What is Kuk Sool Won?

Kuk Sool is the sum of the traditional martial arts of Korea, grouped together under the banner of the World Kuk Sool Association (WKSA).  Kuk Sool Won was formed in 1958 when our Grandmaster, Suh In Hyuk, known as Kuk Sa Nim, brought together the martial arts skills and heritage from those disciplines taught in the Buddhist temples (Boolkyo MuSool) and Royal Courts of ancient Korea (KoongJoong MuSool), and the various regional tribal fighting techniques found throughout the Korean peninsula (Sahdoh MuSool).  We proudly trace our martial arts heritage back to foundation of the Korean nation and beyond.

Kuk Sool is not just another oriental self-defence method, but rather a complete martial arts system, combining numerous aspects of what we know as ‘martial arts’ into a unique combination of the traditional and the contemporary – flowing forms (Hyung) and real world self-defence – into a truly mixed martial art which is underpinned by mutual respect and etiquette.

As a member of the World Kuk Sool Association, you will learn various kicks, punches, hand strikes, pressure points, joint locks, throws, falls, grappling techniques, blocks, sparring and self-defence skills, sword, staff and other weapons, as well as meditation and breathing techniques.  Most students also experience improvements in their balance, fitness, co-ordination, memory, confidence and well-being.

The syllabus is vast, and is broken down into traditional grades, marked by variously coloured belts.  Thanks to the hard work maintained by the WKSA, this syllabus and ranking system is the same whether you are training in the UK, Europe, Canada, Chile, New Zealand, Korea or the USA (and many other countries in between).

All use of the words KuK Sool Won and the initials WKSA and KSW, along with the logo, is copyrighted and controlled all over the world.  This means that any school displaying those words and images is an affiliated member of the WKSA family, covered by the guidance, insurance and standards of the WKSA, and committed to the development of its members physically and mentally through a combined interest in martial arts and a commitment to work together regardless of race, religion or politics to promote international good will.