Hyeopdo

Hyeopdo
Korean name
Hangul	협도
Hanja	挾刀
Revised Romanization	Hyeopdo
McCune–Reischauer	Hyŏpto

The Hyeopdo (Modern South Korean pronunciation: /çʌp.do/) 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).

See also

• Glaive
• Guan dao
• Naginata
• Pudao
• Woldo
• Muyejebo
• Muyedobotongji