Kumdo literally means "the way of the sword."

The present form of using a "juk do"(bamboo sword) and the "ho goo"(the protective gear) began around the 18th century. With the implementation of the "juk do" and the "ho goo", the art of Kum Do took a surprising change in its style. It allowed for more experimentation with minimum injuries, and the style became more effective by allowing stronger and deadlier blows without the extensive swing of the sword. The present form combines the inner strength, signified by a scream, "ki", the swing and striking of the sword "kum", and the use of one's lower back and body, the "chae", was recently perfected. This is known as the "ki-kum-chae."
In tournaments, one does not receive a point by only striking with the sword. The strike needs to be accompanied by all of the three components of the "ki-kum-chae."

In other martial arts, strength has an advantage in most cases. There is more advantage if one is fitter and stronger, than the opponent (of course giving consideration to certain level off expertise and experience). During a fight, one can come back after a hit, to win a losing battle.This is not the case for for Kumdo. In Kumdo, there is no second chance. If you receive a blow, the battle is over. Under this circumstance one's attitude and spiritual understanding of oneself is most crucial. The statement of "never underestimate your opponent" cannot be more true for Kum Do than anything else. Without the proper attitude and reverence to the art form, one opening for the opponent is all it takes to lose. Although combination of strength and speed plays a crucial role, one cannot master the art of Kum Do without the pure and unadulterated state of mind and soul.

The spiritual maturity, inner strength, calmness of the soul, and pure heart combined with strength and speed is the "essence" of Kumdo.