One-handed thrust

Hanson jjireum (한손 찌름, «one-handed thrust») is a kumdo technique in which the opponent's throat is thrust at with the jukdo (죽도, bamboo sword) held in one hand. The Korea Kumdo Association (대한검도회) explains that the thrust (jjireum, 찌름) can be made from the left, right, above or below the opponent's jukdo. It has two forms: two-handed (양손 찌름, yangson jjireum) and one-handed (한손 찌름).

Execution

• According to the Association's manual, the basic points are the same as for the two-handed thrust (yangson jjireum).
• The right hand must not leave the jukdo too early. At the last moment the thrust is snapped out, as if throwing the jukdo.
• The right hand, once released, is brought at once to the right hip.
• After the thrust the left foot must follow the right, keeping an upright posture with the hips (허리, heori) driven in. The kumdoist then returns quickly to the middle guard (중단, jungdan) and shows lingering alertness (잔심, jansim).
• A practice text posted on a Korean forum stresses driving the hips in and taking a firm step forward with the right foot.

Characteristics

• The Association lists it among the one-handed striking techniques (한손치기). Because it has something of a throw of the jukdo, it works from long distance. It is a surprise attack, but it is hard to recover quickly afterwards.
• The same practice text considers it the best means of attack against the high guard (상단, sangdan) and against a swordsman using two swords (쌍칼, ssangkal). Its author recommends it to those of 3rd dan (3단) or above.
• Japanese kendo sources warn that a large opening is left if the thrust misses or is dodged.