Kuk Sool Won
Kuk Sool Won is a comprehensive Korean martial arts system founded by Grandmaster Suh In-Hyuk, designed to unify and preserve the entirety of traditional Korean martial techniques. It blends royal court martial arts, Buddhist temple methods, tribal and family styles into one structured, disciplined system. Kuk Sool Won covers striking, joint locks, acrobatics, pressure points, meditation, and traditional weaponry, all within a cohesive hierarchy. The system emphasizes respect, health, and personal development as much as combat efficiency, making it suitable for all ages and skill levels.
Kuk Sool Won Essentials
About Kuk Sool Won
This category introduces the structure and purpose of Kuk Sool Won as a unified martial art system. It explains the blend of traditional Korean martial disciplines it preserves, from royal court techniques to indigenous tribal fighting methods.
Kuk Sool Won History
Explore the founding of Kuk Sool Won in the 1950s by Suh In-Hyuk and its evolution from a personal family lineage to a global martial arts organization. Understand how it was designed to collect and systematize centuries of Korean martial knowledge.
Philosophy & Approach
Kuk Sool Won’s philosophy focuses on harmony between mind, body, and spirit, rooted in Confucian ethics, Buddhist mindfulness, and martial discipline. The approach balances self-defense, health, and inner development in equal measure.
Techniques & Style
Learn about the extensive curriculum of Kuk Sool Won, including joint locks, throws, pressure points, forms, kicking techniques, grappling, and breathing methods. The style is holistic, highly structured, and adaptable for both civilian and professional use.
Traditions & Etiquette
This section explores the formal etiquette of Kuk Sool Won, emphasizing deep respect for hierarchy, tradition, and martial values. Rituals such as bowing, dojang behavior, and student-instructor relationships are core to the training culture.
Uniform & Symbols
Discover the black uniform, belt system, and crest insignias unique to Kuk Sool Won. Each symbol represents elements of Korean heritage, the school’s lineage, and the practitioner’s progress within the system.
Weapons
Kuk Sool Won teaches over 20 traditional Korean weapons, including staff, sword, fan, rope, and archery. Training includes both solo forms and partner drills, combining elegance with practical application.
Ranking System
The ranking structure in Kuk Sool Won is highly detailed, with colored belts and black belt degrees determined by skill, knowledge, time in practice, and leadership. Testing includes technical demonstration, forms, and written evaluations.
Kuk Sool Won Glossary
A helpful reference of Korean terms, stances, techniques, and titles used in Kuk Sool Won training. This glossary aids in understanding the terminology central to the system’s rich and structured curriculum.
Notable Figures
Learn about the key individuals in Kuk Sool Won’s history, especially founder Suh In-Hyuk and senior masters who helped spread the system worldwide. Their biographies offer insight into the leadership and legacy of this martial tradition.
Branches & Organizations
Discover how Kuk Sool Won is organized internationally through official schools and regional branches. This category outlines the federation’s global presence, certification pathways, and organizational hierarchy.
Competitive Format
Although not sport-focused, Kuk Sool Won includes tournaments with divisions in forms, techniques, and controlled sparring. Learn how competition supports discipline, motivation, and refinement of martial skill.
