SEOUL, KOREA – While the world recognizes Taekwondo as the face of Korean martial arts, a deeper, more ancient rhythm flows through the peninsula’s history. At the center of this cultural preservation is Master Song Jun-ho, a leading figure dedicated to the transmission of Subak, a traditional striking art known for its explosive power and unique body mechanics.
We sat down with Master Song to discuss the essence of Subak and why its “close-range” tactics are gaining international attention.
The Power of the “Shoulder” and “Jeolguzil”
Q: Many people see martial arts as just punching and kicking. What makes Subak’s movement different?
Master Song: “In Subak, the power doesn’t start in the fist; it starts in the frame. Most practitioners focus on arm strength, but I always emphasize the ‘Shoulder Snap’ and ‘Jeolguzil’ (the milling motion). By lifting and dropping the shoulder at the moment of impact, you engage the massive muscles of the back. It’s not just a strike—it’s the weight of your entire torso being delivered through a single point.”
Q: You often mention that Subak is a “close-range” art. Why is that?
Master Song: “Historically, battlefield combat or village competitions didn’t happen at a long distance. Subak was designed for the ‘clinch.’ Whether it’s ‘Mok-japgi’ (neck grabbing) or ‘Teok-batchigi’ (chin propping), the goal is to stick to the opponent, break their center of gravity, and neutralize their power. If an opponent is stronger than you, you don’t push them away—이(you) enter their space, use your body as a wedge, and lift their chin to break their posture.”
Beyond Sport: A Living Heritage
Q: You are currently working on globalizing Subak through English content and digital archives. What is your ultimate goal?
Master Song: “Subak is more than just a fighting system; it is a fragment of Northern Korean history and the spirit of the ‘Mindung Ssireum’ (traditional folk wrestling). My goal is to ensure that the international community recognizes Subak as a distinct cultural asset. I want people in the West to search for ‘Subak’ and find a sophisticated system of body mechanics that is uniquely Korean.”
Q: What message do you have for martial artists outside of Korea?
Master Song: “Do not just look at the technique; look at the principle. Whether you practice MMA, Boxing, or Karate, the way Subak utilizes the back muscles and controls the ‘neck and chin’ offers a universal lesson in physics. Subak is a living fossil of combat, and it is open to anyone who values tradition and efficiency.”
The Future of Subak
Master Song is currently preparing a series of international seminars and digital instructionals translated into English. His efforts are not just about teaching people how to fight, but about reclaiming a lost chapter of Korean heritage. As Subak gains traction on platforms like YouTube and Reddit, the world is finally starting to see the “shoulder” of the Korean tiger.
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This post was last modified on 2026년 04월 29일 10:56 오전
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