history of kuk sool won:
1:1 Introduction

Although we may not have ancient written texts to prove the historical authenticity of the Korean martial arts, paintings and sculptures found on the walls of caves, dating back hundreds of years, do depict warriors in martial art postures and stances. Possibly the most famous stone sculpture of all is the SOKKURAM Grotto (circa. 8 th century CE). In some paintings, there can be seen archers on horseback, in others, ancient Korean martial arts such as SOO BAK KI and ancient Korean wrestling known as SSIRIUM. These artefacts can serve only to support the oral and physical transmission of these very special arts and skills, which remain virtually unchanged to this day.

The first Korean martial art ‘system’ to develop was SADO MU SOOL, which means ‘family’ or ‘tribal’ martial arts and has its roots way back in ancient Korean history. The formation of the Three Kingdoms, at the dawn of the 1 st millennium CE, brought with it kings, queens and royal armies and thereby the second form of Korean martial arts was born. These were called KOONG JOONG MU SOOL, which translates as ‘ Royal Court’ martial arts. The third aspect of Korean martial arts to develop were BUL KYO MU SOOL or ‘Buddhist’ martial arts, which were introduced to Korea by monks from China in the 4 th and 5 th centuries CE.

It is also interesting to record that different techniques or aspects of the Korean martial arts developed in, or were characteristic of, certain areas of Korea. For example, BAK SOOL, Head Butting Techniques, were a prominent feature of KOGURYO; SOO GI, Hand Striking Techniques, were favoured by SILLA; and JOK SOOL, Kick Striking Techniques, were widely used in PAEKCHE.** Most contemporary systems of Korean martial arts derive their techniques from one or more of these ancient traditions or have amalgamated with, or have been influenced by, either Chinese or Japanese martial arts. However, the art of KUK SOOL is a systematic study, compilation, integration and further development of all three indigenous martial art systems of Korea.

Modern times have seen the explosion onto the international scene of a plethora of new martial arts styles, systems and organisations. Within these, two types or groups can be discerned. The first group is characterised by having great and charismatic leaders of demonstrable knowledge, skill and in some cases, ancient lineage. The second type comprises of splinter groups that spawn yet further splinter groups. They are often headed by individuals whose motivations range from the financial to the egotistical. They have no genuine history, foundation or future. The martial art system of KUK SOOL falls firmly into the first category of ‘new systems’.

The names KUK SOOL and KUK SOOL WON* were coined and first used in 1958 by SUH IN HYUK, when he founded the art, and represents a uniquely comprehensive study of the traditional Korean martial arts. Although when one hears the term martial arts, one would naturally think of ‘physical’ skill, however, with KUK SOOL, there is an implicit meaning that goes much further to include the cultural, philosophical, mental and spiritual heritage of the Korean martial arts and psyche.

** Conversations with Grandmaster SUH IN HYUK
* The terms KUK SOOL and KUK SOOL WON are used interchangeably
++ The HWA RAHNG were an elite warrior corps and were established in the 6 th century CE. They adhered to a code of honour that was not too dissimilar to King Arthur’s Knights of the Round Table.