Blue Mountain Martial Arts

01/12/2026

Cutting in the new year with 2,026 cuts!

07/14/2025

Master Jacobs offers private instruction as well. Availability is limited, so book your lesson today! (Pictures feature Munir Bahar, photography by Giovanni.)

06/05/2025

This is apparently what my students do when I take time off... In all seriousness though, this is a heartfelt gift not only to myself but to our school. My family recently welcomed a daughter, and while I am taking some focused time with her, my students put together a new form, named for the school. This just might have to become part of our official curriculum. Check out the dedication from Mike, below, followed by the video of the form, performed by Dan!

~ Master Jacobs

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(Apologies in advance for any Korean translation errors.)

In the Year of Quiet Rains, beneath the watchful slopes of Cheong-san — the Blue Mountain — the disciples of the Sword Cloud Pavilion gathered once more, their feet steady upon the polished stone of the courtyard, their breath in rhythm with the wind.

Their revered teacher, Master Jacobs — known across the Nine Valleys as Jeok-seong Sabeomnim, the Red Star Teacher — did not walk among them that day. The Heavens had blessed his household with his second child, and his first daughter — a blossom born under the auspices of spring thunder and gentle moonlight. He remained within the inner chambers, honoring the sacred duty of fatherhood.

Yet the mountain did not sleep.

Under the quiet leadership of Senior Brother Mike, the disciples formed a circle of steel and breath: Dan of the Morning Bell, Bob the Stone Ox, Dan of the Willow Shore, William the Sharp Quill, Frank of the Shadow Step, Jackson the Tiger’s Cub, Simon the Wind Lantern, Julia the Plum Blossom, and Ron the Iron Fan.

Within the hush of the Pavilion, between rustling gingko leaves and the distant cry of cranes, they moved as one. Their blades traced lines in the air unseen before in any scroll or temple. What began as humble practice became revelation. In the stillness, a new gumbup was born — a sword form conjured not from tradition but from communion, balance, and quiet flame.

It flowed like mist through pine, struck like the falcon’s talon, and settled like snow upon still water. Wordless and unnamed, it carried the essence of something both ancient and newborn.

~ Instructor Mike Kreisher, in dedication of Cheong-san Gumbup, School Form of Blue Mountain Martial Arts, 2025

Blue Mountain Sword Form

05/21/2025

Blue Mountain was recently named Best Martial Arts School in Ellicott City for 2025! Here is the blog post with information:

Blue Mountain has achieved a remarkable feat by being named the Best Martial Arts School in Ellicott City for 2025 by Business Rate. This prestigious recognition is based on authentic feedback from customers and families, particularly through online reviews on platforms like Google. This honor goes....

03/16/2025

Photos and video from the 2025 East Coast Regional Haidong Gumdo Tournament, the Battle of Blue Mountain!

Held at Blue Mountain Martial Arts, in Ellicott City, MD

03/16/2025

Photos and video from the 2025 East Coast Regional Haidong Gumdo Tournament! The Battle of Blue Mountain!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VV9mVYu7__o

03/06/2025

Thanks to Angela (and her sister, Skye Malcom) for this artistic shot from our recent belt test!

01/14/2025

Cutting in the new year with these fearless warriors! 2,025 cuts! Haidong!

11/11/2024

11/02/2024

Air Force PT Test Results!

10/29/2024

Congratulations to all those who tested last night! Haidong!

10/18/2024

Navy PRT this week. The requirements vary with each of these tests, but my performance seems pretty consistent within the upper body, core, and running categories. I’m just glad this one didn’t expect me to swim 😂