Our Story
Blue Mountain Martial Arts is a premier martial arts studio located in Ellicott City, MD. Our studio, based out of the Westchester Community Center in Oella, is dedicated to teaching the art of Haidong Gumdo (sometimes also spelled Haedong Kumdo), a traditional Korean sword art that focuses on discipline, respect, and physical fitness. We take pride in offering a welcoming environment for teenagers and adults of all skill levels to learn and grow.
Meet Our Instructors
John Jacobs
Master Instructor
Master Jacobs 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.
Achievements:
Pan-American gold medalist and sword test cutting champion, and a member of the 2016 and 2024 PanAm demonstration teams.
Certifications:
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.
Mike Kreisher
Instructor
Mike 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.
Certifications:
Mike is a 4th degree black belt, and the second instructor at Blue Mountain.
Lineage
Master Jacobs has studied with the following teachers, among others.
