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In reality, the Kumkang Yuksa have no relationship to martial arts. Archaeologists have discovered these relatively common images across Buddhist Asia, from India to China and Korea. They actually portray Buddhist guardian deities, called Vajradhara in Sanskrit. Some think that both guardians originally held a spear in their hands, but when the images were transplanted to Korea, artists did not replicate the weapons. The resulting clenched hands resemble closed fists, thus appearing as empty-hand martial arts poses. Had the spears been reproduced, those who argue that the statues are in martial poses might not be so insistent.

Even if die-hard proponents insist the carvings are actual martial poses, their documented presence in China and India would indicate that Silla dynasty fighting arts had originated in one of those countries, not in Korea. As may be seen in figures 1 and 2, it is easy to interpret the positions of the men as performing almost anything you desire. It could be said that they depict the earliest examples of aerobic exercise.

Some think these tomb paintings testify to Subak/Taekwondo being well established during this time, and to it being a popular activity that was not limited to noblemen or warriors but was also practiced by peasants and farmers. However, as pointed out, the figures are open to other interpretations.

The history of Korea and Taekwondo may be traced with some confidence to the Three Kingdoms Era of Korean history. Korean history is sketchy before the Three Kingdoms Era. 

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