One-step, one-strike distance

One-step, one-strike distance (Korean iljok ildo-ui gangyeok; the Korea Kumdo Association's own pages usually write iljok ildo-ui geori) is the basic distance in kumdo. A Korean source gives 一足一刀の間 as its Japanese equivalent. The Association describes it as the distance from which one step forward lets you strike (gyeokja) the opponent. One step back takes you out of their attack.

Reference points in the middle stance (jungdansae):

• In general teaching it is the distance at which both sword tips cross by about 10 cm.
• One source notes that in practice it often seems somewhat closer.
• The Association's manual stresses that it is not an absolute measure, as if taken with a ruler, but a relative concept. It varies with the practitioner's ability.
• Another Korean source adds that body build, jumping power and technique also change it from person to person.

It is contrasted with two other distances:

• Far distance (wongan / wongeori): farther than one step. The opponent cannot hit you, and you cannot easily hit them.
• Near distance (geungan / geungeori): closer than one step. Hitting is easy, but the opponent can hit too, so it is dangerous.

The Association's manual and technique page use this distance as the starting point for several exercises. One example is yeongyeok (continuous strikes), where the head is struck from this distance. The page also names it in connection with mireo-geotgi, the sliding step used to strike from it.