Teachers
Chief instructor (Sabom) Vilma Leinonen, 2nd Dan
Instructors
- Assistant Instructor (Pu-Sabom) Jari Vänttinen
- Tommi Reponen
- Miko Mönkkönen
- Jari Kärkkäinen
Masters
Master Han, Sang-Hyun (Chong Kwanjang), Head Master of the European Association
Master Lee, Chul-Kyung (Chong Kwanjang), Technical Director of the European Association
Master Kauko Metsähovi (Chong Kwanjang), Head Master of Haidong Gumdo in Finland
Vilma Leinonen, Chief Instructor (Sabom), 2nd Dan
Annyeonghaseyo! Greetings!
I am the head instructor of Cheong Yong Dojang. I first came to Haidong Gumdo when I was looking for a new sport and saw an advertisement in the newspaper. That was over 10 years ago, and I haven’t regretted starting with this path.
Haidong Gumdo offers a wide range of techniques, from physically demanding forms to very technical exercises that require calmness and focus (such as candle snuffing). One of our dojang’s strengths is that people can join from many different backgrounds. The sense of community and group spirit are big positives in our dojang! I especially recommend Haidong Gumdo to those who want to challenge themselves in a new way, regardless of age. Like other martial arts, Haidong Gumdo has also given me a lot mentally, such as respect for others.
As an instructor, it is important to me to welcome everyone as they are, not as they are expected to be. Everyone is different, and that diversity enriches the group. In this sense, the individual comes first, because each person enriches the group and makes it better. I focus on each person’s strengths while also recognizing their opportunities for growth and potential. By considering these different aspects, everyone has the possibility to progress along their own individual Haidong Gumdo path.
Kamsahamnida! Haidong!
Jari Vänttinen, Assistant Instructor (Pu-Sabom), 2nd Dan
Annyeonghaseyo! Hello!
My Haidong Gumdo journey (Do) began with the beginners’ course in autumn 2016. For me, Haidong Gumdo means not only goal-oriented training and challenging myself, but above all training in a fun and inspiring group. Thanks to my background in other budo arts, my strongest skill is probably stances and movement within them.
As an assistant instructor, my role is to ensure that practicing is safe, the training is motivating, and that techniques are performed cleanly, using the whole body and avoiding injuries. I recommend Haidong Gumdo to all ages, including us a bit older practitioners. From experience, I know how much Gumdo benefits both body and mind. Of the values of Gumdo, the one closest to me is Ui, which means always at least trying to choose to do good, the right things, and to do things correctly.
Kamsahamnida! Haidong!
Tommi Reponen, Instructor, 1st Dan
Annyeonghaseyo! Hi!
I started Haidong Gumdo in 2014 and have been instructing in Mikkeli since 2017. My favorite area in teaching are cutting techniques and various cutting exercises (such as bamboo). I have also competed in contests several times.
Miko Mönkkönen, Instructor, 2st Dan
Annyeonghaseyo! Hi!
I started in autumn 2015 and began instructing in 2024. Haidong Gumdo has long been a significant part of my life, and my goal is to share my enthusiasm for the art with other people. My strengths are speed, agility, and learning new techniques. I have competed several times in Finland and would like to compete abroad in the future.
In my teaching I want to show others how much techniques can be developed with a lot of training, and I myself prefer to lead by example. I recommend the art to anyone interested in improving body control and strength while practicing challenging techniques — because there certainly are plenty of challenging techniques!
Kamsahamnida! Haidong!
Jari Kärkkäinen, Instructor, 1st Dan
Instructor for Beginners’ Courses
Annyeonghaseyo! Hi!
I started Haidong Gumdo in 2018. Haidong Gumdo is very suitable for us “former youngsters,” and I recommend it to everyone. As an instructor, I aim to keep the training safe and enjoyable, while still suitably challenging.
Kamsahamnida! Haidong!
