Woldo

Woldo
Korean name
Hangul	월도
Hanja	月刀
Revised Romanization	Woldo
McCune–Reischauer	Wŏldo

Wol-Do (lit. "Crescent Moon Sword), is the name for a Korean weapon that closely resembles the Chinese yanyuedao (lit. "reclining moon knife") more commonly known as the Guandao and is named for the crescent-moon shape of the blade. Though proportionately smaller than its Chinese counterpart, the Wol-Do is described by the Korean military classic Muyedobotongji ("Comprehensive Illustrated Manual of Martial arts"; Published 1795). "The length of the handle is six feet, four inches; the length of the blade is 2 feet, eight inches; and the weight is three pounds, 15 ounces".

The weapon was ornamented with a small feather attached to the spine of the blade by a ring and with a spike attached to the end of the handle.

Techniques for the use of this weapon by foot soldiers are described in the 18th century Korean martial arts manual Muyejebo published in 1749. With the publication of the updated version of this manual in 1791, the dismounted techniques were retained while adding techniques for use on horse back. These last techniques are called Masang woldo (마상월도, 馬上月刀).

See also

• Sibpalgi
• Muye24gi
• Muyesinbo
• Muyejebo
• Muyedobotongji