Biomechanical Transference from Livestock Taming to Traditional Korean Close-Quarters Combat (Subak &Mindung Ssireum)

This paper examines the socio-military and biomechanical foundations of Subak (traditional Korean comprehensive martial art) and Mindung Ssireum (free-grip standing wrestling) through the lens of the Soldier-Farmer Paradigm (兵農合一, Byeong-Nong-Hab-Il) during the Goryeo and Joseon Dynasties. Rather than analyzing these martial traditions as isolated athletic pursuits, this study posits that their core technical structures co-evolved within the same socio-ecological and tactical ecosystem as traditional animal husbandry and military equine management. By analyzing specific historical practices—such as the manipulation of a bull's nose-ring (Kotture) to disrupt spinal alignment and oral testimonies of precision cranial-striking methods persisting into the early 20th century—this paper uncovers an exact kinetic synchronicity with folk grappling and combat methodologies. Furthermore, cross-cultural comparisons with American cowboy cultures (e.g., Bulldogging and historical Knocker protocols) are established to demonstrate the universal biomechanical principles of large-animal restraint. Finally, this paper outlines a modern, animal-welfare-compliant simulation pedagogy utilizing high-consequence heavy dummies to safely transmit these ancient warrior traditions.