Third degree black belt form Kyuk Pah Hyung by BSBN Huy Pham

Here is a recent demonstration by BSBN Huy Pham.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Promotion Ceremony December 13, 2008

Congratulations to all students!

Photos of the School Participating in the Greer Veteran's Day Parade 2008

Our school marched in the Veteran's Day Parade and then gave a demonstration of forms and using weapons. Thank you to our veterans!!

World Kuk Sool Won Tournament 2008 Results

Adam Okinaga on the medal podium for placing fourth in one event. BuSaBeonNim Toan Pham on the podium after placing first place overall. [This is his SECOND time as WORLD CHAMPION for his age group!!] BSBN Pham with all of his medals. BSBN Huy Pham with all of his medals. BSBN Huy Pham on the medal podium after placing first in one event.
The Greenville School (803-10) scored 41 points. This is an outstanding result for such a small school. The complete list can be found here. These points came from the participation of just 5 people from our school: BSBN Toan Pham, BSBN Huy Pham, GSN Ian Okinaga, JKN Keiko Okinaga, and JKN Adam Okinaga. Congratulations!!

Sword form 1st and 2nd degree black belt

2nd degree form by BSBN Huy Pham. 1st degree form by JKN Brad Brandt.

3rd Degree Black Belt Form performed by BSBN Huy Pham

Here's a goodie from our video archive. BSBN Huy preceded his demonstration by reminding us of the Hyung Bub (The Five Principles of Forms)
1. Eyes: bright and clear
2. Mind: calm and focused
3. Stance: low and soft (supple)
4. Feet: slow and precise
5. Hands: fast and controlled

Lessons from black belt testing October 4 2008

Here is some critiques from Kwan Jang Nim (5th degree black belt) Dan Middleton today for the students testing in Anderson:
1. Prepare thoroughly for each test like it will be the test where Kuk Sa Nim himself is watching.
2. Have extra intensity and focus, because this is more than a regular class.
3. Show good etiquette: stand up tall; do not slouch over with your hands on your hips because you are tired; and do not chat while doing techniques. This is a test.
4. Techniques even without falls should be done up to the point that the person is about to fall. Demonstrate the joint lock.
5. Falls should be done from heights appropriate to your rank.
6. Forms should be done according to the five rules of Hyung.

Staff Sparring Demonstration March 10, 2007

Bu Sa Beom Nims Huy Pham and Toan Pham did a demonstration of staff sparring at the Kuk Sool Won Tournament on March 10, 2007.

Photos of the School's Entrance and Interior

We thought these photos would help visitors find our school and get a glimpse of the interior. Please come and see the real thing when we are having a class!

Promotion addendum September 3, 2008

Dan Bo Nim (black belt candidate) Jeff Pridmore received 2 stripes today for two earlier tests that he successfully passed. Total 8! Congratulations!!

(Jo Gyo Nim Elise, Bu Sa Beom Nim Toan Pham, Gyo Sa Nim Ian, Dan Bo Nim Jeff, Jo Gyo Nim Eric, Gyo Sa Nim Suzanne)

2008 Kuk Sool Won World Championship 50th Anniversay Celebration

Click to see the formal announcement for the 2008 Kuk Sool Won World Championship 50th Anniversary Celebration http://www.kuksoolwon.com/2008EntryForm.pdf. This promises to be a very special celebration, because Kuk Sa Nim founded Kuk Sool Won 50 years ago. How many other martial arts have the opportunity to see and to thank in person their founder? Three of four of our instructors are planning to attend and compete in Tomball, Texas! There's commitment for you! Check what forms, techniques, weapon forms, and breaking YOU would have to do if you entered. How would you measure up to the best in the world? If you'd like to enter, please speak with Bu Sa Beom Nim Toan Pham.

Promotion Ceremony August 30, 2008

Congratulations to all promoted students!!

Brown belts: Bill Luong (7 stripes), Seth Windsor (5 stripes);
Blue belt with red stripe: Lorenzo Scott;
Yellow belt with blue stripe: Long Nguyen; Yellow belt: Josh Forgie, William Studios.

Keep working towards the prestigious Black belt in Kuk Sool Won!!

Black belts present: Bu Sa Beom Nim Toan Pham, BSBN Huy Pham, Gyo Sa Nim Ian, Jo Gyo Nim: Elise, Keiko, Adam, Eric, John.

INSTRUCTOR BIOGRAPHIES

Toan Pham has studied Kuk Sool Won since 1995. There is only 1 higher ranked instructor in all of South Carolina, as well as the East Coast.


Huy Pham has studied Kuk Sool Won since 1995 He has competed in many tournaments and placed. For example, in 2003, he was the Junior Division Grand Champion at the World Kuk Sool Won Tournament. In 2005, he placed first at the Tae Kwon Do Open Tournament in Georgia for Open forms, Weapons and Breaking, plus he finished second in sparring. At the 2005 World Kuk Sool Won Championships, he placed first in Weapons.


Suzanne Miskin has studied martial arts for many years. These include a black belt in Tae Kwon Do, HapKi Do, Judo, and Kuk Sool Won in Tomball, TX (where she had the privledge of studying under KJN Alex Suh.)



Ian Okinaga has been studying Kuk Sool Won since 2002. He was promoted to Gyo Sa Nim, second degree black belt, in the summer of 2008 (see blog for photo).

What is Kuk Sool Won? A brief modern history

Kuk Sool Won, which can be translated as National (Korean) Martial Arts Association, is a systematic study of all of the traditional fighting arts, which together comprise the martial arts history of the Korean nation. As a martial arts system, Kuk Sool Won covers the entire spectrum of the traditional Asian fighting arts and techniques of body conditioning, as well as mental development and tradition weapons training. These include (but are not limited to):

· Hand Striking
1) Closed and open hand striking methods: including palm, fist, wrist, finger striking techniques and specialized hand training techniques.
2) Pressure point striking
3) Striking using arm and shoulder
4) Blocking and parrying

· Leg Techniques
1) Foundational Kicks
2) Spinning kicks
3) Jumping kicks
4) Combination kicks and double leg kicks
5) Pressure point kicking
6) Specialty kicks

· Throwing and Grappling
1) Body throws
2) Projection throws
3) Leg throws
4) Pressure point grappling
5) Grappling defense
6) Wrestling techniques
7) Ground fighting

· Joint-Locking Techniques
1) Restraining methods
2) Joint breaking techniques
3) Combination joint-locking
4) Control and redirection techniques
5) Arresting and “come along” techniques

· Falling Techniques and Acrobatics
1) Body conditioning and agility techniques
2) Body protection techniques
3) Acrobatics for defense and offense

• Body Conditioning
1) Overall stretching and flexibility training.
2) Cardiovascular conditioning.
3) Muscle training.
4) Ligament and tendon strengthening.
5) Joint Flexibility and conditioning.

• Animal-Style Techniques
Techniques based on the movements and/or characteristics of certain “martial” animals such as Tiger, Preying Mantis, Crane, Dragon, Snake, etc.

• Traditional Korean Weapons
1) Sword: short, middle, and long, single or double, straight or inverted.
2) Staff: short, middle and long, single or double
3) Jool bong.
4) Spear.
5) Cane.
6) Rope.
7) Fan.
There are 24 different traditional Korean Royal Court weapons in the curriculum of Kuk Sool Won (plus Buddhist and family weaponry).

• Martial Arts Healing Methods (beginning at Instructor Level)
1) Acupressure.
2) Acupuncture.
3) Internal energy systems.
4) Herbal medicine

• Meditation and Breathing Techniques
1) Various breath control techniques.
2) Meditation and breathing postures.
3) Concentration techniques.

As you can see, Kuk Sool Won covers an extensive variety of techniques and martial arts methods, but it is not merely concerned with the physical methods of attack and defense. Kuk Sool Won includes the study of healing techniques, the development of internal power, and physical conditioning. Training in Kuk Sool Won also helps to instill self-confidence and self-discipline, a calm self-assurance, and the psychological and spiritual values which are traditionally associated with the martial character. Mental and physical well-being is of primary importance in Kuk Sool Won.

Although Kuk Sool Won as it is practiced today is relatively new, its roots stretch far and deep to the very beginnings of the history of the Korean people. As students of Kuk Sool Won, this early history and the ancient traditions upon which our art is founded should be as important to us a s the physical techniques themselves, for it is only from our understanding and appreciation of these classical roots that we are able to grow as students and as martial artists.
(For a more depth study of the origin of Kuk Sool Won see Kuk Sool Won Textbook Vol. І.)

Online Student Handbook

Dear Student,

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.

World Kuk Sool Won Tournament 2003

Toan Pham was the Senior Division Grand Champion. (He is kneeling in the front row, third from the left.) Huy Pham was the Junior Division Grand Champion. (He is kneeling in the front row, seventh from the left.) Kuk Sa Nim is seated, third from the left, next to his wife.

Kuk Sool Won Student Creeds

1. As a Kuk Sool Won student, I will develop myself in a positive manner and avoid anything that will reduce my mental growth or physical health, sir!

2. As a Kuk Sool Won student, I will develop self-discipline in order to bring out the best in myself and others, sir!

3. As a Kuk Sool Won student, I will use what I learn in class constructively and defensively, to help myself and my fellow man, and never be abusive or offensive, sir!

4. We are a black belt school! We are motivated! We are dedicated! We are on a quest to be our best! Kuk Sool!! (pump right fist up)

Reasons to consider taking Kuk Sool Won

Here are some reasons for learning Kuk Sool Won.

1. Kuk Sool Won is a worldwide, martial arts system based on all Korean martial arts. Our Grandmaster combined them all into 1 organized system. Kuk Sool Won includes forms, hand and kicking tehniques, many weapons, sparring, joint locks, falling, healing and meditation arts, and self-defense techniques. Go to www.kuksoolwon.com for more information on the history, curriculum, published articles, black belt promotions, store, and a list of the schools worldwide. The chief instructor for the Greenville School is Toan Pham, a 3rd degree black belt (Bu Sa Beom Nim), as is his son Huy Pham. Both are in the process of testing for their 4th degree black belt (Sa Beom Nim).

2. Kuk Sool Won has a standardized, written curriculum. The plaque on the wall shows what is required for each advancement in rank. This benefits students and parents by letting them see what they should know or need to know for their belt level. Bu Sa Beom Nim (3rd degree black belt) Pham schedules tests about every 3 months. Most other schools have their own curriculum, which the owner and chief instructor modifies based his own experience. However, there may be no written curriculum, text books to refresh your memory, and no way of knowing if you know enough for advancement. Advancement may be purely based the instructor's "feeling" when you are ready.

3. Kuk Sool Won is cumulative system, so to advance, students must remember all of the prior belt's curriculum plus the newest forms and self-defense techniques for the current belt. In many other martial arts, higher level students may have forgotten what they learned at the lower belts levels. In the end, this does not benefit the students. The system also uses a Korean vocabulary throughout the schools, so we can communicate accurately with each other around the world.

4. Kuk Sool Won has well-illustrated text books and DVDs for purchase to refresh your memory. This is very helpful for learning, advancing, and test preparation. Check out www.youtube.com and type in "Kuk Sool Won" and "Kuk Sool Won black belt forms" for demonstrations. Since the forms and techniques are the same worldwide, you can recognize them. See if you like what you see! Without the text books, DVDs, and youtube, it is harder to advance, because you can only learn and perfect based on what you remember. This is not a very efficient process, since most people tend to forget or remember incorrectly.

5. There are opportunities to meet firsthand and learn from Masters worldwide at quarterly tests, annual seminars across the nation, and tournaments. Kuk Sa Nim, himself, our Founder and Grandmaster, and his son are present at the annual seminar in Anderson, South Carolina. If you attend, you will get to meet other students and Masters from other schools and other states. Rather than you go to his headquarters in Texas, Kuk Sa Nim comes to our state every summer. Most black belt candidates time their promotion to coincide with his visit, so as to receive their black belt from Kuk Sa Nim himself. If you are not able to go due to a conflict, then there is an entire list of other schools and states strecthing through the entire summer from which may you may choose. Remember, the curriculum is the same worldwide! If you should move, you should be able to continue learning Kuk Sool Won at another school without having to restart at white belt all over again.

6. Kuk Sool Won is a comprehensive, quality-controlled, and standarized martial arts system. In fact, exposure to the many parts of Kuk Sool Won will stretch your boundaries as a martial artist. Opportunities such as learning to use weapons are not available at most schools. Compare your local free-standing martial arts schools to enormous advantages built into Kuk Sool Won's worldwide system. Kuk Sool Won has something for everyone!

Founder and Grandmaster In Hyuk Suh's Annual visit to the Upstate of South Carolina for the seminar and black belt promotions 2008

7/7/08
Kuk Sa Nim came for his annual visit to Anderson, SC. In the early afternoon, there was testing for black belt candidates from first degree up to fourth degree. Our school was very busy. My son Huy and I are in the process of testing for our fourth degree black belt. Ms. Suzanne Miskin began testing for her third degree black belt. We had five students promoted: four for first degree black belt and one for second degree black belt. Each student receives their diplomas and belts personally from Kuk Sa Nim. It's quite an honor! Congratulations to all of them! It was hard work and a long wait, but very special. I am happy to announce we have four additional students beginning the year-long testing cycle for first degree black belt.

Remember, as Kuk Sa Nim says, "We need more practice, sir!!"

A message from Master Toan Pham.

BLACK BELT WALL OF FAME

Normally, students are personally promoted to first degree black belt and beyond during Kuk Sa Nim's annual visit to SC during July.

2011

• Gyo Sa Nim (2nd degree)
• John Leong

2010

• Jo Gyo Nim (1st degree)
• Fred Dotson, Seth Windsor
• Bu Sa Beom Nim (3rd degree)
• Suzanne Miskin

2009

• Jo Gyo Nim (1st degree)
• Neil Kao, Bill Leong, Jeff Pridmore
• Sa Beom Nim (4th degree)
• Toan Pham, Huy Pham

2008

• Jo Gyo Nim (1st degree)
• Austin Joyce, Elise Kao, Eric Kao, Yvonne Kao
• Gyo Sa Nim (2nd degree)
• Ian Okinaga

2007

• Jo Gyo Nim (1st degree)
• Ahmed Ali, John Leong, Adam Okinaga

2006

• Jo Gyo Nim (1st degree)
• Austin Long,Chelsea Long, Keiko Okinaga
• Gyo Sa Nim (2nd degree)
• Suzanne Miskin

2005

• Bu Sa Beom Nim (3rd degree)
• Huy Pham, Toan Pham

2004

• Jo Gyo Nim (1st degree)
• Brad Brandt, Phillip Butts, Alan Isom, Ian Okinaga

Adult class photo 06/11/08

Adult class 6/11/08 with Bu Sa Beom Nim Toan Pham on the left most and Gyo Sa Nim Suzanne Miskin second from the right.

Questions on the History of Kuk Sool Won

(These are the Types of Questions that Students are Asked On Testing to Test Their Knowledge and Understanding of the History of Kuk Sool Won.)

1. What does “Kuk Sool Won” mean?
Korean National Martial Arts Association

2. Who is the founder and grandmaster of Kuk Sool Won?
In Hyuk Suh

3. What is the grandmaster’s Korean title, and what does it mean?
Kuk Sa Nym (“National Martial Arts Teacher”)

4. Who was Kuk Sa Nym’s first teacher? What was his relationship to him? What style did he teach?
Suh Myuhng Duk , Kuk Sa Nym’s grandfather, was his first instructor and taught him Royal Court Martial Arts.

5. What are the 3 main sub-groups of Korean traditional martial arts?
Koong Joong Musool = Royal court Martial Arts
Sado Musool = Tribal, or Family Martial Arts
Bulkyo Musool = Buddhist Temple System Martial Arts

6. What is significant about the three terms: “Yu, Won, and Hwa”?
These three terms are the basis of practice theory in Kuk Sool Won:

“Yu” is yielding, soft, yet powerful, and is sometimes described as the “water principle”.
“Won” is circular motion;
“Hwa” is Harmony- both within you and with the opponent.

7. Where is Kuk Sool Won headquarters located?
Houston, Texas (actually, “Tomball, TX”)

8. Who was Kuk Sa Nym’s first American student?
Ken Duncan

9. Who was the first American Kuk Sool Won master?
Kwang Jan Nym Barry Harmon.

10. Why is the year 1911 a significant one in the development of Korean martial arts?
This was the year that Japan annexed Korea and began to systematically suppress the study of the traditional culture of Korea – including martial arts (leading to the overt Japanese influence seen in many Korean forms of karate such as Tae Kwon Do, Tang Soo Do, Hapkido, etc.)

11. What are the “Five Practice Laws” of Hyung Training?
a. Eyes bright and clear
b. Mind: Calm and focused
c. Stance: Low and stable
d. Feet: slow and precise
e. Hands: fast and controlled

12. What is the significance of the two dates: 1961 and 1974
1958: Kuk Sool was put together by Grandmaster Suh as a coherent and distinct Korean marital arts system
1961: Kuk Sool Won was formed.
1974: Kuk Sool Won became the World Kuk Sool Association upon Kuk Sa Nym’s arrival in the United States

13. Where was the first world Headquarters located?
San Francisco

14. There were 4 members in the first class of American Kuk Sool Masters. What were their names?
Master Barry Harmon
Master Marlin Sims - Inactive
Master Jay Lee
Master Rudy Timmerman (Canada) - Inactive

15. His grandfather, Suh Myuhng Duk was Kuk Sa Nym’s first teacher – who were some of his most influential teachers?
Young Sool Choi – founder of Hapkido and teacher of traditional family/tribal martial arts.
Tai Eue Wang – master of Korean Royal Court martial arts
Hai Dong Seu Nym – “Great Monk of the Eastern Sea” Master of Korean Buddhist martial arts (considered to be Kuk Sa Nym’s second most influential teacher)
NOTE: Yong Sool Choi were either neighbors or training partners, and according to current Kuk Sool Won history were not actually considered to be his “teachers”)

16. Kuk Sa Nym received five books of martial arts knowledge from his grandfather. What are these books?
Yu Sool
Kwon Sool
Yu-Kwan Sool
Hyul Bup
Whai Bup

17. What were the Three Kingdoms in ancient Korea?
Paekche, Koguryo and Silla

18. Who were the Korean “Hwarang”?
The Korean Hwarang (literally “Flowering Youth”) were a group of young nobles who were trained in politics, the classics and martial arts to become the military and political leaders of the kingdom of Silla. The Korean Hwarang was the pattern upon which the Japanese “samurai” class was later developed.

19. What is the significance of the “Um-Yang” symbol seen in the Korean Flag?
Um-Yang (or Yin-Yang) is a common symbol in Asia and represents the unity of opposites (such as day/night, light/dark, white/black, soft/hard, etc.) both of which must be present in order for the circle to be complete.

20. What do the various symbols mean in the Kuk Sool won emblem?
Hand: Fist of power
Dan Bong: Staff of knowledge
Swords: The cutting edge of wisdom.
Flower: A native Korean flower, symbolizing that Kuk Sool Won can grow anywhere.

21. What is the very first technique on the technique chart in Kuk Sool Won, and the most important part of your martial arts training?
Yea Eue (Martial Arts Etiquette)

22. What is “Ki”?
An important concept in Kuk Sool won and many Asian martial arts systems, “Ki” is an internal power or energy closely associated with the respiratory and circulatory systems of the body and developed by certain standardized breathing exercises.

23. Why is bowing important in traditional martial arts training?
The bow is a sign of respect – both for the person and for the knowledge and level of proficiency that person has attained (whether White Belt or Grandmaster, all knowledge is the result of diligent effort and should be respected) – the bow is even MORE important to the Black Belt to indicate an outward demonstration of humilty.

24. What is a “Ki Hap” and why is it important?
Ki Hap literally means, “Power yell” and is used to gather power in the lower abdomen for application of technique and body protection.

25. How many techniques are there in Kuk Sool Won?
3608 techniques divided into 270 different categories.

In addition to these questions and others like them, students should also be prepared to answer questions about the Korean Terminology used in class (both Korean-to-English and English-to-Korean) after yellow belt.