An Introduction To Kuk Sool Won

The development of Kuk Sool Won™ is a significant event in the history of Korean Martial Arts. In order to understand the significance and complexity of Kuk Sool Won, it is important to differentiate between a style of martial art and a system of martial art styles. Tae Kwon Do, Shotokan, Judo, Tang Soo Do, Aikido, Hapkido and so on are all different martial art styles. Kuk Sool Won™ on the other hand is not really a style of martial arts at all but is instead a highly scientific, comprehensive martial arts system. This means Kuk Sool is not limited to a particular style of martial arts, but is a systematic study of the entire Korean martial arts spectrum, dating from ancient times to the present. it includes many martial art styles within its scope.

It is useful to look at language as an example of what this means. The field of chemistry has certain words and terms that are particular to that area of study. The field of computers also has words and terms which are individual to that discipline. The language, taken as a whole, includes all words particular to a certain discipline as well as all regional dialects. Sets of words specific to a discipline can be compared to an individual style of martial art, while Kuk Sool can be compared to a language, taken as a whole.

While Kuk Sool Won™ may contain certain elements specific to other styles of martial arts, it goes far beyond the range of other martial art styles, for example, Tae Kwon Do is mostly kicking. Judo is mostly throwing, Aikido is mostly joint locking, etc. Kuk Sool incorporates all of these and emphasizes each. Kuk Sool covers every aspect of the martial arts spectrum in order to give the practitioner and student an understanding of the broader range of martial arts technique and theory.

Kuk Sool Won™, which can be translated as Korean National Martial Arts Association, is a systematic study of all the traditional fighting arts, which together comprise the martial arts history of the Korean nation. As such, Kuk Sool Won™ is an extremely well organized system of martial arts that seek to integrate and explore all aspects of the traditional Korean martial arts. As a martial arts system, Kuk Sool Won™ covers the entire spectrum of traditional Asian fighting arts and techniques of body conditioning, as well as mental development and traditional weapon training. These include (but are not limited to):

Hand Striking - including closed and open hand, pressure point striking, blocking

Leg Techniques - including foundational kick, jumping kicks, combination kicks

Throwing and Grappling - including body throws, grappling defense, ground fighting 

Joint-Locking Techniques - restraining, joint breaking techniques, control techniques

Falling Techniques and Acrobatics - body protection, agility techniques, acrobatics 

Body Conditioning - stretching and flexibility training, cardiovascular conditioning 

Animal Style Techniques - techniques based on movements/characteristics of animals such as Tiger, Preying Mantis, Crane, etc 

Traditional Korean Weapons - including swords, staff, jool bong, fan, cane (24 in total)

Meditation and Breathing Techniques - breathing control, 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 of 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 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 martial artists.

To read more about Kuk Sool Won™, visit the Association's website www.kuksoolwon.com.