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.
Hyeopdo 협도 (spear-blade)
Hyeopdo was a polearm used in Korea. It was also called micheomdo (미첨도), which could be translated as 'eyebrow sword' because the curved blade resembled an eyebrow
The first written reference to a hyeopdo is in a Korean martial arts manual from the 17th century called the Muyejebo Beonyeoksokjip (무예예보 번역속집).
Design
The design varied somewhat between makers, but usually the pole was about 1.5 meters long and the blade was about 63 centimeters long. The blade is single-edged. It closely resembles the woldo and the Chinese pudao.
Use
The hyeopdo was considered an important weapon because of its effectiveness. It was much easier to handle than the bigger and heavier woldo. In the Muyedobotongji, another martial arts manual, one form for use is given, called hyeopdo chongbo (협도총보, 挾刀總譜).
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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 »
