Continuous strikes

Yeongyeok (연격, 連擊) means «continuous strikes». In kumdo it is the exercise that joins a frontal head strike (jeongmyeon meorichigi, 정면머리치기) with continuous alternating strikes to the left and right sides of the head (jwau meorichigi, 좌우머리치기). It is regarded as a comprehensive way of practising the basic movements of kumdo.

Usual sequence:

• It starts from the distance called iljok-ildo-ui geori (일족일도의 거리), from which one step forward lets you hit the opponent.
• The one who attacks first strikes the head from the front. After mombadeum (몸받음), a brief body impact, he advances giving four alternating side strikes (left, right, left, right).
• He then retreats giving five (left, right, left, right, left).
• He steps back to the proper distance and strikes the head from the front again.
• The sequence is usually done twice: frontal strike, side strikes, frontal strike, side strikes and a final frontal strike. Both then keep jonsim (존심), sustained alertness after the strike.

The sources give an angle of 30 to 45 degrees for the side strikes. They also say the attacker shouts «meori» (머리, head) while striking and that the exercise follows the principle dae-gang-sok-gyeong (대강속경): big, strong, fast and light.

Stated aims: posture, striking, footwork, handling distance, breathing, physical strength and vigor, and a strike with unity of spirit, sword and body (gigeomche ilchi, 기검체일치). The sources say it is essential from practitioners without a rank up to those with one, and that it also suits warming up.