In 1145, King Injong (r. 1112–1146) ordered Confucian scholar Kim Bu-sik to compile the Samguk Sagi (History of the Three Kingdoms).

Infrequent references to soo bak indicate that contests in unarmed combat, often with wagering by the audience, were held on holidays and other special occasions until the invasion of Korea by the Mongols (1231–1392).

In September 1593, King Seonjo of Joseon (1567–1608) established the Hunlyun Dokam (Royal Military Training Agency).

His reference for this effort was Jin Xiao Shin Shu (Manual of New Military Tactics), written by Qi Jiguang (1528–1588) and published in 1567.

Chapter 14 of the manual described 32 methods of hand-to-hand combat; although Qi wrote that they were of little use on the battlefield, they improved his soldiers' confidence and conditioning.

These 32 methods, gleaned from an examination of 16 major fighting systems in Ming China, were recorded in 32 short poems.

After the end of hostilities in 1598, the Korean government wanted to record useful material from General Qi's manual instead of adopting it in its entirety.

Four volumes of a Japanese martial-arts manual were added, leading to the compilation of the Muyejebo Beonyeoksokjip (무예제보번역속집, 武藝諸譜飜譯續集) the same year.

During the reign of King Yeongjo of Joseon (1694–1776), the Muyejebo was revised and supplemented with 12 additional fighting methods by Crown Prince Sado.

During the reign of King Jeongjo of Joseon (1752–1800), the Muyesinbo was revised by Park Je-ga and Lee Duk-moo beginning in 1790.

Although the material was intended to reflect neo-Confucianism by having partners use methods which would produce a stalemate (rather than victory), it rapidly fell into disuse due to its lack of practical combat effectiveness.

Having been disappointed with the poor quality of conscripts coming from China's cities, General Qi drew heavily from the rural areas for the hardiness of its farmers.

Choe Gi-nam (Korean: 최기남; Hanja: 崔起南; 1559 - 1619) organized the Muyejebo sokjip (무예제보 속집, 武藝諸譜續集, “Martial Arts Illustrations”) and it was published in conjunction with the alternate work authored HAN Kyo in 1610.

It is possible to identify similar method titles and illustrations between this material and that of the Muye Jebo and General Qi's Boxing Canon.

Breaking Bird Elbow Yoranjuse (요 란 주 세) 拗 鸞 肘 勢 3.

False Prey Posture Hyunkak Huheese (현 각 허 이 세) 顯 脚 虛 餌 勢 4.

Seven Star Fist Posture Chil Sung Kwonse ( 칠 성 권)七 星 拳 6.

High Four levels Posture Kosapyeongse ( 고 사 평 세) 高 四 平 勢 7.

Single Whip Posture Yodanpyunse (요 단 편 세) 拗 單 鞭 勢 10.

False Prey Posture Hyunkak Huheese (현 각 허 이 세) 顯 脚 虛 餌 勢 12.

Middle Four Levels Posture Joongsapyeongse (중 사 평 세) 中 四 平 勢 16.

Single Whip Posture Yodanpyunse (요 단 편 세) 拗 單 鞭 勢 19.

False Prey Posture Hyunkak Huheese (현 각 허 이 세) 顯 脚 虛 餌 勢 21.

Single Whip Posture Yodanpyunse (요 단 편 세) 拗 單 鞭 勢 28.

False Prey Posture Hyunkak Huheese (현 각 허 이 세) 顯 脚 虛 餌 勢 32.

False Prey Posture Hyunkak Huheese (현 각 허 이 세) 顯 脚 虛 餌 勢 36.

General Qi first organized his material along these four categories with the intention of developing a Military Science that would inter-relate to the other weapons and duties of the soldier.

Regardless of the specific technique, illustrations and descriptions of the biomechanic being employed are commonly represented in General Qi's work at the moment at which the adversary is engaged.