Korean martial arts are military practices and methods which have their place in the history of Korea but have been adapted for use by both military and non-military personnel as a method of personal growth or recreation.
Gichang 기창 旗槍 (spear with flag)
Is a Korean weapon which is first described in the Muyesinbo, a Korean martial arts manual published in 1759. It later also found its way into the Muyedobotongji (1791)
The weapon is, basically, a spear with a flag attached to the pole. The gichang is also called danchang (단창), which means 'short spear'. It would typically be around 2.75 metres long. The blade measured about 23 centimetres in length. These spears were generally used for ceremonial or escort purposes.
Another chapter in the Muyedobotongji is also called gichang (騎槍), but deals with techniques for using the spear from the back of a horse. The hanja is different though.
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Related Information
Korean martial arts are military practices and methods which have their place in the history of Korea but have been adapted for use by both military and non-military personnel as a method of personal growth or recreation. Among the best recognized Korean practices using weapons are traditional Korean Archery and Kumdo (Korean sword sport similar to Japanese Kendo). The best known unarmed Korean Martial Arts is Taekwondo 태권도 and Hapkido, which are continuing to rapidly gain in popularity both inside and outside of the country. View Korean Martial Arts »
