TEUK GONG MOO SOOL (p8 SMASTER Guy E. Larke

WALK SOFTLY AND CARRY A SHORT STICK ENTER TEUK GONG MOO SOOL (Part 8)

By Master Guy Edward Larke

TGMS like many other Korean systems employs a wide number of weapons (A). What differs is that they are a mix of ancient, modern and archaic. One of the more practical, albeit unusual is called the bhan-tae. The Chinese character bhan 反 means, “returning,” while tae 跆 represents, “to smash”. If it sounds a bit like a boomerang, there’s a reason. Trained it can function in a similar way as one.

Basically, it is a short, thin octagonal stick with a long cord or rope looped around one end (B). Although it can be used as just a sturdy stick, its strength comes from the end of the cord being gripped so as to spin it like a whip or to suddenly snap it outwards at an opponent who is just expecting a technique from a short distance. Typically, it is snapped out It can prove to be a very rude surprise to an attacker who thinks he has a reach advantage over you. Additionally, two can be quickly connected (C)to produce a flail with tremendous reach and power. The momentum developed greatly exceeds that of the Okinawan nunchaku.

Alternatively, the cord can wrap around your wrist to prevent being disarmed or your grip slipping if thrusting with the staff (resulting in a loss of penetration power) (D). A third benefit is assistance in arrest techniques (E).

This almost forgotten weapon was passed down from master to master over the generations but its origins can be traced to the Joh-ee Sun-in (elite noble warriors much like Samurai or the Chinese Shih) of the ancient country of Goh-goo-ryuh in what used to be a part of what we now know as South Korea. Originally it was designed with eight sides, but sometimes it was made with only six or even five sides to increase penetration power, especially for bone breakage or armor penetration. Centuries later when this unique weapon’s legacy fell into the hands of a much younger No-Won Park, he began to play with it and tried to see what uses it could have for modern society. What follows are but a brief number of applications he came up with for the weapon. To really come to grips with it requires personalized training. It’s well worth it!

The following issue will detail the heads of the various regions throughout the world. Until then… TEUK GONG! Anyone interested in learning more about this neoclassical military art can contact me or the association at http://www.tgms.or.kr. Seminars can be arranged and there are books and DVDs available for sale.

Senior Master Guy Edward Larke has spent most of his life enamored with the martial arts of Asia and Asian cultures in general. These led him to move to South Korea 20 years ago where he continued to study, research, and write about the various disciplines that shaped his life. In addition to teaching martial arts in Korea, USA, Malaysia and Denmark he has written over 800 articles in over 20 magazines. He named the synthesis of his pilgrimage Kisa-Do Muye (the Knights Way Martial Arts). Larke can be found on Facebook or by e-mail at kisadomuye@gmail.com.