How do I begin? You begin your journey with trial or introductory classes. These classes will give you a taste of what DOBBOB- Ssaurabi sword martial art is all about. You will be introduced to some of the fundamental strikes, slices, blocks and stances; what we call the basics. These introductory lessons will allow you to get a feel for how the basics are structured, and how you will learn DOBBOB-Ssaurabi sword martial art.

What are basics like? Who teaches them? Basics are much like the trial or introductory courses, but are longer and go into more depth.
The basics are offered at a variety of convenient times, and are organized into appropriate skill and age levels. For examples, there are separate beginner and advanced children's classes.
The basic courses are only taught by Grand Master Roh's certified instructors,

or by Founding Master Lee Young-sik himself. At Roh's DOBBOB-Sword Martial Art classes, the responsibility of teaching is taken seriously.

How is DOBBOB-GUMDO different from other sports, or different from joining, say a health club?

To begin with, the martial arts are not a sport; they are regarded as an art. The difference between the two may not appear obvious, but will become clearer as you study. For example, in a sport, the emphasis is on competition and winning by beating an apponent. In the martial arts, you are not competing against others, just yourself.

DOBBOB-GUMDO Headquarter Gym is not a health club, although it has some of the amenities of a health club. It is not the military. DOBBBOB-GUMDO, the traditional Korean martial art, is a unique combination of physical fitnesss, meditation, yoga stretching, and mind/body integration. Try it - you'll see for yourself!

What makes DOBBOB-GUMDO Headquarter Gym unique? I thought all sword martial arts gyms were the same.

DOBBOB-GUMDO Headquarter Gym teaches the traditional or authentic Korean sword martial arts, drawing on traditions that go back for over 5,000 years and the authoritative Japanese sword martial arts, IAI-BATTODO that Grand Master Nakamura Taizaburo with an 10th degree black belt leads in Japan.

DOBBOB-GUMDO uses a "Geup" or belt system to allow you to track your progress. For example, you start with no belt, trial course, move to white belt, then yellow, and so on up to black belt. These belts are earned about every two months, and are a good way for you and your instructor to measure your progress and to earn recognition for your efforts.

It is natural in any endeavor to become discouraged at times. Even Grand Master Roh and his instructors were discouraged at one time or another in their studies. However, remember that patience attendance at classes, and a positive, open attitude, you will eventually work through your discouragement and achieve your goals. If you need help, Grand Master Roh and his instructors will be glad to help you.

If you sick with your studies, you can expect to gain physical and mental rewards include a more flexible and trim body; the mental rewards include increased self-control, greater confidence and internal discipline, and eventually, greater wisdom and insight into life.

No one can guarantee that you will never be injured in DOBBOB-GUMDO Headquarter Gym, any more than they can gurantee you will not be injured on the job or the playing field. However, Grand Master Roh's DOBBOB-GUMDO Headquarter Gym is unique in its emphasis on safety. Techniques are taught in a way that minimizes contact and yet still builds confidence. Equipment is used that is specially designed for safe use.

Finally, all students are expected to purchase and wear safety equipment such as HOMYUN(face protector), GABOT(body protector), SPONGESWORD(imitation sword wrapped up with sponge rubber) etc. in sparring(GYOJEON or GYURUGI).

DOBBOB-GUMDO, or Oriental fencing , is over 5,000 years old and was at first practiced only by the Korean royal family and the aristocratic class. Applied to modern times, this fighting art teaches you how to protect yourself effectively with a broomstick, a cane, an umbrella, or other such every day items. As practiced today, in a sense, DOBBOB-GUMDO is neither a martial art nor a sport, but a spiritual and physical discipline. To be sure, the most important purpose of studying DOBBOB-GUMDO is to settle the problem of life - physical and mental. And DOBBOB-GUMDO teaches you how to protect yourself from an attacker with a weapon. You gain confidence that you can defend yourself.

NOTE TO PARENTS: Your child's progress in DOBBOB-GUMDO is the results of a successful partnership among your child, his instructor, and you. Our experience in teaching hundreds of children has taught us that you can help your child by treating his/her lessons as a regular part of his/her daily routine that will, over time, yield positive results.

Punishing a child by not taking them to class, or expecting him/her to progress at an unrealistic rate, will cause your child to become discouraged and frustrated. Please remember that Rome was not built in a day. Help him/her by being supportive and realistic, and together we can help your child progress.