Ssangsudo: Two-handed Saber

Ssangsudo: Two-handed Saber

Ssangsudo: The Two-handed Saber History. Technique. Tradition. Ssangsudo: The Two-handed Saber unveils the world’s oldest documented two-handed sword form ( poomsae , kata ) through a compelling blend of historical scholarship, original translations, and practical martial analysis. This groundbreaking work explores Korea’s ancient saber techniques as preserved in the 1790 Muye dobo tongji ( Comprehensive Illustrated Manual of Martial Arts )—techniques that predate many of East Asia’s more widely known sword traditions. Tracing the evolution from the early jangdo (long saber) to the standardized hwando (military saber), the book reveals how Korean swordsmanship both influenced and absorbed techniques from neighboring martial cultures. Through a meticulous comparison of nearly two centuries of military manuals—including the pivotal Muye jebo (1598), the Korean edition of Jixiao xinshu (1664), and subsequent revisions—the author reconstructs the rich tapestry of cross-cultural exchange that shaped saber fighting in East Asia. More than just a historical study, Ssangsudo is a rediscovery of Korea’s martial heritage—one that sheds new light on the deep, and often overlooked, connections between Korean, Chinese, and Japanese sword arts. A Journey Through Historical Texts Discover the connection between some of the most influential martial arts manuals in East Asian history: Kage-ryū : The Japanese swordsmanship tradition that inspired Qi Jiguang during the Taizhou battles of 1561. - Jixiao xinshu ( New Book of Effective Discipline , 1584): Qi Jiguang’s military text that first codified long saber techniques. - Wubeizhi ( Treatise on Military Preparedness , 1621): A comprehensive Chinese military encyclopedia documenting the evolution of the long saber. - Dandao faxuan ( Selected Techniques of Long Saber , 1621): Cheng Zongyou’s civilian adaptation of long saber methods. - Shoubilu ( Record of Arms , 1678): Wu Shu’s refinements of saber techniques for practicality and efficiency. - Muye jebo ( Illustrated Manual of Martial Arts , 1598) and its Beonyeok Sokjip ( Translated Sequel , 1610): The first Korean adaptations of the long saber, blending Chinese influences with Joseon military needs. What Makes This Book Unique? Historical Context : Examine the cultural and military significance of the long saber across Korea, China, and Japan, and how these traditions influenced and evolved alongside one another. - Comprehensive Translation : Access the Ssangsudo section of the Muye dobo tongji , meticulously translated with detailed commentary to illuminate its historical and practical significance. - Practical Analysis : Learn the dynamic techniques of Ssangsudo through step-by-step guides, enriched with comparative insights from other martial arts manuals. Why Read This Book? Ssangsudo: The Two-Handed Saber offers readers a unique opportunity to explore the long saber tradition within a broader East Asian martial arts framework. Whether you’re a martial artist seeking practical techniques, a historian exploring cross-cultural exchanges, or an enthusiast of classical martial arts texts, this book provides a deeply researched and accessible perspective.