Kuk Sul Do

Kuk Sul Do based on Kuk Sool Won is a Korean martial arts style that was brought to the United States by Grandmaster Choon S. Yang. The name "Kuk Sul Do" translates to "National Korean Martial Art", and was put together from a number of different Korean martial art styles in order to preserve traditions and movements that are hundreds of years old. Because of Kuk Sul Do's beginning, it is a well-rounded traditional style that doesn't necessarily have any specific strengths or weaknesses, and encompasses a large amount of material and tradition.

History of Korean Martial Arts

Early History

Most of what is modern day Kuk Sul developed from three main places: Korean tribesman out of instinct, guards and members of the Royal Court, and traveling monks that journeyed into, out of and through Korea. [http://www.kuksuldo.com/new_page_2.htm History of Korean Martial Arts] KukSulDo.com] Lifestyles of various types emerged from all over the country, many of which persevered up until Japan's attack and eventual annexation of Korea in 1919. [ [http://www.asianinfo.org/asianinfo/korea/history/march_1st_independence_struggle.htm March 1st Independence Struggle] AsianInfo.org] Some of these skills include, but are not limited to:

* Kung Sa – Archery
* Kum Sul bub – Swordsmanship
* Ji lu ki bub – Strikes and Kicks
* Su young bub – Swimming and combat in water
* Jung chi, ko jun – Politics and Classical Literature
* Tu ho – Throws
* Tae Kyun – Kicks
* Mok bong – Wooden pole fighting
* Su Sul – Empty hand fighting
* Jong da bub – Defense against attack from multiple attackers
* Bul bub – Buddhist sutra ]

After 1919, many of Korean's traditions were banned and replaced with those of Japan's, martial arts included. Masters of many different Korean styles convened to keep the heart of her traditions alive, and put together what they determined to be the best representation of what could be called a "National Korean Martial Art".

Modern History

Grandmaster Choon S. Yang founded Kuk Sul Do after coming to the United States. Currently twelve schools can be traced back to his Federation through both the United States and Korea. [ [http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Towers/3550/ Yang's Kuk Sul Do Federation] Geocities.com] He has spent over fifty years training and instructing, and still holds seminars within Kuk Sul Do schools all over the nation.

ee also

* Korean Martial Arts

External links

* [http://www.kuksuldohq.com/ Grandmaster Yang's Federation Page - Official Kuk Sul Do Website]
* [http://kuksuldoacademy.com/ Chagrin Falls Kuk Sul Do Academy]
* [http://chicokuksuldo.net/ Chico Kuk Sul Do Academy]
* [http://www.centervillekuksuldo.com/ Centerville Ohio Kuk Sul Do Academy]