Youth 11-to-18 Years old
"LEARN THE WAY OF THE SWORD"
“Kumdo” also known as “Kendo” is the traditional Asian Martial Art of fencing using bamboo wooden swords and wearing protective body armor. The Harlem Kumdo Club teaches fencing to Youth ages 11-to-18-years of age as part of their schools afterschool programing schedule. We emphasize a sporting approach of martial arts instruction in accordance with one of the primary aims of physical education, that is, to develop “mental toughness “…characteristics that allow your child to cope and thrive in the face of life’s challenges.
The Harlem Kumdo Club also focuses on values that align with Kumdo’s core principles: character development, respect for others, responsibility, resilience and self-regulation. We follow a strict observance of etiquette and codes of behavior inside and outside the training center. Our instructors teach students to be more self-aware and to own responsibility for correcting their thoughts and behaviors. Self-regulation is valued, modeled, taught and reinforced by our instructors. We created our afterschool program to serve as a collaborative effort, with Schools and Parents.
HMK KUMDO ACADEMY is pleased to announce our new status as an approved vendor with the New York City Department of Education (NYC DOE). Starting in the fall of 2025, our Harlem Kumdo Club will begin operating as an after school program in several city schools. Talk to your school principal to ask about including Harlem Kumdo Club as an after school program at your school.
Program & Class Schedule
Beginner Fencing
Students are introduced to the rules, etiquette and formality of KUMDO FENCING. Proper stances, basic footwork, sword work, and safety are essential to building a strong foundation. Fencing equipment is introduced and used in practice for the duration of the program. After completion of this program level, fencers will be ready to start in competitions appropriate to their age and skills. Fencers who have completed Beginner Fencing are encouraged to join the fun by continuing in the intermediate and advanced program levels.
Intermediate Fencing
For students who have a foundation, but realize they want much more. Students will improve speed, accuracy, tactics, and technique. The development of self-confidence, mental discipline, focus, teamwork and sportsmanship are the keys to success at this level. If you are interested in participating in competitive tournaments, this program level will introduce you to the rules of competitive fencing.
Competitive Fencing
With attention to safety, students will have increased practice time to engage in fencing drills, including footwork, sword work, and tactical instruction. Students have the opportunity to participate in fencing competition between fencers of similar skill level in individual and team matches under the direction of Certified Master Kumdo Instructors. We prepare students to actively compete at the local, regional and national levels.
HMK KUMDO MEMBERS
Harlem Kumdo Club Instructors
Grandmaster ALBRAND JO started practicing swordsmanship when he entered Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU) in Seoul, South Korea. As a member of the SKKU Kumdo team he represented SKKU at numerous national tournaments. He received his Master Kumdo Teacher certification in 1993 and was awarded the title of “Master Teacher” that same year by the Korea Kumdo Association. While teaching, he continues to build an impressive national and international reputation as an elite Kumdo player in tournaments hosted by the most renowned Kumdo organizations worldwide. In 1998 he relocated to the United States and established the Hong Moo Kwan (HMK) Kumdo Academy in Ridgefield, New Jersey. As Chief Instructor of HMK he has accumulated more than 30-years of Kumdo teaching experience with children and young adults, national and international Kumdo tournament experience as a Kumdo player and Chief Referee and is a founding member of the Eastern United States Korea Kumdo Association.
Grandmaster Jo currently holds the Kumdo rank of 7th Dan, remains an active international Kumdo player and continues to teach and train some of the most elite Kumdo players worldwide. He has served as the host of international Kumdo seminars and student exchange programs with other Kumdo leaders worldwide. He is a citizen of the United States and currently resides in New Jersey.