Kuk Sool Won

Kuk Sool Won is one of the most comprehensive Korean martial arts systems in the world - a meticulously researched and systematised collection of traditional Korean martial arts encompassing joint locks, throws, strikes, kicks, pressure point techniques, weapons and internal energy development. Founded by Supreme Grand Master Suh In Hyuk in 1961, Kuk Sool Won (which translates as 'National Martial Arts Association') draws from three historical streams of Korean martial arts: tribal and family martial arts (sado mu sool), Buddhist temple arts (bulkyo mu sool) and royal court martial arts (koong joong mu sool). The result is arguably the broadest and most historically documented Korean martial arts curriculum available today.

Three Streams of Korean Martial Heritage

Kuk Sool Won's curriculum is organised around three historical lineages of Korean martial arts that developed in distinct social contexts over centuries. Sado Mu Sool (tribal/family martial arts) represents the oldest layer - combat systems developed within specific clans and families, passed down through direct lineage. These arts were never publicly taught and survived only within bloodlines, making their preservation through the Suh family lineage historically significant.

Bulkyo Mu Sool (Buddhist temple martial arts) developed within Korean Buddhist monasteries, where monk-warriors preserved and refined fighting techniques across centuries of Korean history. The influence of Chinese martial arts through Buddhism's transmission from China is visible in the circular, flowing techniques of this tradition. The connection between Korean Buddhist monasteries and martial arts preservation parallels the role of Shaolin Temple in Chinese martial arts history.

Koong Joong Mu Sool (royal court martial arts) represents the highest level of Korean martial sophistication - the combat systems taught to the royal bodyguard and military elite of Korea's Joseon Dynasty (1392-1897). Suh In Hyuk's grandfather, Suh Myung Duk, was a master of these court arts, providing the direct lineage connection that gives Kuk Sool Won its royal court curriculum.

Suh In Hyuk and the Founding of Kuk Sool Won

Suh In Hyuk began training at age 5 under his grandfather and continued his research and training throughout the Japanese occupation and Korean War periods - times when traditional Korean culture, including martial arts, was actively suppressed. His systematic documentation and organisation of these traditions into the Kuk Sool Won curriculum represents a significant act of cultural preservation. After establishing Kuk Sool Won in Korea in 1961, he emigrated to the United States in 1974 and founded the World Kuk Sool Association, building an international school network.

Training in Kuk Sool Won

Kuk Sool Won training follows a structured belt curriculum from white through coloured grades to black belt (Dan grades), with the full curriculum requiring many years to complete. Core training areas: Ki Cho Jase (basic stances and postures), Son Mok Sul (wrist and joint locks), Nak Bup (falling techniques), Hyung (forms - 24 empty hand and 18 weapons forms at black belt level), Soo Ki (hand techniques), Jok Ki (leg techniques), and Mu Gi Sul (weapons - over 24 traditional weapons).

The weapons curriculum is one of Kuk Sool Won's most distinctive features - traditional Korean weapons including short stick, cane, sword, spear, bow, rope and fan are all part of the formal curriculum. Animal-style forms (tiger, crane, bear, snake, eagle) reflect the Chinese martial arts influence transmitted through the Buddhist tradition.

Kuk Sool Won Gear Guide

Dobok: Kuk Sool Won uses a distinctive black uniform with red trim for all ranks - a departure from the white uniform of most Korean arts, reflecting the system's royal court heritage and independent identity.

Belt system: Colour belt progression from white to red belt (kup grades), followed by black belt Dan grades. The Dan certificate and rank badge system is administered exclusively by the WKSA.

Sparring gear: Head guard, gloves, body protector, shin guards, foot protectors, mouthguard and groin guard for contact training.

Training weapons: Progressively introduced through the curriculum - single short stick (dan bong), double short sticks, long staff (jang bong), sword (gum), and other traditional weapons as rank advances. Wooden or padded training versions for safe drilling.