Mia's Feedback of 2025 SA HK Seminar with Grandmaster’s Comment

[HAEDONG]

《Feedback on Haedong Kumdo Seminar: South Africa November 2025》

Mia Smith

On the cusp of a very hot South African summer, Grand Master Kim came to Bloemfontein. Excitement was mixed with nerves for the upcoming grading since his arrival was announced, and I tried to keep all my expectations at bay.

And, oh, what a learning experience it was. The nerves were sweated out on the first day of the week during the grading, and the excitement turned to a little bit of weariness when coming to the conclusion that Grand Master was here to teach us much – much – more than anticipated.

Starting with the broad strokes of the forms, Grand Master Kim began his first day of the seminar. Yet, even during the broad strokes, Grand Master was able to fine-tune minute movements of even toes, elbows, and wrists that was not at all in my conscious mind of movement.The first muscles to shout out was the peculiar ones behind the knee. The fear of not being able to sink low enough in the sodose was quickly forgotten in the vigorous class of each day.

In the absence of Grand Master Kim, we were quick to fall back to the “technicalities” of each movement. Where we tried to be sharp and precise, Grand Master guided with sure directness how it should rather be slow and thoughtful. It was Sunbaenim Michalis’ (who came to join us all the way from Greece) feedback that also especially stood out to me – how to feel the energy is not a linear learning experience, and only struck him after many years of Haedong Kumdo during the last day of this seminar. The delicate balance between the technicalities and energy flow is something that I will still strive achieve. First, I suppose, I must make sure that my feet are in the right direction, and the other sword forgotten when un-used.

Satisfaction and frustration were felt shortly after one another when learning new movements – which makes the learning experience of Haedong Kumdo under Grand Master Kim’s close supervision that more much alive in a way.

Laughter, food, and experience was traded throughout this week seminar, with so much more depth to be discovered in the years to come.

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■ Grandmaster’s Commentary
The Moment Training Begins to Be Recognized by the Body

Dear Mia,

Thank you for sharing such a thoughtful and honest reflection on the seminar.
Your words show that you are not only practicing Haedong Kumdo, but truly listening to what your body is beginning to reveal.
What stood out to me most is your awareness of the difference between technical sharpness and the deeper flow that emerges when movement becomes slow, grounded, and reflective. Recognizing this gap is not a weakness—it is a clear sign of maturation in training.
Your observation that the understanding of energy is not linear is especially important. Many practitioners wait for it to arrive through effort alone, yet you have already sensed that it appears when conditions are right and the body is ready.
The discomfort, the frustration, and the moments of satisfaction you described are all part of the same living process. When you can hold them together without resistance, your training begins to transform naturally.
Continue to pay attention to your feet, your direction, and the quiet presence of the second sword—even when it is not in use. These small realizations become the foundation for much deeper understanding over time.
You are on a good path. Train patiently, and trust what your body is learning.

Warm regards,
Grand Master Kim