Distance

In kumdo, gangyeok (간격, «distance» or «interval») generally means the distance between oneself and the opponent. A Korean kumdo glossary says the term refers to what contains the spatial element between the two.

Several Korean sources add that it is not merely physical distance. Some also speak of a temporal interval, the one that arises from the movement of the opponent's mind. Others include the psychological tension between the two.

The sources distinguish three main distances:

• Iljogildo-ui geori (일족일도의 거리, «one-step, one-strike distance»): the basic gangyeok of kumdo. One step forward lets you strike (gyeokja, 격자) the opponent, and one step back takes you out of reach. In the middle guard (jungdanse, 중단세), the usual reference is that the sword tips of both cross by about 10 cm. It varies with each person's build, strength and technical level.
• Wongeori (원거리, «far distance»): farther than the basic distance. An attack by the opponent does not land, and neither does your own.
• Geungeori (근거리, «near distance»): closer than the basic distance. It is easy to enter and strike, but the opponent's attack is also allowed, so it is a dangerous distance.

The sources also link gangyeok to training. The practice of yeongyeok (연격, continuous strikes) is used to train, among other things, gangyeok and breathing. After striking, one re-establishes gangyeok and returns at once to the middle guard to be ready for a counter.

A Korean glossary gives «ma-ai» (間合) as the equivalent Japanese word.