Subak

Soobak or Subak is a term that referes to a specific style of the ancient Korean martial arts. Historically this term may be the original name for the Korean martial art of Taekyon.

Originally, Korea was divided into three kingdoms: Silla in the southeatern part of the country, Goguryeo (more commonly spelled Koryo) in the northern part, nearest to China, and Baekje located west of Silla. The style of Subak was initially created in the Korean peninsula kingdom of Goguryeo.

Due to Goguryeo being in constant conflict with China, the military of Goguryeo developed a martial art that was a mix of Chinese arts adapted for their own purposes. It was a style heavy in the use of kicking as opposed to punching, and relied more on upright fighting styles as opposed to grappling and wrestling. There is supposition that a possible reason for this is that the kingdom's mountain terrain had greatly strengthened the legs of the people, turning them into their strongest bodily weapons. The warrior corps organized who practiced this Soobak were called Sonbae. The word Sonbae is translated to mean a man of virtue who never retreats from a fight, and is a member of the warrior corps. Those who were members of the Sonbae lived in groups and learned Soobak as well as history, literature, and other liberal arts. Although they were constantly training in combat, during peace time they helped construct roads and fortresses, assisted after natural disasters, etc.

In the year 400 BC, in an attempt to dominate the entire southern portion of the country, Baekje invaded Silla. King Gwanggaeto the Great of Goguryeo is said by some accounts to have sent 50,000 Sonbae troops to Silla's aid (later he would attempt to dictate Silla's internal affairs because of this assistance). It was at this point that the people of Silla first encountered Soobak, which they would adopt and begin to train their own warriors in (called Hwarang). They would alter Soobak into modern day Taekwondo.

Soobak took a heavy blow during the Joseon period, which was founded on the ideology of Confucianism, stressing literary art instead of martial art. Soobak was only allowed to be practiced in competitions called subakhui. After three subakhui bouts, the winner could become employed as a soldier.