The history of Haidong Gumdo.
Haidong Gumdo is the sword martial art originating in the ancient Korean Goguryo Kingdom (AD 331). Its outstanding practitioners were called Samurang, and were always at the front line of the battle against injustice.
World Haidong Gumdo Federation President Jeong-Ho Kim modernized the art in 1982 and established the WHGF in 1996. Haidong Gumdo has come to be known for its speed and dynamic movements. Currently, Haidong Gumdo is practiced around the world in 180 different countries at over 5,000 training centers.
Master Susan Shirk
Master Shirk has experienced how martial arts training empowers individuals, and is committed to giving others the opportunity to experience this transformation through Haidong Gumdo.
Shirk is a 5th Dan Black Belt in the World Haidong Gumdo Federation, under Headmaster Jeong-Woo Kim from South Korea.
Shirk may be best known in the Haidong Gumdo community for her promotion of the art of Sword Dance. She developed curriculum to help all gumdo practitioners learn how to express their personal style as martial artists. She performed sword dances on the demonstration teams for the 2016 and 2018 PanAm Mulimpia martial arts championships in Las Vegas, as well as the 2024 Panam Haidong Gumdo Championships in Salt Lake City Utah, showcasing her technique to the international community.
Our School - North Star Haidong Gumdo.
Established in 2015, Master Susan Shirk founded North Star Haidong Gumdo (NSHG) when she began teaching classes in Northfield, MN. The name references its geographic location in Minnesota, USA, commonly known as the North Star State. It also calls to mind the North Star itself, how it acts as a constant guide to those looking for it, and how similarly Haidong Gumdo training can be a lifelong guide in the lives of its practitioners.
NSHG is part of the World Haidong Gumdo Federation (WHGF). Through this association members participate in national and international competitions, and receive training from senior masters.