About Kuk Sool Won

Kuk Sool is a comprehensive martial arts system that is derived from the rich and varied martial arts techniques and traditions that have arisen in Korea through the ages. Kuk Sool is not a sport, nor is it simply another oriental self defense method. Kuk Sool is a complete martial art that is dedicated to the cultivation of mental strength and well being and to the preservation of traditional Korean Martial Arts.

The basis of Kuk Sool is the development and use of 'Ki' (internal power). Therefore Kuk Sool is considered an internal martial art system. However, to classify Kuk Sool under any one name is incorrect due to its vastness.

For self defence, Kuk Sool is unsurpassed. It combines kicking, punching, throwing, falling, choking, joint locking and a myriad of weapons techniques into a beautiful and dynamic 'hard-soft' style, emphasizing speed and fluidity. In conjunction with physical training, meditation, breathing, acupressure and acupuncture techniques are employed to improve and maintain health, develop internal power and retard the ageing process.

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

As a martial arts system, Kuk Sool Won covers the entire spectrum of the traditional Asian fighting arts and techniques of body conditioning, as well as mental development and traditional weapons training. These include (but are not limited to):

Hand Striking

2.Pressure point striking.

3.Striking using arm and shoulder.

4.Blocking and parrying.

Leg Techniques

1.Foundational kicks.

2.Spinning kicks.

3.Jumping kicks.

4.Combination kicks.

5.Double leg kicks.

6.Pressure point kicking.

7.Specialty kicking.

Throwing and Grappling

1.Body throws.

2.Projection Throws.

3.Leg throws.

4.Pressure point grappling.

5.Grappling Defense.

6.Wrestling Techniques.

7.Ground Fighting.

Joint-Locking Techniques

1.Restraining methods.

2.Joint breaking techniques.

3.Combination joint locking.

4.Control and redirection techniques.

5.Arresting and "come along" techniques.

Falling Techniques and Acrobatics

1.Body conditioning and agility techniques.

2.Body protection techniques.

3.Acrobatics for defense and offense.

Body Conditioning

1.Overall stretching and flexibility training.

2.Cardiovascular conditioning.

3.Muscle training.

4.Ligament and tendon strengthening.

5.Joint flexibility and conditioning.

Animal-Style Techniques

Techniques based on the movements and/or characteristics of certain "martial" animals such as Tiger, Preying Mantis, Crane, Dragon, Snake, etc...

Traditional Korean Weapons

1.Sword: short, middle, long, single or double, straight or inverted.

2.Staff: short, middle, long, single or double.

3.Jool Bong.

4.Spear.

5.Cane.

6.Rope.

7.Fan.

There are 24 different traditional Korean Royal Court weapons in the curriculum of Kuk Sool Won plus Buddhist and family weaponry.

Martial Art Healing Methods (beginning at Instructor Level)

1.Acupressure.

2.Acupuncture.

3.Internal energy systems.

4.Herbal medicine.

Meditation and Breathing Techniques

1.Various breath control techniques.

2.Meditation and breathing postures.

3.Concentration techniques.

As you can see, Kuk Sool Won covers an extensive variety of techniques and martial arts methods, but it is not merely concerned with the physical methods of attack and defense Kuk Sool Won includes the study of healing techniques, the development of internal power, and physical conditioning. Training in Kuk Sool Won also helps to instill self-confidence and self-discipline, a calm self-assurance, and the psychological and spiritual values which are traditionally associated with the martial character. Mental and physical well-being is of primary importance in Kuk Sool Won.

Although Kuk Sool Won as it is practiced today is relatively new, its roots stretch far and deep to the very beginnings of the history of the Korean people. As students of Kuk Sool Won, this early history and the ancient traditions upon which our art is founded should be as important to us as the physical techniques themselves, for it is only from our understanding and appreciation of these classical roots that we are able to grow as students and as martial artists.