[Yang Nak-gyu's Defence Club] The Special Forces Martial Arts Recognized by the Police

[Asia Economy Reporter Yang Nak-gyu] Starting next month, applicants for police officer positions will receive additional points if they hold a 'Special Combat Martial Arts' certificate issued by the Army Special Warfare Command (SWC).

According to the military on the 11th, until now, even if military personnel obtained a Special Combat Martial Arts certificate, they had to convert it to a certificate issued by a civilian Special Combat Martial Arts association to receive martial arts bonus points. This was because the certificate issued by the SWC was not recognized by the National Police Agency. The conversion fee is 20,000 KRW for active duty personnel and 100,000 KRW for reservists, based on the 1st Dan level.

Last year, the SWC requested the National Police Agency to recognize the Special Combat Martial Arts certificate issued by the SWC as a bonus point for police officer recruitment exams taken by discharged soldiers. After internal regulation reviews, the National Police Agency concluded that holders of the SWC Special Combat Martial Arts certificate are also eligible for bonus points.

Special Combat Martial Arts is a practical martial art that maximizes offensive power using the whole body?arms, legs, head?and everyday objects such as handkerchiefs, fountain pens, and ballpoint pens.

The history of Special Combat Martial Arts dates back to 1968. It was founded by the 606 Security Unit attached to the Blue House. It was a time when martial arts for counter-terrorism were urgently needed.

In 1979, Special Combat Martial Arts was officially demonstrated for the first time in front of the president. In 1985, the 'Special Combat Martial Arts' manual was published, and instructors were trained within the military.

Instructors teach Special Combat Martial Arts to soldiers in units such as the Special Warfare Brigade, Special Warfare Regiment, Reconnaissance Battalion, Military Police Special Duty Unit, and Navy and Air Force Military Police Special Duty Units. The SWC Special Combat Martial Arts certificate is managed by the Army Headquarters. To obtain this certificate, one must train for at least six months under a certified instructor for the 1st Dan level. After completing training, candidates become eligible to take a preliminary exam. The final evaluation is conducted by the SWC for those who pass the preliminary exam. Five examiners, all holders of 5th Dan or higher in Special Combat Martial Arts, assess promotion eligibility based on established criteria through on-site evaluation.

According to the SWC, it is estimated that more than 30,000 personnel train in Special Combat Martial Arts within the military, with approximately 9,000 candidates taking promotion exams annually.

Meanwhile, the Special Combat Martial Arts competition is held annually within the military. Although it was originally an internal event for brigades under the SWC, this year, trainees from civilian associations that have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the SWC also participated. The competition consists of free sparring in mixed martial arts style, free sparring with large swords, and team free sparring. Notably, the SWC plans to formalize the Special Warfare Commander's Cup Special Combat Martial Arts competition during the 'Ground Forces Festival,' the largest Army festival held every early October.