Kuk Sul Do
Photo Source: Kuksuldo.com
Kuk Sul Do is a Korean martial art developed by Choon S. Yang, a Kuk Sul master who was sent to the US to promote Korean martial arts. Kuk Sul Do is the merger of various martial arts and its development can be attributed to different forms that exist in Korea. Choon S. Yang formed Yang's Kuk Sul Do Federation which serves as the governing body of all Kuk Sul Do schools in the globe.
Kuk Sul Do is a Korean martial art and its name literally means "the way of Korean martial arts." Different Korean martial art styles were developed thousands of years ago. In the aim to preserve the country's ancient martial arts, merging of different Korean styles took place. Due to the combination of Korea's most prominent martial art styles, Kuk Sul Do is regarded as the National Korean Martial Art.
Kuk Sul Do's birth is attributed to Japan's attack on Korea, where, during that time, many martial arts emerged and were used by Korean warriors to defend the land against the invasion. If not for Korean martial arts like Kung Sa, Tu Ho, Tae Kyun, and Su Sul, Kuk Sul Do would never have been born. Kuk Sul Do merged different Korean martial art styles in order to preserve the techniques of ancient Korean martial arts.
Kuk Sul Do, despite its name and nature, was not born in Korea. Choon S. Yang, the founder of Kuk Sul Do, developed the martial art in the United States. In 1978, South Korean President Park placed Choon S. Yang and 8 other Kuk Sul masters together in the Kuk Sul Government Martial Arts Demonstration Team that would represent and promote Korea to the United States. Choon S. Yang saw the potential of Kuk Sul in the US. He found people that would help him build an organization of masters who shared the same passion for Kuk Sul. As a result, Yang's Kuk Sul Do Federation was born.
Kuk Sul Do Grandmaster Choon S. Yang is still active in promoting the martial art all over the US, Korea, and the rest of the world. Yang's Kuk Sul Do Federation has always been strict when it comes to training requirements and testing methods. In fact, the Grandmaster himself trains, teaches and tests the instructors to assure that the art of Kuk Sul Do is promoted correctly and with respect, honor and dignity. The Federation has accredited schools where Kuk Sul Do enthusiasts can enroll to enhance and develop their interest in the Korean martial art. The Grandmaster, up to this day, takes time to visit each and every school to give inspiration to students. To discipline the students, he is often heard saying "I will not give you a black belt – you have to take it from me!'' With the Grandmaster's strictness when it comes to hard work and discipline, the Federation is proud to have gained a reputation as an elite martial art organization.
Folklore and legends represent the kind of influence martial art imparts on society. There is a tale about Won Sullong, General Kim Yu-Shin's son, who had a battle with the T'ang Army over a territorial dispute. Won-Sullong did not win the battle and he was disowned by his father. Because of the embarrassment he faced, Won-Sullong went into hiding in the forests and he spent the days mastering the styles and techniques of martial arts. When he gathered enough courage, strength, and confidence, he entered the camp as a commoner and killed the commander.
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: South Korea
Grandmaster Choon S. Yang
Hybrid, striking, Weaponry
Global Female Martial Artist Register
The philosophy of Kuk Sul Do is to take advantage of the moves and momentum of the opponent and to use it for quick submission, which disrupts the opponent's ability to do harm over the Kuk Sul Do warrior. The intense training of Kuk Sul Do challenges and tests the warrior's ability to defend himself against any attackers and emerge as a winner in any battle that he faces.
Kuk Sul Do allows one's character to grow, as well as to instill confidence, self-discipline, and enhance mental ability. Kuk Sul Do's extensive training prepares the mind and body for the hardships and struggles in life and to learn how to achieve victory from such challenges. Kuk Sul Do helps the body to be physically fit and the mind to be fast and alert enough to instantly adapt and win in the ever-changing world. Therefore, the philosophy of Kuk Sul Do revolves around the following aspects: Self-control or discipline, self-awareness or experience, self-confidence or knowledge and self-sacrifice or service.
Like other martial arts, Kuk Sul Do has its own rules and creeds to be followed. The very basic, yet most important rule is for the students to know, practice and live the Kuk Sul Do Creed:
Loyalty and Honor – I will be loyal to my country and honor my parents and elders.
Time – Time is precious. I will not waste the time of others nor my own.
Cleanliness – I will have pride in my personal appearance and concern for the order and cleanliness of my surroundings.
Health – I will maintain health in my mind and body through Kuk Sul Do.
Caring – I will cherish the bonds of affection with my family and friends.
Economy – I will avoid extravagance and not waste things needlessly.
Honesty and Integrity – I will have the courage to be honest and faithful in all my dealings.
Charity – I will be generous to the less fortunate and work for the public good in order to serve my community.
Order – I will maintain good order and discipline in accordance with law and tradition.
Tenacity – I will strive towards my goals with strong faith in myself and a desire to achieve.
Upholding the creed and following the rules serves as an extremely important role in instilling martial arts character, such as discipline, self-control and respect to the student.
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