Master Andy Lapham

Now school owner of Kuk Sool Won Sevenoaks and 5^th dahn blackbelt, Andy began training in Kuk Sool Won in 1997, after seeing a demonstration of the Korean martial art staged by KSW London (now KSW London South) in Dulwich.  Andy enjoyed the challenge, the hard work and discipline as well as the hugely varied and well-structured syllabus.

1998 saw Andy’s first tournament, as a yellow belt, at which he won his first medal, a fourth place in sparring. Master Andy attended his first seminar that year too, held in Crystal Palace with Grandmaster and Founder of the World Kuk Sool Association Kuk Sa Nim and Masters John Ives and Richard Roper.  He recalls both the tremendous skill of those Masters, and the friendly and welcoming nature with which they taught everyone, even the beginners like him! Master Andy has attended tournaments (first as a competitor, then as a side and centre judge, now as a ‘Ring Captain’), demonstrations, seminars and workshops every year since. He has travelled with Kuk Sool to Ireland, Denmark and the Netherlands. The atmosphere has never been less than brilliant in all that time.

Andy started teaching in 2001, initially at the London South School, and says that one of his favourite things is to watch students progress and fulfil their potential.

(Promoting in 2001 to 1^st dahn)

Andy promoted to first dahn in 2001; 2^nd dahn in 2004, 3^rd dahn in 2009, 4^th dahn in 2016 and 5^th dahn in 2022. He’s currently testing towards 6^th dahn under the guidance of 7^th dahn Master Nick Reeve.

 “I love training with Master Nick,” said Andy.  “His knowledge and skill are humbling and inspiring, and his manner, humour and outlook are welcoming and encouraging.”

After moving out of London, Andy started Kuk Sool Won of Sevenoaks in 2009. “It’s a small school, which means I can supervise all aspects of the students’ training, and help them to develop in confidence, skill, strength, flexibility and knowledge. There’s so much more to Kuk Sool than just kicking and punching!”

As KSW Sevenoaks has grown and developed, Andy has greatly enjoyed helping his students to progress.  Andy’s favourite thing in Kuk Sool is to help people realise that they can do those things they thought were beyond them.  Whether that is learning a new technique, a new weapon, a form or competing.  He also really enjoys the sense of family within the Kuk Sool Won community, worldwide.  Andy says: “I have met some fantastic people over the 29 years (and counting) I’ve been involved with the World Kuk Sool Association, and made some great friends along the way, from all over the world. I love the inclusivity and the shared sense on purpose.”

Promoting to 4^th dahn in 2016