yongmudo A martial art for the modern age

what is yongmudo?

Yongmudo (YMD) is a Korean martial art teaching self-defense skills and techniques to all members of our community through a progressive training program. Our primary goal is to prepare our students to face, and, if possible, avoid, the wide-range of threats to personal safety they may encounter. Our integrated training curriculum embraces the idea of “flexibility of response” as a foundational principle, blending strikes, kicks, throws, groundwork, and joint-locks. This principle prioritizes having multiple responses across a broad range of self-defense situations. Students learn to dynamically combine different types of techniques in succession while adjusting to fast-changing circumstances in an altercation.

Yongmudo has developed a variety of situational drills to simulate being mugged, assaulted, or otherwise attacked by single or multiple opponents, with or without weapons. Although yongmudo is not a martial sport, our curriculum supplements these situational drills with a well-developed sparring curriculum both for training and participation in combative yongmudo tournaments. Yongmudo sparring is not focused on winning tournaments, but is instead used to hone strategies and tactics for a wide range of dangerous and stressful conditions appropriate to the student's skill level with partners of comparable size and skill. Four rule sets safely simulate the types of general encounters students may face: standing kicks and strikes, throws, grappling, and, for advanced students, “open” or “free” sparring allowing students to use any techniques in their skill set allowed within the safety rules.

As a “living art,” Yongmudo is always evolving in response to best practices in martial arts training and the application of self-defense skills. As each individual encounters different self-defense challenges and constraints, our curriculum also adapts to these needs, offering techniques and philosophies of self-defense that are safe and appropriate for each student’s age, maturity, and physical ability. Grounded within a traditional martial arts structure, Yongmudo leverages the strength of its roots. We use an established belt rank system, require specific training uniforms, and incorporate cultural customs like bowing and a holistic approach to training. In addition to teaching self-defense, it develops physical and psychological fitness, self-discipline, respect for oneself and others, leadership skills, and a commitment to community. Maintaining an unquestionably respectful, safe, and positive learning experience for all members of our community is of paramount importance.

Description adopted by the Board of Yongmudo USA on January 26, 2023