what is kuk sool WON?

Kuk Sool is a comprehensive martial arts system that is derived from the rich and varied martial arts techniques and traditions that have arisen in Korea through the ages. Kuk Sool is not a sport, nor is it simply another oriental self-defence method. Kuk Sool is a complete martial art system that is dedicated to the cultivation of mental strength, well-being and to the preservation of the traditional Korean martial arts.

The name ‘Kuk Sool Won’ is best understood by breaking it down into its three sections. ‘Kuk’ translates to 'nation', 'state' or 'country'. ‘Sool’ literally means 'martial art technique'; however, Sool's implied meaning goes deeper to include the mental, spiritual and philosophical heritage of the Korean martial arts. ‘Won’ means institution or association. The entire name, Kuk Sool Won can then be translated to mean, 'National Martial Arts Association'.

The basis of Kuk Sool is the development and use of ‘Ki’ (internal power). Therefore Kuk Sool is considered an internal martial arts system. However, to classify Kuk Sool under any one name is incorrect due to its vastness.

At the heart of Kuk Sool training is the development and use of ‘Ki’ (internal power). Special Ki training exercises are performed to stimulate and generate this mystical life-force energy which empowers the student with greater physical and mental strength.

The technical syllabus of Kuk Sool is vast and comprehensive and includes: hand and foot strikes to vital points, forms, throwing, falling, joint locking, pressure points, sparring and a myriad of weapons techniques that together merge into a beautiful and dynamic hard-soft style emphasising speed and fluidity. Other techniques such as: meditation, breath control, acupressure and acupuncture are employed to improve and maintain health, develop internal power and slow down the ageing process.

Philosophically, Kuk Sool stresses humility, self-discipline, self-control and respect for others. Together, these different aspects of Kuk Sool provide the means for attaining a long and healthy life

Kuk Sool Won includes:

Hand Striking 1) Closed and open hand striking methods including: palm, fist, wrist, finger striking techniques and specialized hand training techniques. 2) Pressure point striking. 3) Striking using arm and shoulder. 4) Blocking and parrying.	Leg Techniques 1) Foundational kicks. 2) Spinning kicks. 3) Jumping kicks. 4) Combination kicks. 5) Double leg kicks. 6) Pressure point kicking. 7) Speciality kicking.
Throwing and Grappling 1) Body throws. 2) Projection throws. 3) Leg throws. 4) Pressure point grappling. 5) Grappling defence. 6) Wrestling techniques. 7) Ground fighting.	Joint-Locking Techniques 1) Restraining methods. 2) Joint breaking techniques. 3) Combination joint locking. 4) Control and redirection techniques. 5) Arresting and "come along" techniques
Falling Techniques and Acrobatics 1) Body conditioning and agility techniques. 2) Body protection techniques. 3) Acrobatics for defence and offence.	Body Conditioning 1) Overall stretching and flexibility training. 2) Cardiovascular conditioning. 3) Muscle training. 4) Ligament and tendon strengthening. 5) Joint flexibility and body conditioning
Animal-Style Techniques Techniques based on the movements and /or characteristics of certain "martial" animals such as Tiger, Praying Mantis, Eagle, Crane, Dragon and Snake.	Traditional Korean Weapons 1) Sword: short, middle and long, single or double, straight or inverted. 2) Staff: short, middle and long, single or double. 3) Cane 4) Fan 5) Rope 6) Spear. 7) Rice Flail 8) Archery 9) Knife Throwing
Martial Art Healing Methods (beginning at Instructor level) 1) Acupressure. 2) Acupuncture. 3) Internal energy systems. 4) Herbal medicine.	Meditation and Breathing Techniques 1) Various breath control techniques. 2) Meditation and breathing postures. 3) Concentration techniques.