조선시대 馬上才의 軍士 武藝 정착과 그 실제

Abstract

This research is to examine the history of martial arts for the intrinsic meaning of Masangjae(馬上才- equestrian skill that the cavalry trained in Joseon period). The prevalent flow of Masangjae is clarified despite of uselessness and weakened cavalry power through the war of Imjinwearan. Moreover exceeding the limit of theoretical frame and record-oriented research, various positions and practical content of Masangjae were restored and added to focus on acquiring the meaning of original martial art. Confrontational strategy with strength the power of cavalry was most effective defense against Yeojin tribe from North area in early Joseon Period. When there was moment to face limit of war strategy focused on cavalry through the war of Imjinwearan, Masangjae was trained by youth troops of Hoonryundogam in need of outstanding cavalry strategy for the key military camp. Masangjae performers who went to Japan for spreading Joseon’s martial arts’ culture as members of Joseon delegation had characteristics of military martial art and play. Masangjae was mainly trained and examined by Jangyongyoung, Seonkidae (Cavalry for King Jeongjo’s royal guards) and its value was increased as military training method. To understand practical characteristic of Masangjae, essential difference with other equestrian skill is tying up stirrups to maintain various positions for Masangjae. The length of halter could be adjusted any time to be able to hold as standing position on horseback. The halter was tied short and put inside of the saddle for equestrian skill with ‘Jwa-wu-cho-ma’(riding on and getting off while a horse is running) or ‘Deung-li-jang-sin’ (Hang oneself on the side of horse) and used as the way to strength a horse’s instinct to run. Through the research of various positions of Masangjae, It has been defined as effective cavalry training method to be utilized for other mounted martial arts such as Gyukgoo or archery.