What is Kuk Sool?

Kuk Sool is a comprehensive martial arts system derived from the rich and varied martial arts techniques and traditions that have arisen in Korea through the ages. Kuk Sool is a complete martial art that is dedicated to the cultivation of mental and physical strength and well-being, and to the preservation of traditional Korean martial arts.

Although its origins may be traced back to antiquity, the present Kuk Sool system was devised only recently. Grandmaster In Hyuk Suh spent more than 50 years in single-minded practice and research in order to learn, compile, master and organize the more than 3,608 techniques that comprise Kuk Sool. He founded the Kuk Sool Won (National [Korean] Martial Arts Association) in 1961 and brought it to the United States in 1974. The World Kuk Sool Association, headquartered in San Francisco, California for 17 years, relocated to Houston, Texas in 1991. This Association has since grown to include more than 1,000 member schools in Asia, Europe, Canada, the Middle East, and the Americas, and continues to grow in strength and numbers daily.

For self-defense, Kuk Sool is unsurpassed. It is a beautiful and dynamic "hard-soft" style emphasizing speed and fluidity. It 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

• Closed and open hand striking methods including palm, fist, finger-striking techniques and specialized hand training techniques
• Pressure-point striking
• Striking using the arm and shoulder
• Blocking and parrying

Leg Techniques

• Foundational kicks
• Spinning kicks
• Jumping kicks
• Combination kicks
• Double leg kicks
• Pressure-point kicking
• Specialty kicking

Throwing and Grappling

• Body throws
• Projection throws
• Leg throws
• Pressure-point grappling
• Grappling defenses
• Wrestling techniques
• Ground fighting

Joint-Locking Techniques

• Restraining methods
• Joint-locking techniques
• Combination joint-locking
• Control and redirection techniques
• Arresting and "come-along" techniques

Falling Techniques and Acrobatics

• Body conditioning and agility techniques
• Body protection techniques: offense and defense

Animal-Style Techniques

Based on the movements and/or characteristics of certain "martial" animals such as the Tiger, Praying Mantis, Crane, Eagle, Snake, etc.

Traditional Korean Weapons

• Sword (geum): short, middle and long; single or double; straight or inverted
• Staff (bong): short, middle and long; single or double
• Flail (jool bong)
• Spear (chang)
• Walking Cane (jee peng ee)
• Rope (poh bahk)
• Fan (bu chae)

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

Martial Art Healing Methods (Beginning at Instructor Level)

• Accupressure
• 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 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.

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