Kuk Sool Won

Kuk Sool Won (Hangul: 국술원) is a Korean martial arts system founded by
Kuk Sool W on
Suh In-Hyuk (Hangul: 서인혁), the Kuksa (National teacher(lit.)/grandmaster)
in 1961.[6] The name Kuk Sool Won translates to "National Martial Art
Association" and despite often being shortened to "Kuk Sool", the name kuk
sool (국술; 國術) is a non-trademarked name used to denote similar Korean
martial arts developed prior to or about the same time as the formation of Kuk
Sool Won. Kuk Sool Won is currently taught world-wide[3] and since it was
founded as a martial arts system and not merely as a martial arts style, Kuk
Sool Won does not consider itself limited to any single discipline. It attempts
to be a comprehensive study of all traditional Korean martial arts. Suh In
Hyuk's philosophy regarding his system is to "Integrate and explore the entire
spectrum of established traditional Korean martial arts, body conditioning
[7]
techniques, mental development, and weapons training."

Contents
Overview
Characteristics
Kuk Sool Won students practice self
Student creed defense techniques
Yu Won Hwa Focus Hybrid
Technical aspects
Forms Country of Korea
Techniques origin
Uniforms Parenthood Korean martial arts
Subtypes of Kuk Sool Won uniforms
Official http://www.kuksoolwon.com
General uniform outline denominations
website
Belt Grades
Sport
Kuk Sool W on
Forms, techniques, and board breaking
Sparring Hangul 국술원
History Hanja 國術院
Ancient history
Revised Guk Sul
Modern history
1910-1945 Japanese Occupation Romanization Won
1945-1961 In Hyuk Suh's training McCune–Reischauer Kuk Sul
1961-Present organization and instruction Wǒn
Other perspectives on the source of Kuk Sool
Notes Kuk Sool Won Milestones[1]

References
1961: Kuk Sool Won is founded
External links
by In Hyuk Suh
1960s

Overview 1961: Korean Kuk Sool

Association is founded
The study of Kuk Sool Won includes many modern day techniques such as gun 1966: First Kuk Sool Won
defense and weapon improvisation. Kuk Sool Won has many facets and is performed tournament held in Jang Choong
for self-defense, healing, conditioning, competition, fun and aesthetic purposes. gymnasium in Seoul
1970s
Characteristics
1972: Kuk Sool Won recognized
in the World Athletics dictionary
as a traditional Korean martial
art
1973: Kuk Sool Won dojang
established in The United States
1974: In Hyuk Suh emigrates to
The United States
1975: World Kuk Sool
Association established in San
Francisco
diagrams displaying MaekChaKi and MaekChiKi,
two pressure point maps used in Kuk Sool W
on 1975: Kuk Sool Won dojang
established in the United
Kuk Sool Won encompasses many different traditional Korean "arts". However, it Kingdom
still has some discernible characteristics that set it apart from other traditional
1976: Korean Ministry of Culture
martial arts. It is typically characterized by having low stances and fluid, graceful
and Tourism produces the
motions. There is also an emphasis on joint locks and pressure points. Kuk Sool
documentary film "Ho Kuk Moo
Won is also described as being a hard-soft style, which includes hard and forceful
Yea" (Arts Used to Defend the
strikes in addition to circular and fluid movements.
Nation). Kuk Sool Won masters
featured prominently in this film
Student creed 1977: Kuk Sool Won dojang
on Pledge[8]
Kuk Sool Won students are all expected to abide by the Kuk Sool W established in Venezuela
1978: Panama International Film
1. I pledge to obey the rules of the association and to conduct myself in
Festival bestows Culture Award
accordance with the true spirit of martial arts.
2. I pledge to be loyal to my country and to promote the development of a to Kuk Sool Won for its role in
better society. the documentary, Ho Kuk Moo
3. I pledge to work together with all classes of people without regard to Yea
politics, race or religion.
4. I pledge to promote international goodwill and to strive for world peace
1978: Commenced annual
through the practice of martial arts. seminars and special training in
U.S.A.

Yu Won Hwa 1980s

One of the key aspects of Kuk Sool Won revolves around the theory of "You Won 1982: Kuk Sool Won sponsors
Hwa". Translated literally, this would mean roughly "Water Circle Harmony". The first open tournament in San
first part, 'you' (flowing, as in water), symbolizes adaptability and softness as well as Francisco
power. The second part, 'won' (circle), suggest that there is a personal circle around
1984: In Hyuk Suh honored as
you, and that one should always be active and ready to redirect aggression. The
"Man of the Year" by Black Belt
redirecting of attacks in Kuk Sool Won is typically characterized by circular
magazine[2]
movements. The third and final part, 'hwa' (harmony/unity), represents the desire to
1984: Kuk Sool Won dojang
achieve harmony between mind and body. In practice this is obtained through
established in Iran
repetition. The idea is to combine these three aspects and use them to govern all of
the practitioner's movements.[9] 1985: Publication of Kuk Sool
Won handbooks and
Technical aspects instructional videos

Kuk Sool Won includes (but is not limited to) the following sets of techniques: 1988: In Hyuk Suh honored as
"Instructor of the Year" by Inside
Joint locking/breaking:Various joint locks are employed in Kuk Sool Kung Fu magazine
Won, including wrist locks, arm-bars, and small joint manipulation.
Soo Ki (Hand Striking):Palm, fist, wrist, finger, closed hand, open 1988: Commenced annual
hand, arm, shoulder and pressure-point striking techniques. seminars and special training in
Johk Sool (Kicking Techniques): Spinning, jumping, combination, United Kingdom
double-leg, and pressure-point kicks.
Throwing and Grappling (Tu Ki & Jap Ki): Body throws, projection 1990s
throws, leg throws, pressure-point grappling, grappling defense,
wrestling, and ground-fighting techniques. 1990: First Kuk Sool Won
Nak Bup (Falling Principles):Falling techniques are taught in Kuk Sool tournament held in Canada
Won. These techniques allow a practitioner tofall into a variety of
positions whilst minimizing injury. 1990: Commenced annual
Animal-Style Techniques: Tiger, Mantis, Crane, Dragon, Snake, Bear, seminars and special training in
Eagle etc.
Canada
Traditional Korean Weapons: Sword (short, long, single and double, straight
and inverted), staff (short, middle and long, single and double
), jeol bong (double 1991: Kuk Sool Won instruction
and triple sectioned; also known asnunchaku and sansetsukon), knife, spear, wol made available as an extra
do (lit. Moon knife - a Korean halberd), sam-ji chang (triple tipped spear, trident, or
dangpa), cane, rope, fan, and the bow and arrow (taught in the traditional curricular activity at the West
style, using a thumb draw). Point Military Academy
Martial Art Healing Methods:Acupressure, acupuncture, internal
1991: Kuk Sool Won dojang
energy, herbal medicine.
Meditation and Breathing Techniques: Meditation and breathing established in Germany
postures and concentration techniques. 1991: World Kuk Sool Won
These principles and styles guide the following facets of Kuk Sool W
on. headquarters relocated to
Houston, Texas[3]

Forms 1991: Twenty-five American

cities hold "Kuk Sool Won Day"
1992: In Hyuk Suh honored by
presentation of commander’s
sword by West Point Military
Academy
1993: In Hyuk Suh honored as
"Master of the Year" by Tae
Kwon Do Times magazine
1994: In Hyuk Suh honored by
Master Sung Jin Suh demonstrating an
advanced hyung
presentation of commander’s
sword by U. S. Air Force
Academy
At each rank level, Kuk Sool Won martial artists are required to know one or more
1994: Several universities in the
empty-hand and weapons forms or "hyung". Each form has an overall guiding
U.S.A. include Kuk Sool Won as
significance, which may range from balance and linear motion to preparation and
a regular athletic activity
practice for a knife form. Once a student has attained a black-belt level, their
introduction to solo weapons forms begins. These are similar to empty-hand forms, 1995: Kuk Sool Won hosts First
except they incorporate a weapon. Also at black-belt rank or above, a student may Annual Tournament at the U.S.
learn partner weapon forms, or sparring forms. These involve two people performing Military Academy
a scripted series of events. Practitioners take caution initially to learn the form and 1996: Kuk Sool Won dojang
not to injure their partner, however in order to demonstrate mastery practitioners established in the Netherlands
must execute hyung at full speed and with full contact. In addition, all forms have 1998: In Hyuk Suh awarded
five guiding principles with each one governing a specific part of the body and Seogryu Order, Medal of Civil
containing a major and minor rule or guideline.
 Mind: Calm yet alert merit by government of South
Eyes: Bright and focused Korea
Body (torso): Low andsoft (soft meaning supple, not weak or fragile)
1998: Commenced annual
Hands: Fast and precise
seminars and special training in
Feet: Slow and controlled (slow meaning deliberate, not slow-moving or
lethargic) Europe
1999: Kuk Sool Won dojang
Techniques established in Spain

Kuk Sool Won systematically divides applied principles of martial arts into 1999: Victory of a Little Giant, a
techniques which are organized into technique sets. Each belt level has one or more special documentary about In
sets a practitioner is required to know before advancing. The number of techniques Hyuk Suh produced by the
in each set can range from as little as five to more than twenty, and are ordered and Korean Broadcasting System
grouped by principle. For instance, there is a throwing technique set, as well as a (KBS aired 3/17)
counter-to-throwing technique set. 2000s

Technique sets also range in level of mastery, with some higher-ranking technique 2000: Kuk Sool Won recognized
sets similar to lower-ranking technique sets, but with a more difficult and/or precise as an Official Governing Body for
method of application. Individual techniques are performed with one or more martial arts by the South Korean
partners from a predetermined stance. Most techniques end with a proper application Government
of a joint lock, choke, strike, throw or a combination of any of these. In order to be
2000: Kuk Sool Won participates
effective, Kuk Sool Won techniques must be performed with speed, accuracy and
in the KyungJu Cultural Expo,
control.
demonstration members include
masters from all over the world
Uniforms and conclude with a final
performance for the President of
Kuk Sool Won uniforms or "dobok" are standardized, and consists of black medium
South Korea
weight martial arts pants and martial arts training top. The uniform material is
2001: World Kuk Sool
stronger than a standard Tae Kwon Do uniform, but lighter than a Judo uniform, as it
Association headquarters
must allow the user to perform the complete spectrum of martial arts techniques.
relocated to Tomball, Texas[3]
Kuk Sool Won uniforms are black as opposed to white, mainly to differentiate them 2001: Establishment of a
from other martial arts, such as Taekwondo, which focus more on sport aspects and traditional Korean martial arts
have adopted white as the primary color of their uniforms. However, an alternate complex that includes a training
reason could be that according to Korean tradition, the color black is associated with hall, meditation center,
wisdom whereas white is the color typically worn at funerals a Buddhist tradition is equestrian facility and archery
to wear plain, undyed cloth, which isn't as stark as bleached white but instead has a range[3]
hint of yellow.
2002: International Kuk Sool
Won tournament and televised
Subtypes of Kuk Sool Won uniforms master’s demonstration held in
Gyeongju Civic Auditorium
1. Practice uniform This is the most used and plain uniform of Kuk Sool
Won practitioners. It contains just the basic dobok, but also has several 2005: Kuksanim receives full-
patches which may vary slightly from practitioner to practitioner
. In scholar Professor appointment
general, a vertical Kuk Sool Won patch written in Korean is worn over
the right breast, while a South Korean national flag patch is worn over from Young-San University in
the left breast. The back of the uniform often has the words, "Kuk Sool Pusan, South Korea, This
Won" written in either English or Korean, witha Kuk Sool Won logo
patch in the middle of the back. This central patch is said to represent appointment to a professorship
several ancient traditions which are contained in the art of Kuk Sool is not an honorary one, but it
Won; tribal martial arts (or sado mu sool) represented by the fist, allows Kuksanim to visit and
Buddhist martial arts (or bulkyo mu sool) epitomized by the stick, and
royal court martial arts (or koong joong mu sool) depicted by the twin lecture as guest lecturer on a
swords. The latest trend for this logo patch also incorporates the letters, regular basis, his position in the
"WKSA" at the bottom (whereWKSA stands for World Kuk Sool
Association, Inc.).These patches are also present on every type of Kuk university allows Kuk Sool Won
 Sool Won uniform. A national flag patch mayalso be worn on the practitioners to attend and
shoulder. However, no patches may be worn to identify a particular
school. This is to help promote Kuk Sool Won as a unified association receive a college degree, the
and to encourage a friendly, family-like atmosphere between schools. university will also offer a Kuk
2. Black Belt uniform This uniform is a practice uniform with a yellow frill Sool Won degree under its
attached to a longer top skirt. It may only be worn by 1st degree holders
Martial Arts Department[4]
and above. However, the uniform typically won't have yellow frill if worn
by an instructor or assistant instructor, instead the edges being hemmed 2008: First promotion of a non-
differently to make them thicker (i.e more layers of fabric).
Korean (Barry Harmon) and a
3. Generals uniform This uniform is for formal occasions which include
but are not limited to testings, promotions, demonstrations and female (Choon Ok Harmon) to
competitions. The uniform itself is modeled after the armor and uniforms the rank of 9th degree in Kuk
worn by ancient Korean generals. Like the Black Belt uniform, it contains
a longer skirted top which is cut into sections. The sleeves are held tight
Sool Won[5]
against the wearer's wrists and a scarf is worn underneath with an 2008: 50th Anniversary
emblem on the throat.
Celebrated in Katy, Texas
There is no belt with the generals uniform, and rank is denominated by the
2010s
decorative outline or trim on the uniform in addition to the color scarf and emblem
displayed. 2010: Kuk Sool Won dojang
established in Ireland
General uniform outline denominations 2011: Kuk Sool Won dojang
established in Norway
1st degree - Silver Trim with White Scarf, Korean Flag Emblem
2nd degree - Silver Trim with White Scarf, Korean Flag Emblem
3rd degree - Silver Trim with White Scarf, WKSA Emblem
4th degree - Silver/Red Trim with White Scarf, WKSA Emblem
5th degree - Red Trim with White Scarf, WKSA Emblem
6th degree - Red Trim with Red Scarf, WKSA Emblem
7th degree - Red/Gold Trim with Red Scarf, WKSA Emblem
8th degree - Red/Gold Trim with Gold Scarf, WKSA Emblem
9th degree - Gold Trim with Gold Scarf, WKSA Emblem
10th degree - Gold Trim with Gold Scarf, WKSA Emblem
Grandmaster - All Gold dobok(wang-sa) with twin dragon emblems, puce trim[note 1]

Belt Grades
Kuk Sool Won uniforms include a belt which indicates rank and length of study. Gradations are
Color belts and Rank
designated by divisions termed Geup 급 (or Kup) at the student level and by degrees termed
Dahn 단 at the expert (or instructor) level. Various colors are used for the belts to illustrate the Hwin Tti
Geup grades while black is used for the Dahn degrees. Additionally, the Geup grades count
down (12th & 11th kup = white belt, 10th & 9th kop = yellow belt, etc.) while the Dan degrees Noh-Rahng Tti
count up (cho dahn = 1st degree, ee dahn - 2nd degree, sahm dahn = 3rd degree, etc.). As there
are two Geup grades for each colored belt, individual schools may opt to af
fix stripes of the next Chuhng Tti
colored belt level on a student's belt to further indicate this rank achievement. This practice is
most notably seen at the black/brown belt level to indicate the number of tests taken for their Hohng Tti
Dahn ranking, as several tests are mandatory before advancement is granted. Black/Brown Belt
Jah Tti
(or black belt candidacy) is an intermediary stage where the student is required to gain a
minimum of 6-10 black stripes, over the minimum required 2 years of training and 2 years of
Dahn Boh Nim
testing, before advancing to Cho Dahn or 1st Degree. Advancement from Huin Ddi to Cho
Dahn, i.e. white belt to black belt, depends largely on the student's dedication and practice and
Yoo Dahn Jah
thus achieving the rank of 1st Degree Black Belt could take anywhere from 4 to 6 years.

At black belt there are10 levels:[10]

Choh Dahn - 1st degree - Joh Kyoh Nim {Instructor in Training}

 Ee Dahn - 2nd degree - Kyoh Sah Nim {Assistant Instructor}
Sahm Dahn - 3rd degree - Poo Sah Buhm Nim {Deputy Instructor}. Pu Sabum Nim and higher typically wear a wider
than normal black belt.
Sah Dahn - 4th degree - Sah Buhm Nim {Instructor}
Oh Dahn - 5th degree - Pyuhng Kwahn Jahng Nim{Master}. Masters are presented with a wider than normal white
belt which is similar to the extra wide black belt worn by other high ranks, albeit white instead of black to symbolize a
new beginning. It is forbidden to wear this extra wide white belt unless all those in the particular training session are
of black belt rank, otherwise the extra wide black belt is to be worn instead.
Yook Dahn - 6th degree - Joo Im Kwahn Jahng Nim{Head Master}
Chil Dahn - 7th degree - Jee Doh Kwahn Jahng Nim{Senior Master}
Pahl Dahn - 8th degree - Suhn Im Kwahn Jahng Nim{Executive Master}
Goo Dahn - 9th degree - Soo Suhk Kwahn Jahng Nim{Senior Executive Master}
Ship Dahn - 10th degree - Chohng Kwahn Jahng Nim{Chiefmaster}
Ship Dahn - 10th degree - Kuk Sah Nim {Grandmaster - literally, National Teacher}
Non black belt students are often referred to as "colored belts" collectively, or by their belt color when segregated for special events
such as tournaments (e.g. due to reasons of fairness, a yellow belt would not be required to compete against a red belt). Although Kuk
Sool Won uses a Kup/Dahn ranking system and each color belt could be used as a title, colored belt students are never addressed by a
special title or by their Kup rank, e.g. "8th kup". This is true with the exception of 'Dahn Boh Nim' or 'Black Belt Candidate' which is
the only student grade that utilizes a special title. This rank used to be signified by a brown belt with 2 or more, transverse black
stripes placed at the end of the belt (as a KSW Dahn Bo must test a minimum of six times to be granted a black belt), but the current
method has replaced the brown belt adorned with dual black stripes at the tips with a brown belt having a single black stripe running
the entire length of the belt, down its center. The custom of adding transverse black stripes at the ends, when completion of a
test/grading procedure is accomplished, is still carried out with the new style of black/brown belt.

Sport
The World Kuk Sool Association officially hosts many tournaments every year in the United States, Korea, and the UK. These
tournaments test various aspects of Kuk Sool Won and may include a demonstration or belt promotion ceremony as well. In the
United States, Kuk Sool Won practitioners may compete in empty hand forms, weapon forms, techniques, sparring, and board
breaking.

Forms, techniques, and board breaking

Competitors in these categories are judged on a 10 point scale, by three judges whose scores are added together to determine a
winner. For forms, a competitor must perform the form of their previous belt level. For instance, a brown belt would perform the
form they learned at red belt. The same is true for techniques, where the competitor must perform three techniques from any set of
their previous belt's curriculum.

Board breaking is judged on technique and power. Each competitor breaks the same amount of boards, in the same position relative
to their height, with the same techniques. The board breaks are designed to be difficult to further spread out competitor's scores, and
competitors often do not complete all the breaks.

Sparring
Kuk Sool Won sparring rules can differ from tournament to tournament, and can also vary based on age group.

In general, Kuk Sool Won sparring is point-based and no-contact. Matches are three minutes long, and whoever has the most points at
the end wins. The match is also over if a competitor's score is 5 or more than his or her opponent. Legal striking targets include the
chest, sides above the waist, neck, and head. There are no strikes allowed to the back or to the back of the head. Excessive contact is
forbidden and can result in warnings, point deductions and disqualifications. The points are as follows:

One point – Kick to the body, punch to the body, punch to the head
Two points – Kick to the head
 In addition to scoring a point, a fighter must clearly show technique and that the strike
could have been successfully executed at full force. If the attacking limb is almost
straight and does not clearly reach the target, no point is awarded. Points are determined
by a center judge and four corner judges. Three of the five judges must agree on the
point for it to count. At any time, any judge may stop the fight and ask for a judge's
decision about a point. Fighters start approximately 3 feet apart from each other in the
center of the ring, and are reset to the center if a judge asks for a decision, if a penalty or
injury occurs, or if a competitor steps out. If injury occurs, the offending competitor
genuflects at their starting position and remains so until the decision on the injury is
decided

The Korean principle ofdae ryuhn bub guides Kuk Sool Won sparring.

Dae - Posture and right mind

Kuk Sool Won black belts
sparring at a tournament
Ryuhn - Combinations
Bub - Circling one's opponent
Although sparring is considered an important aspect of Kuk Sool Won, it is not
emphasized as much as many other sport martial arts.

History

Ancient history
Kuk Sool Won has a strong foundation and history based on the traditional and ancient martial arts from the Korean peninsula. The
three branches of traditional Korean martial arts which comprise the basis of Kuk Sool oWn and are:

Sado Mu Sool (Tribal or Family martial Arts) is the earliest form of martial arts developed in Korea; meaning tribal,
clan, or family martial arts, as this type of martial art was mainly passed down from one generation to the next. Sah
Doh Mu Sool was popular among the ancient tribes, city-states and smaller kingdoms that formed in the Korean
Peninsula and parts of what is now China. This was evident well before the first unified Korean kingdom of Ko-Cho
Sun which was founded in 2333 BC by the king, Dahn Goon W ahng Guhm . Later, Sah Doh Mu Sool was further
developed and made widespread by voluntary militias of the common people, who often fought in battles to defend
their villages . Traditional athletic activities such asTaekkyon, and Ssireum are considered to have originated from
Sah Doh Mu Sool.
Boolkyo Mu Sool (Buddhist Temple Martial Arts) has been practiced byBuddhist monks throughout Asia. In China,
the famous Shaolin monks developed techniques and forms based on their observations of animals . Buddhist
monks originally developed and then practiced Bool Kyo Mu Sool to improve their health while meditating and to
defend themselves while traveling. As a result, Buddhist martial arts include both internal training, with emphasis on
special breathing and meditation methods, as well as external training, with emphasis on extremelyfective ef self-
defense techniques. Many Buddhist monks were so accomplished as martial artists that they were occasionally
called upon during national emergencies to fight in battles by forming unprecedented armies of warrior monks. [3]
Today, the tenets of Bool Kyo Mu Sool are prevalent in Kuk Sool W on as they help teach practitioners meditation
skills and the philosophies ofnon-violence and compassion for all living things.
Koong Joong Mu Sool(Royal Court Martial Arts) is unique to Kuk Sool Won. Some of the weapons used in Kuk
Sool Won were a part of the traditional daily court life . The rope or sash, cane, fan, and short sword were all used
among members of the Korean royal court. There were also many unique open handed and joint-locking principles
of Koong Joong Mu Sool that are used extensively in Kuk Sool W on. Weapons training in Kuk Sool Won is very
extensive involving 24 different weapons in its curriculum (see Weapons of Kuk Sool Won)

Modern history

1910-1945 Japanese Occupation

Kuk Sool Won's modern history can be indirectly traced to the dissolution of the Korean royal court and the Japanese occupation in
1910. During this period almost all aspects of Korean culture were suppressed by the Japanese government, including the teaching of
Korean martial arts. Those caught practicing Korean martial arts were severely punished and sometimes killed, and therefore many
leading Korean martial arts instructors were forced into hiding.

Among them was Myung Deuk Suh, In Hyuk Suh's grandfather and head martial arts instructor to the Korean royal court before it
was dissolved by the Japanese.[3] Prior to 1910, the elder Suh taught three types of Korean martial arts: kwon sool [권술/拳術], a
kicking and hard punching style; yu sool [유술/柔術], a soft style with emphasis on joint-locking and throwing techniques; and yu
kwon sool [유권술/柔拳術], a combination which could be either hard or soft, but never used force against force.

Despite the Japanese occupation, the Suh family continued its 16 generation tradition of practicing and teaching martial arts, albeit in
.[3]
extreme secrecy. In Hyuk Suh was chosen by his grandfather to carry on this family legacy

1945-1961 In Hyuk Suh's training

By the time he was 20 years old, In Hyuk Suh had traveled to hundreds of Buddhist temples and private martial arts teachers,
studying many aspects of Korean martial arts. During this intensive training-period, Suh learned special breathing skills, meditation
on students.[11]
techniques, and internal power (ki) knowledge, which is taught as a fundamental to all Kuk Sool W

In the late 1950s, In Hyuk Suh began to integrate the many scattered martial art techniques of Korea into a single martial art system.
According to Suh, he accomplished this task all by himself, yet other accounts speak to several prominent martial art leaders working
on it together, in the spirit of brotherhood. Since this system of martial arts was propagated as comprising only traditional Korean
martial methods, hence the name 'Kuk Sool'. In theKorean Language the word 'kuk' 국 [國] means 'national' and 'sool' 술 [術] means
'martial art' (the Korean word 'won' 원 [院] is best translated as 'institute' or 'training center'). Kuk Sool Won is a trademarked name,
by In Hyuk Suh, everywhere in the world but Canada. On the other hand, Kuk Sool is an unlicensed name and is used generically
(and legally) by many who practice and teach conglomerate Korean martial art systems. Similar to the style formulated by In Hyuk
Suh, i.e. Kuk Sool Won, and introduced in Korea at about the same time, were Kuk Sool Hwe and Kuk Sool Kwan, but only the latter
still exists today. Another modern system that had its origin stemming from the Kuk Sool Won curriculum is Han Mu Do. In Hyuk
ficially founded Kuk Sool Won in 1961.[3]
Suh opened his first martial art school in 1958, and of

1961-Present organization and instruction

In 1974, when Kuk Sool Won in Korea was becoming well known by the public, In Hyuk Suh brought his martial art to the United
States. Currently the World Kuk Sool Association headquarters is located in Tomball, Texas, which is roughly forty miles northwest
of Houston. Kuk Sool Won is practiced all over the world, and has schools located in South Korea, the United Kingdom, Canada, the
Netherlands, the United States as well as many others. Official Kuk Sool Won tournaments are held every year all over the world,
including the U.S. and European tournaments, and attract many competitors to each event. They are also famous in the Kuk Sool
Won community for their outstanding Masters' Exhibitions.

Other perspectives on the source of Kuk Sool

Over the years differing versions of the sources of Kuk Sool have emerged. Early sources presenting conflicting information on the
source of this material include the writings of then Kuk Sool representative Kimm He-Young, the early statements of Seo In-Sun,
who is Suh In Hyuk's brother (Seo is a different romanization of Suh)[12]

The first red Kuk Sool Won book published by In Hyuk Suh never mentions his grandfather, who died when Suh was 12 years old, as
a source for Royal Court Martial Arts which he studied. This fact was not mentioned until published in "Fighting Weapons of Korean
Martial Arts" in 1988.[13]

In Kimm He-Young's "Kuk Sool” it is written: "While compiling Kuk Sool techniques, he (Myung-Duk Suh) taught these arts to his
grandson, In-hyuk Suh. Before the old master died in 1952, he handed down five compiled books of Kuk Sool to the young Suh.
They are: (1) Yu Sool; (2) Kwon Sool; (3) Yu Kwon Sool; (4) Whal Bub; (5) Hyul Bub.
"After his grandfather died, Suh searched other aspects of Korean Traditional Martial Arts for the next eight years from many other
masters. These are some of the masters he studied under:

"1. Choi Yong-Sool: Suh visited many private martial arts schools and villages to study Tribal Martial Arts or private martial arts.
One of the influential [sic] in this area is Choi Y
ong-Sool. From Choi, he received further education in Y
u Sool.

"2. Hai Dong Seu Nim (The Great Monk of the East Sea): In order to learn Buddhist Martial Arts, Suh visited many temples
throughout the country. One of his great teachers was Hai Dong Seu Nim. From this great monk, he learned Kwon Sool, Ki Bub (Ki
Exercise) and breathing techniques.

"3. Tai-eui Wang: Suh also visited old masters of Royal Court Martial Arts. One of his teachers of this art was Tai-eui Wang. From
Wang, he learned Yu Kwon Sool"

Also according to Suh in the Kuk Sool Won Textbook: Volume 1 (Suh 1993:33) "Another of Suh's influential teachers was Choi
Yong-Sool, the founder of Korean Hapkido and amaster of Korean tribal martial arts, as well." Oddly
, Choi Yong-Sool never claimed
to have studied native Korean "tribal arts" himself but rather claimed to have studied the Japanese system of Daito-ryu aikijujutsu
having lived in Japan from age 8 to 42 during the Japanese colonial period (1911–1945). Interestingly Choi Yong-Sool and his
students often referred to his art in its early years as yu sool (jujutsu) or yu kwon sool before settling on the name hapkido for the
art.[14][15]

Suh is also known to have had associations with members of Kim Moo Hong's Shin Moo Kwan hapkido school in Seoul,[14]
especially with people like Kim Woo Tak and other senior members who founded the Kuk Sool Kwan school of hapkido, predating
Suh's own efforts.

Notes
1. Twin phoenix (or cranes) in place of the twindragons was the *peace time* version of the wang-sa dobok. The
grandmaster considers the WKSA to be at war until the public more readily recognizes what Kuk Sool on
W is, similar
to the recognition that Tae Kwon Do and Karate have.

References
1. "Founder of Kuk Sool Won" (http://www.kuksoolwon.com/site/founder). Kuksoolwon.com. WKSA. 2009–2013.
Retrieved 2013-02-13.
2. "Kuk Sool Won Articles" (http://www.kuksoolwon.com/Library/Articles/BlackBelt/12-1984.pdf)(PDF).
Kuksoolwon.com. WKSA. 2009–2013. Retrieved 2013-02-13.
3. "Kuk Sool Won Association" (http://www.kuksoolwon.com/site/history). Kuksoolwon.com. Retrieved 2007-12-13.
4. "Kuk Sool Won News" (http://www.kuksoolwon.com/site/news). Kuksoolwon.com. WKSA. 2009–2013. Retrieved
2013-02-13.
5. "Iron Butterfly: Memoir of a female Kuk Sool W
on master" (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-16420925). BBC
News. 2012-01-05.
6. "Traditional Korean Martial Arts - Kuk Sool Won" (http://www.kuksoolwon.com/site/history). Kuksoolwon.com.
Retrieved 2015-06-13.
7. [1] (http://www.kuksoolwon.com/index.html)Archived (https://web.archive.org/web/20080509063425/http://www
.kuks
oolwon.com/index.html)May 9, 2008, at the Wayback Machine.
8. "Kuk Sool Won Pledge" (http://www.kuksoolwon.com/site/about-kuk-sool-won/pledge). Kuksoolwon.com. Retrieved
13 August 2013.
9. "YOU WON HWA" (https://www.webcitation.org/query?url=http://www.geocities.com/ksw_sa/about-ywh.html&date=2
009-10-26+01:33:14). www.geocities.com. Archived from the original (http://www.geocities.com/ksw_sa/about-ywh.ht
ml) on 2009-10-26. Retrieved 13 August 2013.
10. [2] (http://www.kuksoolwon.com/KSWRankTitles.pdf) Archived (https://web.archive.org/web/20091014231945/http://
www.kuksoolwon.com/KSWRankTitles.pdf) October 14, 2009, at theWayback Machine.
11. [3] (http://www.kuksoolwon.com/kuksool01.html) Archived (https://web.archive.org/web/20080607093154/http://www
.
kuksoolwon.com/kuksool01.html)June 7, 2008, at the Wayback Machine.
12. [4] (http://www.kidohae.com/news-inter.html) Archived (https://web.archive.org/web/20070310182317/http://www
.kido
hae.com/news-inter.html) March 10, 2007, at theWayback Machine.
13. Suh, In Hyuk; Jane Hallander (2005).Fighting Weapons of Korean Martial Arts. Unique Publications. p. 160 pages.
ISBN 0-86568-076-0.
14. Kimm, He-Young (1991). The Hapkido Bible. Baton Rouge, Louisiana: Andrew Jackson Press.
15. Wollmershauser, Mike (1996). Eric Hentz, ed. "The Beginning of Hapkido; An Interview with Hapkido Master Suh,
Bok Sub". Taekwondo Times. 16 (8).

External links
World Kuk Sool Association- Official Website

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on&oldid=833454489"

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