Subak

Subak is the most historically significant Korean martial art for scholars, as it serves as the common ancestor of both #5 Taekkyeon and Taekwondo. Documented in Goryeo Dynasty records, its high kicks and open-hand strikes are depicted in 4th-century murals at the Anak tomb complex—making it 1,200 years older than the average reconstructed martial art. Currently being pieced together from only 12 surviving texts, Subak features 60% more open-hand techniques than Taekwondo. Its reconstruction costs $3.2 million in grants, yet it remains the least practiced art on this list with under 500 active practitioners.