Kumdo_Kendo Glossary (v1)

[samsuh]

I put this glossary of kumdo and kendo equivalent terms. Hope this helps folks out there. If there are any incorrect terms, drop me a line. Thanks.

[Ninjamom]

HOOOOOORRRRAAAAAYYYYYYYY!!!!



Samsuh is my hero! Excellent job, Samsuh!

I have seen a lot of variation in Korean terminology. Can anyone comment on whether these terms are used throughout both the Daehan and the Hankuk kumdo communities? Also, Samsuh: any chance I can convince you to add the English equivalents in your v 2.0?

Thanks again for a great contribution to the community.

[samsuh]

HOOOOOORRRRAAAAAYYYYYYYY!!!!



Samsuh is my hero! Excellent job, Samsuh!

I have seen a lot of variation in Korean terminology. Can anyone comment on whether these terms are used throughout both the Daehan and the Hankuk kumdo communities? Also, Samsuh: any chance I can convince you to add the English equivalents in your v 2.0?

Thanks again for a great contribution to the community.

Ninjamom,

Will do as requested after the holidays. I'm supposed to be in California for Christmas right now but the snow storm that hit Denver ruined my travel. I'm leaving on Sunday...yeah, the Christmas Eve!!!

By the way, I extracted the Korean terms from Master Yi Jong-rim's latest book 검도교본 (Geomdo Gyobon or "Kumdo Guide") published this year. Master Yi is the Vice-President of KKA (Daehan Kumdo) and this book is closest thing to an official KKA textbook.

[Bruce W Sims]

Looks wonderful!

BTW, Samsuh, did you happen to see my post about the Korean equivalent of the Japanese term "suki"? Any thoughts?

Best Wishes,

Bruce

[desmo]

Brilliant!!!

Does "GwanJangNim" or "SaBumNim" have connotations of "master",
or is that un-Korean?

Thanks for sharing, Samsuh.

[samsuh]

Looks wonderful!

BTW, Samsuh, did you happen to see my post about the Korean equivalent of the Japanese term "suki"? Any thoughts?

Best Wishes,

Bruce

Bruce,

The Korean equivalent of "suki" is "teum" (t'eum) which literally means gap or empty spot. I think there is a bit of confusion about "tsuki" and "suki" and their equivalents in Korean. As I understand it, the term "tsuki" (noun) is used describe the point scored against tsuki-dare. This act of thrusting is called "tsuku" (verb). You thrust into tsuki-dare, when you find "suki" or gap in the opponent's ki, posture, concentration, etc. The Korean term, "jjireum" or "jjireu-gi" (noun) literally mean to poke or thrust just like the Japanese term. The act of thrusting is "jjireu-da" (verb). Some people some times refer to "jjireum" as "jjilla", but this is inappropriate as far as grammar is concerned. (It should actually be "jjilleo.") "Jjilleo" is a command (kind of a verb) to thrust--say, when sabumnim is telling his students to "thrust".

I know many kendoka in the West say someone got "tsuki'ed" for convenience sake since most do not speak Japanese with fluency. And I think this is okay. I'm not here to tell anyone what terms they should use, but as far as language is concerned, kumdoins should use "jjireum."

[samsuh]

Brilliant!!!

Does "GwanJangNim" or "SaBumNim" have connotations of "master",
or is that un-Korean?

Thanks for sharing, Samsuh.

Desmo,

"Gwanjangnim" is used to refer to the head of school (lit. "master of school"). "Sabumnim" is used to refer to any "instructor." So, it's possible that a sabumnim could also be the gwanjangnim if he's the only one teaching. But the most appropriate title to call him is gwanjangnim, unless s/he tells you otherwise. "Nim" suffix is used as a honorific. Fellow instructors would often refer to each other without this honorific

Any visiting kodanja (4th dan and above) should be called "seonsaengnim" or teacher. This term is Korean equivalent to Japanese term "sensei." If the visitor is a instructor or head of a school, then he should be called by his surname followed by appropriate title. For example: "Kim sabumnim."

I think calling "Master so-and-so" is acceptable in the beginning, but you should call him/her with appropriate title, unless told otherwise. I think many MA schools in the US are pretty lax about this kind of thing, but it's very sensitive stuff in Korea (faux pas) and you could be dressed-down by senior students for not knowing your place.

Hope this helps.

[Shawn Dormishev]

Thank You For The Info !!

[Bruce W Sims]

Bruce,

The Korean equivalent of "suki" is "teum" (t'eum) which literally means gap or empty spot.

Thanks, very much.

Have I the correct spelling? Teum = 틈

I went to MINJUNG's K-E Dictionary and I can see where the emphasis is on "opportunity" more than "opening". Thanks.

Can you also tell me why there is such a difficulty with identifying a term for "parry" (in the redirecting sense) as compared to "blocking" ( in the sense of stopping or preventing a strike). I have approached my instructor more than a few times about this and it seems there is some real difficulty in trying to communicate the concept. He readily understands the idea of stopping a strike, but seems to have much difficulty with the idea of redirecting an attack so as to take advantage of the resulting opening. Could be that he is so skilled at doing this that he never thought to identify it as a specific method. Thoughts?

Best Wishes,

Bruce

[Bruce W Sims]

I don't know if this will help, or just confuse people, but I thought I would toss out some terms that I have run across that seem to speak more to the concepts and qualities that I think most folks would be working to polish with their practice. Thoughts? Comments?

Best Wishes,

Bruce

.................................................. ..............

Concepts

Kan kyok : Interval: optimal space between combatants at which to either execute offensive techniques or maintain defenses.
( 간격 [間隔] ) also: kan hap (간합 )
Himm : Power: physical energy, force, might. ( 힘 )
Jip joong : Concentration; concentrate one's attention [mind] on (one's work).
( 주의를 집중 하다 )
Sok ryok : Velocity: Rate at which a specific body part, a weapon or an item moves. ( 속력 [速力] )
Sok do : Speed: rate at which an individual moves their body as a unit to cover distance. (속도 [速度] )
Jan shim : Sustained Focus: concentration maintained after the execution of a technique where the connection to the attacker or the situation is preserved. On a physical level this suggests a readiness for further action while on an emotional and intellectual level it suggests that balance and clarity are maintained.
{lit: “lingering mind” 잔 심 ( 残心 ) }
Pŏm wee : Sphere, or Range, of Influence: “dynamic sphere”
{ 세력 범위 (範圍) }
Jo hwa : Balance: ability to execute an identified technique or action while maintaining ones’ physical relationship with the environment relates also to being able to maintain ones’ emotional and psychological relationship as well. { 조 화 }
T’aedo : Bearing: demeanor or manner
{ 태 도 ( 態度 ) }
Shi Son : Focus of eyes; eye contact
{ 시선 ( 視線 ) }
Cho jŏm : Focus: point at which the maximum physical and mental energy is applied for optimal result. {초 점 }
Ch’im ch’ak : Composure: self-control, self-possession; presence of mind; calmness; coolness, unflappable { 침 착 }
Haeng dong : Execution: action of the body and its techniques
( 행 동 )
Dan ryon : Conditioning: Ability of the body to sustain performance in resistance to shock. { 단련 ( 鍛鍊 ) }
( Lit: ~하다improve; cultivate; school; harden; steel ((one's courage)); exercise; subject to discipline.)
Bunseok : “analysis”; to consider the practical functions of a form
Eung yong : “application”; the result of analyzing the functions of a form
Baekja : “timing”; Coordination of ones’ own motion with that of ones’ opponents in order to produce a desired effect. (柏子/백자 )
Includes:
Pre-emptive strike: 선 제 공격; to take the initiative in the attack. seon eui seon선의 선/
Retaliatory strike: hu eui seon후의 선/

Qualities

Jong Euye : Justice: righteousness; a just cause
{ 정 의 ( 義 ) }
In : Benevolence: humanity; philanthropy; charity.
{ 인 (仁愛)}
Yae jŏl : Courtesy: etiquette; decorum; propriety; politeness; civility.
{ 예 절; 예의(禮儀) }
Ji : Wisdom: sense.
{ 지 ( 智 )}
Yong-gi : Courage: courage; valor; bravery; boldness;
{ 용기 (勇氣 ) }
Shin-yo : Trust: confidence; reliance; faith; credence;
{ 신용 ( 信用 )}
Sŏn : Goodness: a good deed.
{ 선 ( 善 ) }
Dŏk : Virtue: moral excellence; the power of commanding love and respect.
{ 덕 ( 德 ) }
Dong jŏng : Compassion: sympathy; pity.
{ 동정 ( 同情 ) } also: Shi ( 시 )
Jon jung : Respect: esteem, regard; deference or Chon Kyung
{ 존중 ( 尊重 ) }
In Neh : Perseverance: Endurance; Patience
{ 인내 ( 忍耐 ) }
Kyum Son : Humility: modesty
{ 겸손 ( 謙遜 ) }
Jŏng jik : Honesty: veracity;
{ 정직 ( 正直 ) }
Pum haeng : Morals: moral conduct; moral character; morals.
{ 품행 ( 品行 ) }
Chŏn ryum : Integrity
{ 청렴 ( 淸廉 ) }
Maeum : Spirit: mind; soul
{ 마 음 (mauem-ssi: “heart”) }
Also: mind; spirit; { 정신 ( 精神 ) }
Chung Shim : Faithfulness: devotion; sincerity; wholeheartedness.
{ 충심 ( 忠心 ) }
Also: One’s true heart; one's inmost feelings[heart].
{ 충심 ( 衷心 ) }
Chung Shin : Fidelity; loyalty; dedication.(lit: “center mind” )
{ 충신 ( 忠信 ) }

[samsuh]

Thanks, very much.

Have I the correct spelling? Teum = 틈

I went to MINJUNG's K-E Dictionary and I can see where the emphasis is on "opportunity" more than "opening". Thanks.

Can you also tell me why there is such a difficulty with identifying a term for "parry" (in the redirecting sense) as compared to "blocking" ( in the sense of stopping or preventing a strike). I have approached my instructor more than a few times about this and it seems there is some real difficulty in trying to communicate the concept. He readily understands the idea of stopping a strike, but seems to have much difficulty with the idea of redirecting an attack so as to take advantage of the resulting opening. Could be that he is so skilled at doing this that he never thought to identify it as a specific method. Thoughts?

Best Wishes,

Bruce

Bruce,

You have the spelling right....I've switched from McCune Reischauer transliteration to revised version since it seems it's much more prominent outside the academic circles. Anyway, "teum" could be "opportunity" but it all depends on the context in which the word is used. For example, I can use the word to say "I'll pick up a bag of coffee when I have an opportunity (teum)." So, it's very flexible term. Another word that is sometimes used in conjunction with teum is "bin" or "bida." It means "empty." Sometimes Koreans would say "bin-teum," which is redundant since it means "empty gap".

On the second question, I can only speculate....
Some Korean words to describe some of the defensive/counter-attack techniques (not technical terms used by KKA) are as follows:

To block: 막다 -- Makda (Korean language uses "....da" verb form)
To receive: 받다 -- Batda (in counter-attack such as "bat-a-chigi," this would be like "receive/block and strike")

But there doesn't seem to be one word to describe "parry" per say, and it would depend on situation. Let me explain. 스쳐치기 seucheo-chigi is probably the most close to parrying, but it describes a situation (at least in kumdo) in which the person who is parrying does so by raising his sword and blunts in a skidding manner the strike of the opponent. But also, 떨쳐치기 ddeucheo-chigi could be considered a parrying if the one parrying is striking down the sword of his opponent as he (the opponent) initiates a thrust.

Sorry, I can't be more of a help....

[Bruce W Sims]

".....But there doesn't seem to be one word to describe "parry" per say, and it would depend on situation. Let me explain. 스쳐치기 seucheo-chigi is probably the most close to parrying, but it describes a situation (at least in kumdo) in which the person who is parrying does so by raising his sword and blunts in a skidding manner the strike of the opponent. But also, 떨쳐치기 ddeucheo-chigi could be considered a parrying if the one parrying is striking down the sword of his opponent as he (the opponent) initiates a thrust......."

Very well said!! I liked your use of the term "skidding manner". I think this is where the trouble is coming in. Its reasonably easy to speak in terms of blocking a strike, but the idea of letting an attack "skid" off one's sword is a bit harder to get across. I wonder if this is a case where we may need to actually "adopt" some term. I know that the concept is alluded to quite often. Maybe we need to actually develop a term to identify when an action is meant to redirect, yes? Hey! Whats the Korean term for "skidding"!?!

Best Wishes,

Bruce

[samsuh]

".....But there doesn't seem to be one word to describe "parry" per say, and it would depend on situation. Let me explain. 스쳐치기 seucheo-chigi is probably the most close to parrying, but it describes a situation (at least in kumdo) in which the person who is parrying does so by raising his sword and blunts in a skidding manner the strike of the opponent. But also, 떨쳐치기 ddeucheo-chigi could be considered a parrying if the one parrying is striking down the sword of his opponent as he (the opponent) initiates a thrust......."

Very well said!! I liked your use of the term "skidding manner". I think this is where the trouble is coming in. Its reasonably easy to speak in terms of blocking a strike, but the idea of letting an attack "skid" off one's sword is a bit harder to get across. I wonder if this is a case where we may need to actually "adopt" some term. I know that the concept is alluded to quite often. Maybe we need to actually develop a term to identify when an action is meant to redirect, yes? Hey! Whats the Korean term for "skidding"!?!

Best Wishes,

Bruce

Bruce,

The best Korean word I can think of right now is 스치다 seuchida. There is another word (미끄러지다 miggeureojida or "slips") but it doesn't carry the same nuance as seuchida. Perhaps, 스쳐치기 seucheochigi could be used as a generic (informal) term to describe at least the parrying that we've been discussing.

[Bruce W Sims]

Hmmmm...

I wonder if it would come down to having an individual name for each individual kind of parry rather than a single term for all parries. For instance, the MYTBTJ does not say "practice your cuts using a stutter-step to advance". Rather the phrase "make the jinjun kyukjukse" ("lunge and strike" posture). Or, for instance, nobody says "we're gonna practice our drawing techniques and a couple of close-in-fighting moves in case we're surpised on guard duty." Instead the MYTBTJ simply says "first make "Jikum Daejukse" ("confrontation posture"). In this way maybe such a parrying technique as "coiling" might take a label from "Anjase" ("Wild Goose" posture) in which it is found even though it does not strictly address the individual parrying technique itself, yes? Thoughts?

Best Wishes,

Bruce