools in Korea, Australia, and beyond. Each school carries forward the system exactly as Grandmaster Jang established it, ensuring the integrity of the art is maintained across generations.
Curriculum
What We Train
The Kummooyeh curriculum is a complete system, encompassing the full range of traditional Korean sword arts — from the meditative to the combative. Each discipline informs and deepens the others.
Sword Forms (Gumbup)
The heart of Kummooyeh training. Gumbup are solo forms — precise sequences of cuts, guards, and movements drawn directly from the historical military manuals. Each form encodes tactical principles and develops the practitioner's technique, posture, and understanding of the sword.
Sparring (Gyeorugi)
Partner-based practice that brings the techniques of the forms to life. Sparring develops timing, distance, and the ability to apply technique under pressure. It is practised with safety equipment and progresses from structured drills to free engagement as the student advances.
Live Cutting (Shizan)
The practice of cutting with a live blade against a target medium. Shizan is the ultimate test of technique — a cut that looks correct in a form is immediately revealed in live cutting. It demands precision, commitment, and a deep understanding of the sword's mechanics. Practised by intermediate and advanced students under close instructor supervision.
Traditional Korean Archery (Gungdo)
The bow and the sword have always been paired in Korean martial culture. Gungdo — traditional Korean archery — is practised alongside sword training to develop stillness, breath control, and the quality of focused attention that underpins all martial practice.
Meditation (Myeongsan)
Seated and moving meditation practices drawn from the Korean martial and contemplative traditions. Meditation is not a supplement to training — it is training. It cultivates the inner stillness from which all technique must ultimately arise, and the equanimity that allows a practitioner to remain clear under pressure.
Philosophy
More Than Technique
At Kummooyeh, we believe the sword is a mirror. The discipline required to master its techniques reflects back the qualities we cultivate in ourselves — focus, patience, humility, and perseverance.
Training is rigorous but never rushed. We value depth over speed, and character over rank. Every student, from their very first class, is treated as a serious practitioner on a long and meaningful path.
Discipline
Consistent practice builds character as much as skill.
Respect
For the art, the instructor, fellow students, and oneself.
Integrity
We teach the art as it was given to us, without compromise.
Community
The dojo is a place of belonging for all who train here.
Head Instructor
Master Instructor
Chief Instructor, Kummooyeh Australia
Our head instructor has trained in Korean sword arts for over two decades, studying under senior masters in both Korea and Australia. They hold advanced rank in Kummooyeh and are one of a small number of certified instructors in the Southern Hemisphere.
Their teaching approach is patient, precise, and deeply informed by the philosophical traditions of the art. They are committed to passing on not just the techniques, but the spirit and culture of Kummooyeh to every student who walks through the door.
Join Our Community
Whether you are drawn by the history, the discipline, or simply the beauty of the art — there is a place for you here. Come and train with us.