Gujangmu (구장무) Ancient Weapon Art

Gujangmu is a modern martial arts program rooted in the spirit of ancient weapon traditions. Designed especially for beginners and less experienced students, it offers a welcoming and structured introduction to martial weapons training emphasizing fundamentals, safety, and personal growth.

The goal of Gujangmu is to give students a practical understanding of fighting both with and without weapons and to explore the basic use of traditional weapons especially the sword and how their principles apply to real martial movement and self defense concepts. Training focuses on body mechanics, distance, timing, control, and awareness rather than brute force.

Classes balance structured learning with enjoyment including controlled drills and friendly competition using soft or padded weapons allowing students to experience timing and pressure in a safe supportive environment.

Created by a lifelong martial artist who continues to train and learn, Gujangmu is a living curriculum that evolves alongside its teacher and students. Above all the program seeks to cultivate the core martial values of honor, respect, discipline, confidence, and judgement helping students grow not only in skill but in character.

Weapons and Training Structure

Students are introduced to a range of traditional weapon categories with an emphasis on safe practical application. Weapons and weapon sets may include:

One handed sword such as arming sword or saber
One handed sword paired with shield
Two handed sword such as longsword or Hwando
Polearm weapons such as two handed axe, quarter staff, or Woldo (월도)

Classes consist of a light warm up followed by footwork training, weapon fundamentals including guards blocks and strikes, pell or heavy bag work, partner drills, and controlled sparring. Sparring is introduced only after a minimum of three months of consistent training to ensure safety and foundational competence.

Gujangmu is not intended as a deep academic study of every historical weapon system. Instead it provides a functional overview designed to prepare students for the enjoyment of sparring and friendly competition particularly within the soft kit and padded weapon side of armored and weapon based combat sports.

Whether you are new to martial arts or looking to build a stronger foundation Gujangmu offers a path that is challenging approachable and deeply rewarding.

Our weapons class is held every Tuesday at the Goffstown Park & Rec. from 6:15 PM to 7:15 PM. For current students of Bulsajo TaeKwonDo the cost is an additional $30 a month. For those who want to learn weapons only, the cost is $60 a month. For more information, please contact Master Andy at: BulsajoTKD@gmail.com