Duk-moo Yi

In 1789, King Jungjo, ruler of the Yi dynasty (1392-1910), ordered General Yi Duk-moo, Park Je-ga and Pak Dong-soo to compile an official textbook on all martial art forms then present in Korea to preserve them for future generations. The result, the Muye Dobo Tongji, is the only suriving classical text on the Korean arts of war. Based on the earliest known Korean martial art treatise, the Muye Jebo written in 1599, the Muye Dobo Tongji clearly shows the influence of the neighboring Japanese and Chinese armies.

Through hundreds of wars and invasions, Korean soldiers adapted combat skills and tactics from their enemies, creating a unique system of their own. Organized into 24 distinct disciplines comprised of empty hand fighting, weaponry and horsemanship, this book is an accurate historical snapshot of the warrior arts of the hermit kingdom in the late 18th centruy.

The release of The Comprehensive Illustrated Manual of Martial Arts of Ancient Korea marks the first time this volume is available in Engsh. Carefully translated from the original text and illsutrated with reproductions of ancient woodblock carvings, this book provides fascinating insights into Korea's martial art legacy.

Contents

Preface
The King's foreword
I Bumrye: Introduction
II Byunggi Chongsu: Documentation of military strategies
III Chuk Mo Sashil: Facts on chuk and mo
IV Kiye Jilue: Conversation on the strategy and art
Book One: Muye Dobo Tongji
I Jang Chang: Long spear
II Juk Jang Chang: Long bamboo spear
III Kee Chang: Flag spear
IV Dang Pa: Triple tip spear
V Ki Chang: Spear fighting on horseback
VI Nang Sun: Multiple tip bamboo spear
Book Two: Muye dobo tongji
I Ssang Soo Do: Long sword
II Ye Do: Short sword
III Wae Gum: Japanese sword
IV Kyo Jun Bo: The illustrations of combat
Book Three: Muye Dobo Tongji
I Je Dok Gum: Admiral's sword
II Bon Kuk Gum: Shilla kingdom sword
III Ssang Gum: Twin sowrds
IV Masang Ssang Gum: Twin swords on horse
V Wol Do: Crescent sword
VI Masang Wol Do: Crescent sword on horseback
VII Hyup Do: Spear sword
VIII Dung Pae: Shield art
Book Four: Muye Dobo Tongji
I Kwon Bup: Fist fighting method
II Kon Bang: Long stick
III Pyun Kon: Flail method
IV Masang Pyun Kon: Flail method on horseback
V Kyuk Koo: Ball game on horseback
VI Masang Jae: Horsemanship
VII Kwan Bok Dosul: Illustrations of uniforms
VIII Koi Pyo: A comparative chart… (altro)