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Way of the Sword

Authentic Korean sword martial arts. Dynamic, beautiful, and powerful style of Haidong Gumdo directly from Korea!

Way of Defense

Self-defense in a unique mixed merger of Hapkido, Taekwondo, and Karate.

OUR MARTIAL ARTS

우리  무술

HAIDONG GUMDO

KOREAN SWORD ART

Haidong Gumdo is a dynamic Korean sword art built on precision, flow, and awareness. Students learn practical cutting patterns, forms, and partner drills that develop focus, timing, and control. More than technique, it trains posture, breath, and mental clarity—turning sword practice into a disciplined path for building calm strength under pressure.

Illustration of a sheathed katana sword. Katana Vectors by Vecteezy

HAPKIDO-KARATE

MIXED MARTIAL ART

Hapkido, an integrated practical framework of striking, controlling, and redirecting force with efficiency. We train students to move fluidly between ranges of combat with confidence and adaptability. The result is a complete self-defense system that respects its roots combining Hapkido joint locks and throws with the striking foundations of  Taekwondo, TangSooDo Karate, and wushu-inspired movement principles.

Image of a punching fist of Taekwondo Karate Hapkido
Image of a punching fist of Taekwondo Karate Hapkido

Now Enrolling
Ages 8 to 80

(And younger case by case)

NORTH of ANKENY

Just off I-35, Exit 96 - West of Elkhart, Iowa

(Near Costco)

TIMES & LOCATION

Come Train with Us!

Class
Day
Time
Kids Sword
Tues / Thurs
4:30 PM
Hapkido / Karate
Tues / Thurs
5:30 PM
Haidong Gumdo
Tues / Thurs
6:30 PM
Haidong Gumdo
Saturday
8:00 AM
Haidong Gumdo
Saturday
9:00 AM

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OUR STORY

Master Wathen's Haidong Gumdo sword demonstration at KAMP 2025 on stage at Central College in Pella, Iowa

About Master D. Wathen

Master Wathen

My martial arts journey began over 30 years ago and has taken me through a variety of traditional and modern systems, including Taekwondo, Tang Soo Do, Hapkido, Kung Fu, Kendo, and Haidong Gumdo. Along the way, I have had the opportunity to train under many talented instructors, study different approaches to martial arts, and experience both Eastern and Western perspectives on training and education.

Outside the martial arts, I have worked as an artist, educator, designer, and mentor. These experiences shaped my belief that martial arts should do more than teach techniques—they should help people develop confidence, discipline, creativity, character, and a lifelong love of learning.

Furious Fox Martial Arts was founded from that belief.

Rather than focusing on tournaments, trends, or collecting students, I wanted to create a school that combined the best lessons I had learned throughout my journey. At the heart of our program is Haidong Gumdo, the traditional Korean art of the sword. Alongside it, students learn practical striking, self-defense, fitness, coordination, and personal development through our Korean Karate and Hapkido-based training programs.

Our goal is not simply to produce martial artists. Our goal is to help people become stronger, healthier, more capable versions of themselves.

Whether a student joins us to learn self-defense, improve fitness, study the sword, build confidence, or simply try something new, they become part of a supportive martial arts family dedicated to growth, respect, and continuous improvement.

The journey never ends. There is always something new to learn, a challenge to overcome, and a higher level of mastery to pursue.

Welcome to Furious Fox Martial Arts.

Furious Fox mascot illustration designed, drawn, and painted by artist Daniel Wathen

 THE WAY 

기본
동작

KIBON DONGJAK

Basic Technique and Movement

검 법

KUMBUP

Choreographed Pattern Performance

격검

KYUKGUM

Short Drill Defense Patterns

도전

DOJUN

FOCUS / SKILL CHALLENGE

대련

DAE RYUN

Soft or Bamboo Sword Dueling

Ink and brush clipart of bonzai tree

Smart as a Fox

🦊

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