Kuk Sool Won
Kuk Sool Won
Kuk Sool Won can be translated as ?National Martial Art? and refers to a Korean martial art system created and developed by In Hyuk Suh. Kuk Sool Won is not limited to any single style or discipline of martial art but is a comprehensive system. It aims to be a systematic study of all the Korean martial arts as a whole. In addition to self defense and mental development Kuk Sool Won also constitute competitive, aesthetic, healing, spiritual, and physical conditioning aspects as well
Techniques Kuk Sool Won includes both ?hard? techniques like forceful strikes and direct blocks, as well as ?soft? techniques like yielding motions and grappling. However many observers think Kuk Sool Won is particularly distinguished by its use of low stances and round and flowing motions graceful to behold .
Kuk Sool Won also puts great emphasis on pressure points and joint lock techniques. For striking Kuk Sool Won makes use of fist, palm, wrist, fingers, arms, and shoulders, while legs are used for both kicks and combinations of spinning and jumping. In addition it includes a full complement of grappling, throwing, and ground wrestling, techniques.
Techniques are based in various animal styles including, tiger, crane, eagle, snake dragon, mantis, among others. Techniques for using 24 traditional Korean weapons like various types of swords, staffs, spears, canes, fans, jool bongs, and ropes, are also covered by Kuk Sool Won
For healing Kuk Sool Won make use of variety of acupuncture, acupressure, and herbal medicine techniques. In addition spiritual state is enhanced by meditation, breathing and concentration techniques of Kuk Sool Won.
Kok Sool Won has a ranking system, illustrated by belts indicating the rank and level of study. The highest belt, the black belt, is further divided into 10 more degrees
History While founded in 1950s, Kok Sool Won claims to trace its origins to ancient traditional martial arts practiced in Korea over the millennia. The martial arts on which it is based fall into three categories.
First category, Sah Doh Mu Sool or Tribal or Family martial art forms the most ancient. They were developed by various tribes and common people to defend their families and persons. Second category is Bool Kyo Mu Sool or Buddhist Temple based martial arts, were practiced by Buddhist monks. They bring a strong meditative and healing aspect to the martial art. They also bring an ethical philosophy based on non violence. Third and final category, Koong Joong Mu Sool or Royal Court martial arts, were martial arts practiced in the Korean Royal Court. They include various open hand and weapons styles
During the Japanese occupation of Korea starting in 1910, the Royal Court was dissolved and many Korean martial arts were banned along with other aspects of Korean culture. Hyuk Suh?s grandfather Myung Duk Suh who was head instructor of martial arts at Royal Court was forced into hiding. In addition to what his grandfather taught him, Hyuk Suh learned many aspects of other Korean martial arts from variety of sources especially the masters Yong-Sool Choi, Hai Dong Seu Nim, Tai-eui Wang.. He officially founded Kuk Sool Won in 1961 though many techniques were developed in 1950s.
Presently Kuk Sool Won is governed by World Kuk Sool Association based in Houston, Texas and owns the trade marks related to the name.
Some critics have pointed out that this account of origins of Kuk Sool Won is inconsistent with historical facts, such as the death of Suh?s grandfather when Hyuk Suh was just 12 years old. They also point out that Yong-Sool Choi who was cited as a source for tribal martial arts was in fact influenced heavily by Japanese martial arts and is the founder of martial art of Hapkido.