Left-and-right head strike

The left-and-right head strike (좌우 머리치기, jwau meori chigi; Korean Kumdo Association texts also write 좌우면 머리치기) is a basic striking technique of kumdo. It is performed with the 죽도 (jukdo, bamboo sword) against the left and right sides of the opponent's head.

The 죽도 is raised as for the 정면 머리치기 (jeongmyeon meori chigi, front head strike). The only difference from that strike is that the blow lands on a diagonal of about 45° to the left and right.

• The cut descends in a straight diagonal line from the temple to the philtrum (인중, injung).
• The left fist must not leave the body's centreline (정중선, jeongjungseon), even at the moment of impact.
• The 죽도 must not be rotated above the head in order to hit the sides.
• The blade direction should be the same, symmetrical angle on both sides.

In the continuous drill 연격 (yeongyeok), which combines the front head strike with consecutive side strikes, the attacker starts on the opponent's left side. They strike 4 times moving forward and 5 times moving backward, finishing on the left side. Movement forward and back uses 밀어걷기 (mireogeotgi). After the front strike the attacker does not return to 중단 (jungdan, middle guard) but raises the 죽도 again at once.

The receiver holds the 죽도 vertically and draws it toward the side of the head, as if absorbing the strike. One source says the technique's value as a basic exercise lies less in direct use in combat than in preparing for 연격.