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Glossary
General Terms
We generally favor Korean terms, because of our lineage. However, Japanese and English terms are sometimes interchangeable.
English | Korean | Japanese |
Martial Arts School | Do Jang | Dojo |
Uniform | Do Bok | Do Gi |
two sword | Ssan Gum | Niten |
Japanese Sword | Wei Gum | Nihonto |
Self-Defense Techniques | Ho Shin Sul | (Aikido) |
Body Dharma/Striking Techniques | Shin Boep | Karate |
The Way of the Warrior | Bu Sul | Bujutsu |
Sword Terms
We generally use Japanese terms, because we use Japanese swords.
ancient long sword | tachi |
standard "samurai sword" | katana |
medium-sized "companion sword" | wakizashi |
small sword or knife | tanto |
straight sword | ken |
scabbard | saya |
handle | tsuka |
sword guard | tsuba |
curvature | sori |
point | kissaki |
temperline | hamon |
live blade | shinken |
Commands
We use Korean terms, because of our lineage.
Attention | Cha Ryut |
Ready, Go | Joon Bee |
At Ease | Baro |
Finish, Rest | Shyot |
Bow | Kyung Nay |
Hands Together | Hapchang |
Kwan Um Do Kwang Terms
Kwan Um Do Kwang (Perceive Sound Path Light): There are many interpretations. In summary, Kwan Um (Perceive Sound) refers to Avalokitesvara, the Bodhisattvah of Compassion, a Buddhist archetype whose name in Sanscrit literally means "The One Who Perceives the Sounds of the Suffering of the World." This is where the Kwan Um Zen School gets its name. Kwan Um Do itself refers to "The Way of the Bodhisattvah" or "The Path of Compassion." The character Kwang literally means "bright, shining, glorious rays of light" but it is also a reference to Universal Light (a Buddhist metaphor for enlightenment). It may also signify the martial arts or path of action meditation. So Kwan Um Do Kwang means "the Bright Shining Branch of Kwan Um Do" or "the Martial Arts Path of Kwan Um."
Shim Gum Do (Mind Sword Path): The traditional Buddhist martial arts school founded by Chogye Order swordmaster Chang Sik Kim.
Dae Soen Sa Nim (Great Honorable Zen Master): Title for Zen Master Seung Sahn Lee, Master Fortin's teacher
Sa Bu Nim (Honorable Father-Instructor): Title used by Zen swordmaster Chank Sik Kim
Kwan Jang Nim (Master Instructor)
Sabom Nim (title used to address a Third or Fourth Degree Black Belt Instructor)
Soen Bang Uh Gum Boep (First Defense Sword Dharma/Techniques-20 forms)
Soen Gong Gum Boep (First Attack Sword Dharma/Techniques-20 forms)
Shin Boep Il Jang (First Level Body Dharma/Techniques-20 forms)
Cho Dan (First Degree (Black Belt) Rank)
Yi Dan (Second Degree (Black Belt) Rank)
Sa Dan (Third Degree (Black Belt) Rank)
Kyo Sa Nim (title used to address a Second Degree Black Belt Instructor)
Cho Kyo Nim (title used to address a First Degree Black Belt Instructor)
Cham Soen (Sitting Zen)
Yong Maeng Jong Jin (Intensive Meditation Retreat "Leaping Like a Tiger While Sitting")