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A Korean sword system comprising of basic cutting techniques that mimic the Korean script known as Hangul. Developed by the late Myung Jae Nam,the art came to popular attention during the third international H.K.D. Games in 1997. Although, arguably, it is easier for those familiar with the Korean language, Hangul, known as the most scientific alphabet in existence today, is in fact remarkably easy to learn. It is estimated that most foreigners should be able to pick up the alphabet, commit it to memory and be able to read, or at least pronounce the words within about a week.
Making the sword cuts on the letters of the alphabet is an ingenious aid, helping students to quickly be able to memorise the different cuts, thus enabling them to perform the required movements subconsciously in a very short time frame.
Differing from Japanese counterparts, which went through a distinct phase of man-to-man duelling during the peaceful edo period. The Korean sword arts were purely aimed at teaching soldiers to fight on the battlefield with multiple opponents and so, in keeping with that tradition, the art follows fundamental principles of multiple strikes on multiple opponents as opposed to the one-on-one perfect strike duel based focus of the Japanese sword techniques. Hangul, the Korean alphabet, consists of 24 characters, 14 consonants combined with 10 vowels. To write with the sword all of these, the student must first learn four basic techniques:
- Nae Rydo Bae Gi, the vertical strike
- Mak Gi, the block
Some schools further divide the four basic techniques into five including the horizontal block, the horizontal strike, the diagonal strike, the vertical strike and the forward cut. However, despite these basic differences in how the syllabuses are subdivided, they both share the common and unique training principle of following the alphabet to develop potent, efficious, nimble agility in swordmanship.
Writer of this article Chris Crudelli is a graduate of Chinese at the School of Oriental and African Studies, London University & Beijing Shi Fan University.
He is also a Kung Fu & Taiji Master, Published Author & TV Host best known for his self-penned BBC TV series 'Mind Body Kick Ass Moves' (broadcast in over 180 countries worldwide).