T’aek’kyo ̆n
T’aek’kyo ̆ n is a Korean martial sport that emphasizes foot and leg tech-
niques. In the modern game, a player can win by making an opponent fall
down with a sweep, trip, or throw, or by kicks to the head or face. It is dis-
tinguished by its evasive and dancelike footwork. In the twentieth century
it has come to be seen as a living link with Korea’s past, distinct from for-
eign influence. It has also provided a historical reference point for modern
martial arts in Korea. T’aek’kyo ̆ n was recognized by the Korean govern-
ment with the title of Intangible Cultural Asset in 1983.
The origins of t’aek’kyo ̆ n are highly speculative, though it probably
has its roots in Chinese practices imported to Korea. If so, it is so far re-
moved from those sources that it does not resemble anything identifiably
Chinese. The name t’aek’kyo ̆ndoes not appear in Korean records until the
latter part of the Yi dynasty (1392–1910), though there are many prior ref-
erences to something called subakhi,“hand strike contest,” which special-
ized in hand and fist techniques. There are comparatively few references to
t’aek’kyo ̆ n. The first that is known is in the Chaemulpo,or Book of Trea-
sures,written by Yi So ̆ ng-ji ca. 1790. It includes a passage that states that
Subakhihad come to be called Tak’kyo ̆nby the time the book was written.
Though there is no direct evidence, it seems reasonable to assume that
Tak’kyo ̆nand t’aek’kyo ̆ n are identical. Other historical references to
Tak’kyo ̆ndescribe something that greatly resembles modern t’aek’kyo ̆n.
Concerning the possible connection of Subakhito t’aek’kyo ̆ n, besides
the statement in the Chaemulpo, other evidence points to a relation.
Among the t’aek’kyo ̆ n techniques that have been preserved, there are sev-
eral variations on punching techniques. A number of these are designated
under the category of yaet po ̆p,or “old skills.” This seems to fit in with the
notion that Subakhi changed over time, its preference for hand techniques
being replaced with foot and leg skills, thus requiring a different name. The
name “old skills” itself seems to suggest an awareness of this process.
Current knowledge of t’aek’kyo ̆ n comes from two general sources: ref-
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