What Is Kuk Sool Won™?
Kuk Sool is a comprehensive Korean martial art style that was created by Kuk Sa Nim In Hyuk Suh in 1958. It is a term first coined by him in South Korea, and it is to describe his unique martial art system that is one of the most complete martial arts systems in the world. Kuk Sool Won™ is a trademarked name of the martial art organization to describe the martial arts that we practice, and it was first recognized by the Korean government in 1963. Then, in 1975, Kuk Sa Nim In Hyuk Suh established an international organization called, World Kuk Sool Association®. As a martial arts system, Kuk Sool Won™ is exteremely well-organized; and seeks to integrate and explore the entire spectrum of established Asian fighting arts and body conditioning techniques, as well as mental development and traditional weapons training. The following list includes some, but by no means all, of the elements of Kuk Sool Won™.
Hand Techniques
- Closed and open hand striking methods, including: palm, fist, wrist, finger, and specialized hand training techniques
- Pressure point striking
- Striking with arm and shoulder
- Blocking and parrying
Leg Techniques
- Fundamental kicks, including: front, inside, outside, & more
- Advanced kicks, including: jumping, spinning, combination, double leg
- Pressure point kicking
- Specialty kicking
Throws & Grappling
- Throws include: body throws, projection throws, hip throws, leg throws
- Pressure point grappling
- Grappling defense
- Wrestling techniques
- Ground fighting
Joint Lock Techniques
- Restraining methods
- Joint breaking techniques
- Combination joint locking
- Control and redirection techniques
- Arresting and pain-compliance techniques
Falling & Acrobatics
- Body conditioning and agility techniques.
- Body protection techniques.
- 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
Traditional Korean Weapons
There are 24 different traditional Korean Royal Court weapons in the curriculum of Kuk Sool Won™ including:
- Sword: short & long, single or double, straight or inverted
- Staff: short, middle & long, single or double
- Jointed Staff (flail): double or triple
- Spear
- Cane
- Rope
- Fan
- Bow & Arrow
Martial Art Healing Methods
- Accupressure
- Acupuncture
- Internal Energy Systems
- Herbal Medicine
Meditiation & Breathing
- 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 Won™ and helps to instill self-confidence and self-discipline, a calm self-assurance, and the psychological and spiritual 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 able to grow as a student of the martial arts.