Our Teachers
This is where you can learn about each of our black belt instructors, and their unique approach to martial arts in the Ellicott City area. Haidong Gumdo isn't just an exercise class, fitness program, or performance. It's a way of life, and our teachers live it. Will you?
John Jacobs (Master Instructor)
Master Jacobs is an internationally certified 6th degree black belt instructor, one of only a select few to hold this rank outside of Korea, making him one of the highest ranked Haidong Gumdo instructors in all of North America, and the world. He is a Pan-American gold medalist and sword test cutting champion, and a member of the 2016 and 2024 PanAm demonstration teams. He has been training for over 20 years, with experience in arts ranging from Japanese Kendo and Iaido, to Korean Taekwondo and Gicheon. He is the leader of Blue Mountain, and he brings to the floor intensity, presence, and a fiery passion for this ancient way of life and the benefits it has to offer to the modern practitioner.
Michael Kreisher (Instructor)
Mike is a 4th degree black belt, and the second instructor at Blue Mountain. He has been involved in martial arts since a young age and has studied a variety of styles including Kempo Karate, Taekwondo, and Tien Shan Pai Kung Fu; but he has always had a true passion for the balance in the art of the sword. Starting Haidong Gumdo in 2000 at Salisbury University, he soon took over leadership of the club and today he continues his goals of spreading the art and advancing his own training.
Lineage
Master Jacobs has studied with the following teachers, among others.
D.J. Park
Former Headmaster
U.S. Haidong Gumdo Association
Jeong-Woo Kim
Chief of Education
World HDGD Federation Headquarters, Korea