What is Kuk Sool Won™?

It is important to note that Kuk Sool and Kuk Sool Won™ are not one and the same, as Kuk Sool Won™ is merely one organization (founded by In Hyuk Suh) which happens to utilize the martial art of Kuk Sool in what it offers to its clients. However, due to years of falsely justified insistence by Kuk Sool Won™ that no one else could legally use the name of “Kuk Sool” directly led to many proponents of this remarkable martial arts system regrettably adopting a different moniker. So while Kuk Sool Won™ (and its partner organization, the World Kuk Sool Association, Inc.) may be one of the largest institutions which have helped to spread this martial art, there exists a significant number of martial art groups that teach Kuk Sool, even if many don't identify themselves by this appellation.

The romantic origins of Kuk Sool date back to the very beginning of Korea, starting with “Sah Doh Mu Sool” which means family or tribal martial art. The next martial art to develop was “Koong Joong Mu Sool,” or “Royal Court Martial Art.” Shortly afterwards came “Bull Gyo Mu Sool,” which refers to the martial arts practiced in the Buddhist temples during ancient times. These are the three segments of Korean martial arts history from which the techniques of Kuk Sool are said to be derived.

So it can be postulated that Kuk Sool Won™ is a comprehensive martial arts system purportedly derived from the rich and varied martial art techniques and traditions that have arisen in Korea throughout the ages. So it can be said that Kuk Sool Won™ is a comprehensive martial arts system that is derived from the rich and varied martial art techniques and traditions that have arisen in Korea throughout the ages. Be aware that Kuk Sool is not considered a sport, nor is it simply another oriental self defense method, it is a comprehensive martial art that is dedicated to the cultivation of mental and physical well-being and to the preservation of traditional Korean Martial Arts.

Kuk Sool is recognized as an extensive martial arts system which is based on the rich and varied martial art techniques and traditions that have arisen in Korea throughout the ages. Technically, Kuk Sool is not considered a sport nor is it simply another oriental self defense method, rather it is a comprehensive martial art that is dedicated to the cultivation of mental and physical well-being and to the preservation of traditional Korean Martial Arts.

For self defense, Kuk Sool is unsurpassed. It combines kicking, punching, throwing, falling, choking, joint-locking and a myriad of weapons techniques into a beautiful and dynamic style that emphasizes speed and fluidity. In conjunction with the physical training, meditation, special breathing, acupressure and acupuncture techniques are employed to improve and maintain health, to develop internal power and to lessen the effects of aging.

Philosophically, Kuk Sool stresses humility, self discipline, loyalty and respect for others. Together, all of these aspects allow Kuk Sool to provide the means for attaining a long and healthy life.

As a martial arts franchise, Kuk Sool Won™ tries to include the full spectrum of Asian fighting methods and body conditioning secrets, as well as emphasizing mental development and dabbling in traditional weapons training. Below is a sampling of what Kuk Sool Won™ has to offer:

 
  HAND TECHNIQUES
  • Closed and open hand striking methods, utilizing:
    back or side of the hand, wrist, palm, fingers, fingertips & fist;
    also included are special hand conditioning exercises
  • Striking with forearm, elbow, and shoulder
  • Pressure point striking
  • Blocking and parrying
 
  LEG TECHNIQUES
  • Fundamental kicks
  • Spinning kicks
  • Jumping kicks
  • Combination kicks
  • Double-leg kicks (i.e. kicking with both legs simultaneously)
  • Pressure point kicking
  • Specialty kicking (e.g. Hurdle kicks or Rebound kicks)
 
  THROWING and GRAPPLING
  • Body throws
  • Projection throws
  • Leg throws
  • Pressure point grappling
  • Grappling defense
  • Wrestling techniques
  • Ground fighting
 
  JOINT-LOCKING TECHNIQUES
  • Restraining methods
  • Joint breaking techniques
  • Multiple/Combination joint-locking
  • Escorting techniques (which use control & redirection principles that rely on exact methods of joint manipulation and pain-compliance)
 
  FALLING TECHNIQUES and ACROBATICS
  • Conditioning the body for impact resistance
  • Landing postures and other body protection techniques
  • Agility training
  • Acrobatics for defense and offense
 
  BODY CONDITIONING
  • Overall stretching and flexibility training
  • Cardiovascular conditioning
  • Muscle toning
  • Ligament and tendon strengthening
  • Joint flexibility and bone conditioning
 
  ANIMAL-STYLE TECHNIQUES
  Techniques based on the movements and/or characteristics
   of certain “martial” animals such as:
     
  • Tiger
  • Praying Mantis
  • Crane
  • Dragon
  • Snake
  • Bear
  • Eagle

    •    etc.
 
  TRADITIONAL KOREAN WEAPONS
  • Sword — variations are:
    • Lengths: short, long
    • Style: straight grip, inverted grip
    • Number & Use: 1 sword – single-handed or both hands,
      2 swords – one sword in each hand
  • Staff — variations are:
    • Lengths: short, mid-sized, long
    • Number & Use: 1 staff – single-handed or both hands,
      2 staves – one staff in each hand
  • Jointed Staff (flail) — variations are:
    • 2 Sections: 1 short, 1 long (used with both hands)
      or equal length (can be used singly or as twin weapons, i.e. one in each hand)
    • 3 Sections: equal length (used with both hands)
  • Spear
  • Cane
  • Rope
  • Fan
  • Bow & Arrow

    NOTE: In accordance with aspects of traditional Korean weaponry, Kuk Sool also includes the use of certain listed weapons from horseback. NOTE: Due to resources such as the MuYeDoBoTongJi, Kuk Sool Won™ plays around with the idea of using certain weapons on horseback.
 
  MARTIAL ART HEALING METHODS
  • Acupressure
  • Acupuncture
  • Internal energy systems
  • Herbal medicine
 
  MEDITATION and BREATHING TECHNIQUES
  • Various breath control techniques
  • Meditation and breathing postures
  • Concentration techniques
 

As you can see, Kuk Sool Won™ covers an extensive variety of martial art techniques. But it is not merely concerned with methods of attack and defense. Kuk Sool Won™ also includes the study of healing techniques and the development of internal power, in addition to the physical training. Mental development is of equal importance in Kuk Sool and helps to instill confidence and self-discipline, a calm self-assurance, and the ethical and philosophic values which are traditionally associated with the character of a martial artist.

Although Kuk Sool Won™ as it is practiced today is relatively new, its roots stretch far and deep to the very beginnings of the Korean people. This early history and the ancient traditions upon which this art is founded should be viewed as important as the physical techniques themselves, for it is only from the understanding and appreciation of these classical roots that one is truly able to grow as a student of the martial arts.

 

 

KSW-schools.com is not affiliated with, nor recommended by the World Kuk Sool Association, Inc.