Congratulations on your decision to become a student of the traditional martial art of Kuk Sool Won! You will soon see that this decision is one of the best that you have made in your life. On behalf of myself and other Kuk Sool Black Belts, we are excited to have you in our martial arts program!
In this small Student Handbook you will find helpful information in becoming familiar with the art of Kuk Sool and become more comfortable with the policies of Kuk Sool Won Martial Arts of Greenville. I have included a brief definition of Kuk Sool Won, a short Korean-English terminology sheet, some commonly asked questions about Kuk Sool Won training, an explanation of the etiquette system, and a basic list of school rules and regulation. I hope that this Handbook helps answer some of the question that you might have about what is expected of you.
If you have any question, please feel free to contact me anytime at 517-8075. Thank You,
Toan Pham, Owner/Chief Instructor
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The Etiquette System
Kuk Sool Won is a traditional Korean martial arts system and as such it has a traditional etiquette system. Although the Korean etiquette system has the same goal as the American etiquette system there are some noticeable differences. Bowing is probably the most obvious difference. Kuk Sool entails a great deal of bowing, which in Korean culture is equivalent to a handshake or simply as a sign of appreciation. Black Belts are addressed by title followed by their name instead of just their first or last name. Students usually do not have a problem with this in class but students must understand that this same principle applies outside of class as well. This may seem odd but just think about the logic. What good does it do to practice exercising good manners if you only practice them in one place? The purpose of the etiquette system is to help students become more humble and respectful to everyone.
The rule for saying sir/ma’am is simple. Say it every time you respond to a student of higher belt rank than yourself. The difference between this and American etiquette system is that the concept applies to age instead of belt rank. Saying sir/ma’am all the time may seem odd at first but you will get the hang of it quickly.
Below is a basic list for when to bow in the school. This is not a complete list but is just designed to make you more comfortable with some of the procedures.
Bowing
1) When entering or leaving the school.
2) When formally bowing in or out of class.
3) When ending or beginning a hyung (form).
4) To partner when practicing throwing or joint-locking techniques.
5) When a higher ranking Black Belt enters the building.
6) Anytime that a Black Belt tells you to.
Commonly Asked Questions
What’s with all of this bowing?
This is an understandable question because most westerners associate bowing with religious worship. Bowing in Kuk Sool has absolutely nothing to do with worship of anything. It is instead a form of appreciation and respect in Korean culture and is similar to an American handshake.
What are these funny names that Black Belts are called?
After watching class or participating in an introductory lesson you have probably heard Black Belts referred to as Jo Gyo Nim, Gyo Sa Nim, or maybe Bu Sa Beom Nim. These titles are just that part particular persons eblt rank translated into the Korean language. In Kuk Sool, Black Belts are not called by the American name but by their respective rank. For instance, Jo Gyo Nim just means 1st degree Black Belt. For more information on titles refer to the Korean-English Translations on the main website.
What is involved with testing?
Students start out as white belts and test every 10 weeks provided that they have acceptable class attendance and can affectively perform the material they have learned. Students first test for a stripe, which signifies that they have completed half of the material needed for a new belt rank and then they test a second time for a new belt color. Then ranking system is as follows: white belt, yellow belt, blue, belt, red belt, brown belt, black-brown belt, and then finally Black Belt. All Kuk Sool tests are comprehensive and no rank will be awarded with satisfactory completion of all required material.
How many times per week should I practice?
Beginner level students must come to class twice per week but are encouraged to practice at home everyday for at least 20 minutes. Classes are not entirely designed for training but more for review and learning new material. Students are expected to improve their techniques by practicing consistently at home.
_______________________________________________________ Basic Dojang Rules
1) Students must address all Black Belts as sir or ma’am.
2) Students must bow when entering and leaving the dojang.
3) Students must greet all Black Belts upon entering the dojang and say goodbye on their way out.
4) Students are expected to show deference to higher-ranking students and patience and assistance to lower-ranking students.
5) Students are not to use foul language or loud, disturbing behavior in the dojang. If students are caught cursing in the dojang, then they will immediately be expelled from Kuk Sool Won of Greenville.
6) Students must come to class with a clean uniform and be well groomed. All students must wear a black t-shirt under their uniform. Students are not permitted to wear jewelry to class. Absolutely no shoes are to be worn on the training mat.
7) Students must not smoke, drink, or chew gum in the dojang. Students should not come to class with alcohol on their breath.
8) Any student found gossiping about other students or instructors will be asked to leave the dojang.
9) Students are not allowed to wear their belt outside of the dojang. Students are not allowed to demonstrate or teach Kuk Sool outside of the dojang. Remember you are representing Kuk Sool Won of Greenville at all times.Students must use good manners when speaking to other Kuk Sool Won students regardless of the situation. Remember, we're one big family in Kuk Sool and must be treated as such.
Basic Counting
Hah Nah – One, Yul Hah Nah – Eleven
Dul – Two, Yul Dul – Twelve
Set – Three, Seu-mool – Twenty
Net – Four, Suh-reun - Thirty
Dah Suht – Five, Mah-reun – Forty
Dah Suht – Six, Shwin - Fifty
Il Gohp – Seven, Yeh-soon - Sixty
Yuh Duhl – Eight, Il-heun - Seventy
Ah Hohp – Nine, Yuh-deun - Eighty
Yul – Ten, Ah-heun – Ninety
About The Terminology
Please do not take this sheet and try to memorize all of these terms. The easiest and most productive way to learn the Korean terms is to simply pay attention in class. In class we will be using both the Korean and English martial art terms so that students have the ability to repeatedly hear both terms together. We also aid the student by having them repeat the Korean terms after we say them so they can easier retain the words. Students are required to know basic terminology after receiving their yellow belt. Because Kuk Sool Won is a traditional Korean martial art, we feel that it is important to learn more about the language and culture of Korea. We are exposed to both in every single class via the Korean terminology and the etiquette system.
Kuk Sool Won is a traditional Korean martial arts system and as such it has a traditional etiquette system. Although the Korean etiquette system has the same goal as the American etiquette system there are some noticeable differences. Bowing is probably the most obvious difference. Kuk Sool entails a great deal of bowing, which in Korean culture is equivalent to a handshake or simply as a sign of appreciation. Black Belts are addressed by title followed by their name instead of just their first or last name. Students usually do not have a problem with this in class but students must understand that this same principle applies outside of class as well. This may seem odd but just think about the logic. What good does it do to practice exercising good manners if you only practice them in one place? The purpose of the etiquette system is to help students become more humble and respectful to everyone.
The rule for saying sir/ma’am is simple. Say it every time you respond to a student of higher belt rank than yourself. The difference between this and American etiquette system is that the concept applies to age instead of belt rank. Saying sir/ma’am all the time may seem odd at first but you will get the hang of it quickly.
Below is a basic list for when to bow in the school. This is not a complete list but is just designed to make you more comfortable with some of the procedures.
Bowing
1) When entering or leaving the school.
2) When formally bowing in or out of class.
3) When ending or beginning a hyung (form).
4) To partner when practicing throwing or joint-locking techniques.
5) When a higher ranking Black Belt enters the building.
6) Anytime that a Black Belt tells you to.
Commonly Asked Questions
What’s with all of this bowing?
This is an understandable question because most westerners associate bowing with religious worship. Bowing in Kuk Sool has absolutely nothing to do with worship of anything. It is instead a form of appreciation and respect in Korean culture and is similar to an American handshake.
What are these funny names that Black Belts are called?
After watching class or participating in an introductory lesson you have probably heard Black Belts referred to as Jo Gyo Nim, Gyo Sa Nim, or maybe Bu Sa Beom Nim. These titles are just that part particular persons eblt rank translated into the Korean language. In Kuk Sool, Black Belts are not called by the American name but by their respective rank. For instance, Jo Gyo Nim just means 1st degree Black Belt. For more information on titles refer to the Korean-English Translations on the main website.
What is involved with testing?
Students start out as white belts and test every 10 weeks provided that they have acceptable class attendance and can affectively perform the material they have learned. Students first test for a stripe, which signifies that they have completed half of the material needed for a new belt rank and then they test a second time for a new belt color. Then ranking system is as follows: white belt, yellow belt, blue, belt, red belt, brown belt, black-brown belt, and then finally Black Belt. All Kuk Sool tests are comprehensive and no rank will be awarded with satisfactory completion of all required material.
How many times per week should I practice?
Beginner level students must come to class twice per week but are encouraged to practice at home everyday for at least 20 minutes. Classes are not entirely designed for training but more for review and learning new material. Students are expected to improve their techniques by practicing consistently at home.
_______________________________________________________ Basic Dojang Rules
1) Students must address all Black Belts as sir or ma’am.
2) Students must bow when entering and leaving the dojang.
3) Students must greet all Black Belts upon entering the dojang and say goodbye on their way out.
4) Students are expected to show deference to higher-ranking students and patience and assistance to lower-ranking students.
5) Students are not to use foul language or loud, disturbing behavior in the dojang. If students are caught cursing in the dojang, then they will immediately be expelled from Kuk Sool Won of Greenville.
6) Students must come to class with a clean uniform and be well groomed. All students must wear a black t-shirt under their uniform. Students are not permitted to wear jewelry to class. Absolutely no shoes are to be worn on the training mat.
7) Students must not smoke, drink, or chew gum in the dojang. Students should not come to class with alcohol on their breath.
8) Any student found gossiping about other students or instructors will be asked to leave the dojang.
9) Students are not allowed to wear their belt outside of the dojang. Students are not allowed to demonstrate or teach Kuk Sool outside of the dojang. Remember you are representing Kuk Sool Won of Greenville at all times.Students must use good manners when speaking to other Kuk Sool Won students regardless of the situation. Remember, we're one big family in Kuk Sool and must be treated as such.
Basic Counting
Hah Nah – One, Yul Hah Nah – Eleven
Dul – Two, Yul Dul – Twelve
Set – Three, Seu-mool – Twenty
Net – Four, Suh-reun - Thirty
Dah Suht – Five, Mah-reun – Forty
Dah Suht – Six, Shwin - Fifty
Il Gohp – Seven, Yeh-soon - Sixty
Yuh Duhl – Eight, Il-heun - Seventy
Ah Hohp – Nine, Yuh-deun - Eighty
Yul – Ten, Ah-heun – Ninety
About The Terminology
Please do not take this sheet and try to memorize all of these terms. The easiest and most productive way to learn the Korean terms is to simply pay attention in class. In class we will be using both the Korean and English martial art terms so that students have the ability to repeatedly hear both terms together. We also aid the student by having them repeat the Korean terms after we say them so they can easier retain the words. Students are required to know basic terminology after receiving their yellow belt. Because Kuk Sool Won is a traditional Korean martial art, we feel that it is important to learn more about the language and culture of Korea. We are exposed to both in every single class via the Korean terminology and the etiquette system.
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