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.
Deungpae 등패
Is a shield made of wisteria and bamboo which was used by the military of the Joseon Dynasty. The earliest Korean description can be found in the Muyejebo
In the classic Korean martial art manuals the use of the deungpae is explained in combination with both the spear and the sword. Often a soldier would hold the deungpae and sword in the dominant hand, while holding a spear in his other hand. The spear would be thrown at the opponent, after which the soldier would attack with his sword.
A soldier with a nangseon would back up the soldier fighting with deungpae and sword. They would be part of a so-called Mandarin duck formation which was invented by the Chinese general Qi Jiguang and is described in his book, the Jixiao Xinshu.
Shield specialists trained in how to advance and retreat but were not allowed to retreat in combat situation because their withdrawal would leave their whole squad exposed, leading to its possible collapse.
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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 »
