The Korean Traditional Martial Art

     ~ Kuk Sool ~    

A complete and comprehensive Martial Art System that covers the entire spectrum of Asian fighting arts and techniques of body conditioning, mental development and weapons training, including (but not limited to):

Kicking Techniques
Hand Striking Techniques
Boxing and Stand-up
Blocking and Parrying Techniques
Pressure-Point Techniques
Joint Locking and Breaking Techniques
Ground Fighting and Grappling
Throwing Techniques
Falling Techniques and Acrobatics
Weapons and Weapon Defense
Individual and Group Self Defense
Meditation and Breathing Techniques 

A more in-depth description of the System of Kuk Sool...

Kuk Sool is a comprehensive martial art system that is derived from the rich and varied martial art styles and techniques developed over the ages in Korea.  Founded as a martial arts system and not a martial arts style, Kuk Sool is generally not limited to any single discipline.  The Black Lotus Martial Art System of Kuk Sool is a complete study of all Martial Art Styles and Techniques.  As a traditional martial art, Kuk Sool traces many of its roots back to the ancient and prehistoric martial arts used thousands of years ago.  


Ancient History

Kuk Sool has a strong foundation and history based on the traditional and ancient martial arts from the Korean peninsula.  The three branches of traditional Korean martial arts which comprise the basis of Kuk Sool are:

• Sah Doh Mu Sool (Tribal or Family martial Arts) is the earliest form of martial arts developed in Korea; meaning tribal, clan, or family martial arts, as this type of martial art was mainly passed down from one generation to the next. Sah Doh Mu Sool was popular among the ancient tribes, city-states and smaller kingdoms that formed in the Korean Peninsula and parts of what is now China. This was evident well before the first unified Korean kingdom of Ko-Cho Sun which was founded in 2333 BC by the king, Dahn Goon Wahng Guhm. Later, Sah Doh Mu Sool was further developed and made widespread by voluntary militias of the common people, who often fought in battles to defend their villages. Traditional athletic activities such as Taekkyon, and Ssireum are considered to have originated from Sah Doh Mu Sool.

• Bool Kyo Mu Sool (Buddhist Temple Martial Arts) has been practiced by Buddhist monks throughout Asia. In China, the famous Shaolin monks developed techniques and forms based on their observations of animals. Buddhist monks originally developed and then practiced Bool Kyo Mu Sool to improve their health while meditating and to defend themselves while traveling. As a result, Buddhist martial arts include both internal training, with emphasis on special breathing and meditation methods, as well as external training, with emphasis on extremely effective self-defense techniques. Many Buddhist monks were so accomplished as martial artists that they were occasionally called upon during national emergencies to fight in battles by forming unprecedented armies of warrior monks.   Today, the tenets of Bool Kyo Mu Sool are prevalent in Kuk Sool as they help teach practitioners meditation skills and the philosophies of non-violence and compassion for all living things.

• Koong Joong Mu Sool (Royal Court Martial Arts) is unique to Kuk Sool. Some of the weapons used in Kuk Sool were a part of the traditional daily court life. The rope or sash, cane, fan, and short sword were all used among members of the Korean royal court. There were also many unique open handed and joint-locking principles of Koong Joong Mu Sool that are used extensively in Kuk Sool. Weapons training in Kuk Sool is very extensive involving 24 different weapons in its curriculum.

The study of Kuk Sool also includes many modern day techniques such as gun defense and weapon improvisation. Kuk Sool has multiple facets and is performed for self-defense, healing, conditioning, competition, fun, practical and aesthetic purposes.

Kuk Sool encompasses many different "styles."  However, it still has some discernible characteristics that set it apart from other martial arts.  Kuk Sool is typically characterized by having low stances and fluid, graceful motions. There is also an emphasis on joint locks and pressure points.  Kuk Sool is also described as being a hard-soft style, which includes hard and forceful strikes in addition to circular and fluid movements.

Another foundational characteristic of Kuk Sool is the development and use of 'Ki' (internal power).  Therefore, Kuk Sool is considered an internal martial art system.

For self-defense, the Black Lotus System of Kuk Sool is unsurpassed.  It combines kicking, punching, throwing, falling, choking, joint locking, ground-fighting, grappling and a myriad of weapons techniques into a beautiful, dynamic and very functional 'hard-soft' style, emphasizing speed and fluidity.  In conjunction with physical training; meditation, breathing, acupressure and acupuncture techniques are employed to improve and maintain health and develop internal power.
 
Philosophically, the Black Lotus Martial Arts Academy stresses discipline, self-discipline, humility, loyalty, respect for others and an overall respect for all life.  Together, these aspects provide the means for attaining a longer, healthier and more fulfilling life.

A breakdown of the varied techniques we practice: