Han Mu Do

Han Mu Do (also written Hanmudo) is a modern Korean martial art developed by Dr. He Young Kimm in 1990, designed as a comprehensive system that synthesises the full spectrum of Korean martial arts traditions into a single cohesive curriculum. The name translates as 'the middle way of Korean martial arts' - reflecting its philosophy of balance between hard and soft techniques, between striking and grappling, and between sport competition and practical self-defence. Where Taekwondo focuses on kicking and Hapkido on joint manipulation, Han Mu Do integrates both alongside throws, ground techniques and weapons into a complete Korean martial system.

Dr. He Young Kimm and the Synthesis of Korean Martial Arts

Dr. He Young Kimm is one of the most broadly credentialed Korean martial artists of his generation - holding high-level Dan grades in Taekwondo, Hapkido, Ssireum (Korean wrestling), Taekkyon and other Korean arts, as well as expertise in Japanese Judo and Aikido. This rare cross-disciplinary mastery gave him the foundation to create Han Mu Do as a genuine synthesis rather than a superficial combination.

Han Mu Do was formally founded in 1990 and is headquartered at Louisiana State University in the United States, where Dr. Kimm has been based. This American base gave the art its international footprint from the beginning, with the World Han Mu Do Association overseeing its global development. Despite being a modern creation, Han Mu Do draws on genuinely ancient Korean martial traditions - particularly Taekkyon (the ancient Korean foot-fighting art rediscovered in the 20th century) and traditional Korean grappling.

Curriculum Structure

Han Mu Do organises its curriculum into three main areas: Striking (kicks, punches, elbows, knee strikes - drawing from Taekwondo and Taekkyon traditions with an emphasis on fluid, circular motion), Joint manipulation and throws (Hapkido-derived wrist locks, arm locks and shoulder throws alongside Ssireum-influenced hip throws and takedowns), and Ground techniques (pins, chokes and submissions influenced by Judo and traditional Korean ground fighting).

The art also includes weapons training - short stick, long staff, sword and knife - integrating the weapons curriculum of traditional Korean martial arts into a modern training context. The 'middle way' philosophy means Han Mu Do avoids the extreme specialisation of other Korean arts, aiming instead for functional completeness across all ranges of combat.

Training in Han Mu Do

Han Mu Do training follows a structured belt curriculum from white through colour grades to black belt (Dan grades). Classes typically cover: warm-up and flexibility (Korean martial arts emphasise kicking flexibility), basic techniques (kicks, strikes, joint locks), partner drilling (techniques applied cooperatively), sparring (striking and grappling separately or combined) and forms (poomsae-style sequences encoding the curriculum).

The comprehensive nature of Han Mu Do training makes it an excellent foundation for MMA or general self-defence, covering the striking, clinch, takedown and ground ranges that modern combat sports have identified as essential.

Han Mu Do Gear Guide

Dobok: Korean martial arts uniform - similar to a Taekwondo or Hapkido dobok. White is standard for training, with black trim or collar indicating instructor or Dan grade status.

Sparring gear: Full set for contact training - head guard, gloves, forearm guards, shin guards, foot protectors, mouthguard and groin guard. Han Mu Do's combined striking and grappling sparring requires protection across all areas.

Training weapons: Short stick (dan bong), long staff (jang bong) and training knife for weapons curriculum. Wooden or padded versions for safe drilling.