Ancient History -
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The Tribal Martial Arts - Sah Doh Mu Sool
These were the earliest recorded Martial Arts, these were also called clan or family martial arts and were passed down through generations. These were most popular on the Korean peninsula which is now, it was utilized by militia who that were made up of common folk who were able to fight to defend their villages against invaders.
The Buddhist Martial Arts - Bool Kyo Mu Sool
This branch of martial arts is incredibly unique, it was developed around the year 347 by both monks and martial artists. This was used to up keep the Buddhists health and to defend themselves when traveling. This branch of martial arts focusses on breathing and meditation techniques and effective self defense methods. This branch of martial arts was so effective and so well utilized by the Buddhist people that they were called on to fight in battle against invaders. This branch of martial arts is when Kuk Sool Won™ inherits its philosophies of peace and the theory of You-Won-Hwa originates from.
The Korean Royal Court Martial Arts - Koong Joong Mu Sool
This martial art was the one developed to defend the royal family and important officials, this branch of martial is where Kuk Sool gets its joint locking and pressure point techniques from as well as weapons like short swords, and fans. Discreet and easy to hide in clothing. The famous Hwarang warriors were encouraged to include Koong Joon Mu Sool in their plethora of techniques but this was later revoked during the Koryo and Chossun dynasties, they also out lawed the possession of weapons to avoid a rebellion.
Modern History -
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Modern History -
In Hyuk Suh started his training young, he was trained by Myung Duek Suh, his grandfather, who was the master instructor of the Korean Royal Court. Unfortunately, during the Korean War In Hyuk’s grandfather passed, this started our Grandmaster’s travels throughout Korea, visiting ancient martial arts sites, Buddhist temples and villages. He trained with many martial arts masters from all different Korean martial arts learning from them, until he had gathered enough to start the organization of Kuk Sool Won™, as we know it today, although it was not until 1961 that it was founded. The first school in the United States was established in 1973 and schools in The United Kingdom and Canada soon after in 1973. It was not until 1982 that the first Kuk Sool Won™ tournament was held, five of these tournaments are held annually all over the world. Kuk Sool Won™ is now found in the furthest reaches of the world: The Netherlands, Paraguay, Chile, Norway and New Zealand.
