Dissemination of Japanese Swordsmanship to Korea

Abstract

In this article I explored the dissemination of Japanese swordsmanship to Korea. A series of fight books compiled in Korea, Muyejebo (1598), Muyejebo Beonyeoksokjip (1610) and Muyedobotongji (1790) shows the influence of Japanese fencing. Japanese Kage-ryu was introduced to the Korean military training methods as a form of kata and pattern training of sword combat, which features typical Koreanisation of Japanese fencing. During the 18th century, four different Japanese fencing methods were documented in the Muyedobotongji including Toyu-ryu, Ungwang-ryu, Cheonryu-ryu, and Yupi-ryu. The efforts to introduce Japanese fencing to Korea continued in modern times. Especially during the Japanese Rule (1910-1945) gekkiken and Kendo were introduced to Korea and widely spread. However, after the liberation of Korea, Kendo in Korea encountered harsh criticism from nationalism and anti-Japanese sentiment. In attempts to 'erase' the Japanese signature, Kendo was transformed into a Korean style sword art. Militarism gave birth to Japanese Kendo, nationalism evolved it to Korean Kendo.