The Korean Swordsman
by Charles Ruth
When most people think of Tae Kwon Do, Tang Soo Do, or Hap Ki Do they thing about amazing kicks, sharp punches, and small people with crazy legs. What you don't thing about is that the Korean martial artist was also amazing with the sword. The Korean swordsman had many traits that were a lot like the Chinese and Japanese swordsman but they also have a style of their own. I have looked all over to find information on how a traditional Korean swordsman would use his sword and what kind he would use.
Likenesses:
Like the other countries, the sword was a major part of the life of a nobleman or leader of Korea. Not only were a part of the way they dressed but they were very skilled with the blade as well. The knowledge of the sword was passed from generation to generation, keeping their knowledge within their family, and leaving the knowledge and a legacy for future family member to learn.
Differences:
There were a few differences in the way a Korean swordsman wield his sword. Most Japanese swordsman would grab and draw his sword with the blades cutting edge up, swinging it in a arch over his head, and as the empty hand would grab the handle, he would slice into his target in a downward diagonal motion. The Korean swordsman would have a slightly different movement. Instead of the blade being up on the sword the blade was facing downward. When used, it was generally grabbed with one hand and wielded in an upward motion instead of a downward motion, then met by the empty hand, ready to strike again. Most techniques were done with one hand and few done with the use of both hands.
When doing a double handed technique Japanese swordsman main keep their hands apart, while a Korean keeps his tightly together.
Most Japanese swordsman started in a standing position, while a Korean swordsman mostly started in a kneeling position. This help when making his upward strike more effective.
Where Japanese techniques are done in long but quick circular motions, Korean techniques are more poking and slicing.
When riding horse back a Korean stylist would strap the sword to the back of his waist, and on their back when on foot.
There were also any types of Korean swords;
The most commonly found was a military sword called a 'San soo do'. It was a straight sword, much like the Chinese straight sword, with a 50 inch blade with 35 - 40 inches of it with an actual cutting edge
A sword that was found on all high ranking military men was the 'Weol do ahd' or the Chinese version was the 'Kwan do'. It had a long staff like handle with a long broad blade. Mostly used by soldiers on horseback.
Military men who loved the sword, fell even more in love with the 'ah do' Much like the 'San soo do' this sword had a 39 inch blade with a cutting edge that ran its entire length as well as a groove running down the blade to add strength.
One sword that was like the Japanese sword was the 'Yeoh do' It had a 39 inch blade like the 'ah do' but it had a 35 inch long handle. Such a long handle was used for one thing. Leverage in striking power against an enemy.
There were other types of swords like 'Ssang gum' twin swords and is smaller version the 'wae gum' (often hidden in robes).
So now when you think of Korean martial artist and think that they can
only kick, remember they could also use a sword, so don't count them out
when it comes to weapons.
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