Below is a list of the commonly asked questions regarding Kuk Sool Won.

Q. Is this a Karate class?

A. No. Karate is a martial art from Japan; Kuk Sool Won™ is from Korea. Both are fighting systems that teach discipline and self defense skills. Although many people think of all martial arts as “Karate”, we strive to make sure our students and their families know the difference between all other martial arts styles and the system of Kuk Sool Won™ martial arts. Kuk Sool is the name of the martial art. Literally, “Kuk” means “nation” or ‘country”; Sool means “martial art”. Thus, Kuk Sool translates to “[Korean] national martial art”. Kuk Sool Won™ is the name of the organization that oversees Kuk Sool instruction world wide

Q. What makes Kuk Sool Won™ different from other martial arts? Kuk Sool Won™ is new to me.

A. This is probably the most common question we hear because of the media exposure of other arts people are much more familiar with them than they are with the more specific name of Kuk Sool Won™. Kuk Sool Won™ is composed of different aspects of the warrior arts of Korea and of techniques, forms and methods derived from the 31 indigenous martial arts of that country.

PHILOSOPHY: Kuk Sool Won™ is distinguished from other arts by being a “hard-soft” system with techniques that are very flowing and circular, pleasing to the eye but devastating to an attacker as the Kuk Sool practitioner uses these soft, circular movements to redirect and upset the attacker’s balance and equilibrium before applying a counter technique to one of the hundreds of sensitive joints and pressure points they are trained to attack. This “hard-soft” philosophy is embodied in the 3 Principles that guide all Kuk Sool techniques: Yu-Won-Hwa (Soft/Yielding-Circular-Harmony/Blending). Not only does this philosophy of “hard-soft” lend itself to very effective defensive techniques, it also allows the practitioner to develop a more relaxed and refined power and to develop and maintain a high level of health.

CURRICULUM: Kuk Sool Won™ is a complete martial arts system and includes aspects of all traditional Asian fighting methods in its curriculum: Striking and kicking, throwing and grappling, joint-locking and arresting techniques, pressure point striking and manipulation, techniques based on the movements of certain martial animals (such as the tiger, crane, praying mantis, etc.), falling techniques and martial arts gymnastics, body protection and internal development, traditional Korean forms, traditional Korean weapons, and much more. Containing 3608 techniques, Kuk Sool Won™ appeals to the beginner and the advanced practitioner alike, and has been described as a “graduate level” martial arts program.

TRADITIONAL WEAPONS TRAINING: Kuk Sool Won™ is very unique in the types of weapons we teach. Being derived from the three main sub-groups of traditional Korean martial arts (Tribal Martial Arts, Buddhist Martial Arts and Royal Court Martial Arts), we use weapons from all walks of ancient Korean life:

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      From Buddhist Martial Arts: Long staff, hooked walking cane and short stick (single and double)
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      From Royal Court Martial arts: Straight sword, inverted sword, double short swords, double long swords, spear, halberd, throwing knives, folding fan, rope/belt and Korean archery
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      From Tribal Martial Arts: Stone throwing and spreading sand (these can almost be considered “artifact” weapons and are still taught at the higher levels of Kuk Sool for historical purposes)

Because of the extremely comprehensive nature of Kuk Sool Won™ weapons training is a valuable and integral part of the training of our students at Kuk Sool Won™ of Rogers.

Q. Who is the founder of Kuk Sool Won™?

A. In Hyuk Suh is the founder, Grandmaster and President of the World Kuk Sool Association®; He has studied martial arts for more than 50 years, receiving his first instruction from his grandfather, Myung Deuk Suh, Master Instructor of the Korean Royal Court. After his grandfather’s death, he traveled throughout the Far East seeking out and studying additional aspects of the martial arts. The knowledge he acquired from his grandfather and later masters enabled him to establish Kuk Sool W0nTM. His organization now boasts 1.3 million members with over 800 schools worldwide in 27 different countries. Grandmaster Suh is especially renowned for his mastery of pressure point and joint manipulation.

Q. What are my instructor’s qualifications?

A. The Head Instructor at Kuk Sool Won™ of Rogers, Harlan Thompson, Kyo Sa Nim; is a second degree black belt in Kuk Sool Won™. He began training in Kuk Sool in 1994, at Kuk Sool Won™ of Cibolo Creek, in Schertz Texas and was quickly recognized as a student with instructor potential. When he was promoted to blue belt, he began acting as an assistant instructor. After being promoted to First Degree Black Belt in 1998 and moving to Rogers, he began teaching on his own. Harlan, Kyo Sa also has over 10 years experience teaching in the Rogers Independent School District and over 18 years of working with youth in a volunteer capacity.

Q. What should I call my instructor?

A. Instructor and senior ranks of all ages should be addressed as either “sir” or “ma’am” or by their Korean title, if known. Doing so demonstrates respect for the hard work they invested in learning martial arts. The Head Instructor at Kuk Sool Won TM of Rogers is a second degree black belt, so he should be addressed by his title, which is Kyo Sa Nim.

Q. What should I call my child’s instructor if I am not a student?

A. As the parent of a student, address the instructor however you feel most comfortable, but it helps to reinforce the importance of using his title to your children if you call him Pu Sa Bum Nim (3rd Degree Black Belt).

Q. How long will it take me to get a Black Belt? How does all of that work?

A. Of course the length of training time necessary to get a Black Belt in Kuk Sool Won™ will vary slightly from person to person, the actual time it may take is surprisingly short when you consider what you will be learning to get there. Our instructors are always conscious of your progress, and try to keep you current on your testing cycle. If you come to class consistently, train seriously and practice for at least a few hours a week outside of class you can generally reach Black Belt on the average of 4 years.

Q. Are there other Kuk Sool Won™ schools around? I used to take classes at another martial arts school and when I moved here no one had ever heard of it. I think the guy just made it up! I really feel like he took advantage of me.

A. Unfortunately, this is much more common that we would like to admit. In the martial arts there really isn’t any kind of governing body so, basically, anyone can say that they are a “master,” hang out a shingle and start teaching. In most cases in the martial arts, it really is just a case of “Buyer Beware.” Not only is Kuk Sool Won™ of Rogers a registered member of the World Kuk Sool Association (the largest organization of its type in the world), but we are also required to adhere to a very specific syllabus in our teaching. That way, if you move to another area and find a Kuk Sool Won™ school there (and there are over 150 schools and clubs in the United States alone, with additional schools in Canada, Mexico, South America, Great Britain, Europe, the Middle East, Japan and Korea), not only would you be able to maintain your current rank, you would also know exactly the same material as every other student at your level in your new school.

When you enroll at Kuk Sool Won™ of Rogers you are also issued a membership number with the World Kuk Sool Association® that will never expire. You will never have to “join” the Association again if you move to another school. Additionally, your rank is kept on file, so that if you stop taking classes for a while you will be able to keep your previous rank when you return. Of course, you will have to review and remember all of your old material before being able to advance.

Q. That sounds pretty good, but how do I know that I won’t be taking classes from someone somewhere who just “says” they teach Kuk Sool Won™ when they are really just making it up or getting it from a book?

A. Kuk Sool Won™ is a registered trademark in every state in the United States. Because of this no one can “just say” that they teach Kuk Sool Won™ — every Kuk Sool Won™ school in the United States is registered and certified by the World Kuk Sool Association®, the curriculum must follow the Association guidelines, the instructor/school-owner must be personally certified by the Founder and Grandmaster of our system. Also, all black belts issued are awarded by the Grandmaster personally! How about that for quality control?  Additionally, Harlan, Kyo Sa Nim regularly travels to WKSA Headquarters in Houston to train with WKSA Masters to keep up to date on any changes in curriculum or policies.

Q. I’m always hearing about “ancient” martial arts techniques. How old is Kuk Sool Won™?

A. The techniques in Kuk Sool Won™ are, indeed, “ancient” — drawn from hundreds of years of Korean martial arts history (researched and compiled personally by our founder, Grandmaster Suh In Hyuk).The art of “Kuk Sool” (“National Martial Art”) was first developed in the late 1950’s in Korea, but the actual system of “Kuk Sool Won™ was founded in the early 1960’s. Grandmaster Suh put together a complex and comprehensive system of forms and techniques based on historical Korean martial arts. This system contains techniques from all of the indigenous martial arts of Korea. Grandmaster Suh’s intent was to “return” their martial arts history to the Korean people by bringing together techniques that had been practiced in secret for many years (and in some cases almost lost forever).Even though the style itself is relatively new, Kuk Sool Won™ is often described as a “living history of the Korean martial arts” and represents the most comprehensive system of traditional Korean martial arts in the world today.

Q. But I thought that Tae Kwon Do was the traditional Korean martial art?

A. Actually Tae Kwon Do is considered the Korean national sport. Widely practiced in Korea, and even part of the public school curriculum, Tae Kwon Do in Korea is about like baseball in the United States,

Q. I once took Tae Kwon Do for a while and I noticed right away that all of your forms look really different! But, if both Tae Kwon Do and Kuk Sool Won are Korean, why do they look so different?

A. That is a great question, and it is mostly based on an extremely persistent misunderstanding. In point of fact, Tae Kwon Do is not really a traditional Korean martial art at all but is, in fact, more similar to Japanese karate. The reason for this is that after the Japanese “annexation” of Korea in the early 1900’s the practice of most Korean arts (including martial arts) was forbidden by the occupiers, while the practice of Japanese martial arts was encouraged. This resulted in an entire generation of Koreans trained in Japanese martial arts. At the end of World War II when the Japanese were thrown out of the country, many Korean martial arts masters got together to form “kwans” (or “schools”) and, in the spirit of nationalism, “glossed over” the fact that the styles were really Japanese — basically, forms and patterns based on the Japanese Heian kata with some Korean kicking thrown in for “spice.” A prominent Tae Kwon Do master (who is also a history professor at Rice University in Texas) researched the origins of Tae Kwon Do for years, and in the late 1980’s reported that (even though he had desperately hoped to uncover a traditional Korean origin), in his learned opinion, ‘the founder of Tae Kwon Do was really Ginchin Funakoshi” — the founder of Japanese Shotokan Karate. This is why Tae Kwon Do forms and movements are so hard and linear (as opposed to the circular, soft and flowing movements of Kuk Sool Won) and why they so closely resemble Japanese martial arts. [NOTE: In the mid-80’s in order to distance themselves from their Japanese roots, Tae Kwon Do developed new forms that were different from the Japanese-based forms they had practiced for years — effectively “brushing their Japanese roots under the carpet.”]

Q. I have heard some of the students talk about martial arts “forms” — what exactly are forms, and do I really need to do them?

A. A “form” (called a hyung in Korean) is a prearranged series of movements performed in a dance-like manner. It is probably the most important training tool that you will have in the martial arts. A traditional form is designed to not only allow you to practice patterns and techniques, or to train your body and build muscles and stamina — it is also extremely important in helping your body to learn the “vocabulary” of a particular martial art. Every style or system of martial arts is different, and each has its own particular flavor as different from one style to the next as apples are from oranges. Practicing forms helps you to internalize the particular ‘flavor” of your style of martial arts through consistent practice, which will help you in every other aspect of your training. In Kuk Sool Won™ forms are an integral part of your training, with an empty-hand form (and, often, one or more weapons forms) required for each rank.

Q. l am trying to decide whether to sign my children — ages 8 and 10— up for soccer or for Kuk Sool Won™. We don’t have time for both. How can I decide which will be better for them?

A. Any type of activity can potentially be beneficial for children, but a traditional martial arts system teaches not only physical skills and competitiveness (which, if not taught properly, can easily lead to aggressive behavior), but also positive values such as respect, self-confidence, self-discipline, goal-setting, etc. A good martial arts class, like Kuk Sool Won™ of Rogers offers young children a supportive environment with positive role models to help them develop into confident, polite and respectful citizens. Remember, it has been said that “values can’t be taught, they can only be caught” We feel that it is our job to give our young students the opportunity to “catch” as many good values as possible.

Q. When is a good age to start? Also, I would like to have a family activity, but since l am older and my child is 6, will I be held back to her level if we take at the same time?

A. At Kuk Sool Won™ of Rogers we generally start children at about 6 years old, or a “very mature 5” (based on attention span and other factors). We may start them at a younger age if a parent or older sibling also trains with us. This is because younger children are still able to learn and progress if they are able to get help at home. To allow both parent and child to progress, however, classes are split into age- and rank-specific groups, which allow both adults and children to progress at their own pace. The great thing about families training together is that, very often, the kids are able to help the parents to learn forms or techniques — we have found that this is a tremendous confidence builder for your kids!

Q. I’m in my 40’s and not very athletic. I also have an old injury that bothers me from time to time. I am worried that Kuk Sool Won™ training might be too much for me.

A. Because all of our training here at Kuk Sool Won™ of Rogers is self-paced, age or reasonable physical limitations are never a problem. We are able to structure your training around any old injuries or restrictions that you might have. There are many adult students involved in Kuk Sool Won™, and a good number of them started training in their 40’s (some even started in their 50’s or 60’). The traditional martial arts training program at Kuk Sool Won™ of Rogers follows the philosophy that your health should be your primary consideration in training, while self-defense is just a useful by¬product. Remember, you may not ever be in a fight, but you have to get out of bed every day of your life.

Q. I would like for my son to take Kuk Sool Won™ but he’s got a bad temper. I’m just worried that he might use this to hurt other kids. Should someone like him take martial arts?

A. One of the great benefits of training at Kuk Sool Won™ of Rogers is that the main lesson that we want to impart to our kids is “martial arts etiquette” — simply respect and good manners. We emphasize to our kids that the techniques they learn in class are for self-defense ONLY and should never be used against their friends or siblings. Many times an aggressive nature is little more than too much physical energy with no appropriate outlet to channel it. Training in martial arts is a great outlet for kids and the perfect activity to channel their aggression into a more positive area.

Q. My daughter is little and shy. I would like to get her into something to build her self-confidence and physical condition. Is Kuk Sool Won™ right for her? Will she get hurt?

A. This is the other side of the coin to the question above. While some kids might be loud and aggressive, many other children are quiet and shy. Training in martial arts helps to inspire confidence in children in a way no other organized activity is able to do. Unlike most organized sporting activities like baseball or soccer, the martial arts really doesn’t have “stars” and benchwarmers. And what destroys a child’s confidence more than being involved in a sport where they are always sitting out on the bench because of a coach who cares more about “winning the game” than developing the children on the team? In a martial arts class everybody participates, and there are so many different elements in traditional martial arts training that all of the kids can be “one of the best” at something. In addition, part of the training is allowing the kids to come up in front of the group (when we feel they are comfortable with it) and leading the rest of the kids in part of the class (such as exercises, punches and kicks, etc.). This is not only a GREAT confidence-builder in itself, it also helps to teach the child associated skills such as leadership, speaking in front of a group, and so on that will help them throughout the rest of their lives. Punching and kicking are great, but at Kuk Sool Won™ of Rogers, we believe that the MOST valuable lessons we can give to a child are the intangibles that will help them to be more confident, out-going and successful citizens.

Q. I’ve never tried a martial art before. Will I be able to do this?

A. Yes, Absolutely. People have started training at all ages (from 5 to 65), and with all sorts of backgrounds. The curriculum is designed to gradually teach your body how to move like a martial artist. Everything builds on things that came before, so we start out slowly and work our way up. The most difficult thing for beginners to learn is PATIENCE. It is very important to be patient and do not compare yourself to others. We all learn at different paces, but we all learn the same material.

Q. How should I conduct myself culturally in this new situation?

A. Kuk Sool is a traditional martial art and stresses etiquette. Ask your instructor if you are unsure about correct conduct in a given situation. An easy rule to remember: always remember to bow and say ‘Kuk Sool” when you enter or exit the classroom (dojhang) area. Non-students do not have to bow.

Q. Why do we bow?

A. Bowing is part of the traditional Asian way of greeting, parting, and demonstrating respect. Unlike bowing in western culture, Asian bowing is by no means a sign of subservience, or of worship. Bowing is a fundamental part of Kuk Sool etiquette. Should you attend a Kuk Sool event as a spectator rather than a participant, you still need to stand and bow at the appropriate times.

Q. What about the Dobok (uniform)?

A. Please keep your uniform clean and in good repair. Uniforms should be washed in cold water with mild detergent and machine dried on a low setting. Never wash your belt! If you wear a t-shirt underneath your uniform, it must be either a plain black t-shirt or, preferably, a black Kuk Sool t-shirt. You must wear a complete, clean uniform to promotional tests and other formal occasions. Regularly-enrolled students may only practice wearing approved uniforms.

Q. Why are the uniforms black instead of white?

A. Kuk Sool reflects the traditions and culture of its native country, Korea. In Korean culture, black represents wisdom.

Q. Do I need to wear a uniform?

A. It is possible to train without a uniform in the short term, but eventually everyone should have a uniform. For one thing, you can’t be a white belt if you have no uniform to put the belt on. Kuk Sool Won™ uniforms are solid black and have identifying patches on the front and back. You can purchase both the uniform and the patches through your instructor, though patches are not required until you reach the rank of Blue Belt.

Q. Why do black belts wear uniforms with gold fringe?

A. Those uniforms are given to Dahn Boh Nim (black brown belt) students upon their promotion to black belt. Although these uniforms are typically worn only during semi-formal occasions, they may be worn at any time in place of a standard all-black uniform.

Q. What are those really fancy uniforms?

A. Those are called general uniforms (“Chang Goon Dobok” in Korean) and are worn only by black belts, typically during formal occasions. They are modeled after the ancient dress of the Korean Royal court and the uniforms appearance designates the rank of the wearer.

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      silver trim 1st, 2nd, or 3rd degree black belt
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      silver and red trim 4th degree black belt
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      red trim Master Level 5th or 6th degree black belt
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      red and gold trim Senior Master 7th or 8th degree black belt
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      gold trim Chief master (9th degree black belt

Q. I used to study another martial art Can I keep my rank?

A. Every martial art style is unique, and so is the meaning of each rank. The curriculum for Kuk Sool Won™ is very specific: therefore, everyone comes to Kuk Sool as a white belt, even if they hold black belts in another style. However, if you have studied Kuk Sool Won™ with another instructor, your rank will come with you to this class.

Q. What are the different ranks in Kuk Sool Won™?

A. Students on the path to becoming a black belt will travel through each of the following belt ranks: White, Yellow, Blue, Red, Brown, and Black-Brown. In between each belt is a “senior” level, which is denoted by stripes of tape affixed to the belt. The color of the tape is the color of the next belt; for example, a “senior white belt” will have yellow stripes attached to their belts and called a “yellow stripe.” At each rank, students learn a new form, a specific number of self defense techniques which become progressively advanced as you gain rank. There is no general rule for how long it takes to get a black belt. It depends on how often you come to class, how well you pick up the material, and how good your etiquette is. When students know all the material required for the next rank they will be invited to test for that rank.

Q. Is Kuk Sool Won™ safe? I am a professional and I can’t really afford to show up in the office with a black eye or a broken nose!

A. Unlike a lot of more competitive martial arts schools, training at Kuk Sool Won™ of Rogers is extremely safe. While there may be the occasional pulled muscle from overexertion, the actual contact is extremely minimal and well-controlled. Students are taught to apply their techniques slowly and smoothly, always aware of the safety of their partner, and sparring (if you choose to participate in the sparring, which is not required for advancement) is closely supervised with no-to light-contact.

Q. I noticed that during your classes, people spend a lot of time “yelling.” What is that all about?

A. The “yelling” that you are talking about in a martial arts class is called a “kihap” (literally, “power yell”) and it serves two distinct — and very important — purposes:

1. First, the kihap is not so much the noise you make as what you do with your air. When you kihap, half of your air goes out and half is pushed down into your belly. Proper use of a kihap will give you more power by forcing the air down into the diaphragm and converting your body into a more-efficient weight-bearing mass. This is important not only in generating power for strikes, but also in helping to protect your body when taking a fall.

2. The second important reason we kihap is to startle an attacker or an opponent. A kihap delivered unexpectedly in a loud, sharp burst can have the effect of temporarily disorienting an attacker to give you a split second “window” to counter or deliver an attack of your own.

Q. l am a woman and lam interested in learning self-defense. What will I learn, and how soon will I learn it?

A. Almost any type of traditional martial arts training will give some degree of self-defense benefit. Because of the “hard-soft” nature of Kuk Sool Won™, the emphasis is on attacking the sensitive joints and pressure points of an attacker, making Kuk Sool Won™ an excellent system for self defense. Many other martial arts use the idea of meeting force-with-force, which is not always a good one. After all, most attackers will be bigger and stronger than you. When you start training in Kuk Sool Won™ you will begin learning defensive techniques right away (remember, Kuk Sool is a martial art, not a sport), and many of them will be immediately applicable. As you progress in Kuk Sool Won™, learning and developing a more comprehensive toolbox of techniques, the self-defense skills that you develop will become progressively more effective. With the vast array of techniques in Kuk Sool Won™ and our emphasis on having our students understand the principles behind them, Kuk Sool Won™ is one of the very best systems around for learning self defense.

Q. I am interested in weapons training. Does Kuk Sool Won™ offer weapons training?

A. Absolutely. In fact, Kuk Sool Won™ is extremely weapons intensive especially, after the Black Belt level. The curriculum covers the full spectrum of traditional martial arts weaponry: bladed weapons, impact weapons, flexible weapons and throwing or projectile weapons. At the under-black belt level the student first learns weapons etiquette — the proper way to handle and use weapons, followed by basic weapons handling. As the student increases in rank, they are taught weapons techniques and forms and the finally, in some instances, 2-person weapons sets (a pre-arranged form with choreographed patterns of attack and defense). The weapons available at the under belt level include the jool bong (a flail-like weapon commonly referred to as “nunchucks”), long staff (spinning motions, only) sword meditation and single short stick. After Black Belt level there are quite a number of different weapons taught (in addition to empty hand forms, techniques sets, etc.). There are over 20 weapons taught in the Kuk Sool curriculum including those listed below (categorized by type):

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      Impact Weapons: Long staff, hooked walking cane, short stick, connected sticks (2 and 3 sections) double short stick, staff sparring set
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      Bladed Weapons: Straight sword, inverted sword, double short sword, double long swords, spear, and halberd
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      Flexible Weapons: Jool bong, sahm jool bong (three section staff), rope/belt
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      Projectile Weapons: Throwing knives, Korean archery

One of the things that Kuk Sool Won™ practitioners are noted for is their extensive repertoire of weapons forms and techniques.

Q. How come someone of the same rank as myself knows, and I don’t?

A. Comparing ourselves to others is human nature, but try to refrain from it. The learning process, whether it is martial arts or a foreign language, is based on each person. Your instructor knows Kuk Sool, of course, but he or she also understands the learning and teaching process. Your instructor will also come to know you as a student. He or she customizes your training to your style of learning. You must trust your instructor’s judgment because you will be shown new material when you are ready. In the time being, devote yourself to practicing the skills you are currently acquiring. Also, never teach Kuk Sool to other students: They have their own customized learning process and besides, you are a student, not a teacher. If you are directed by a black belt to help another student, you are allowed to teach only what that black belt has told you to teach.

Q. How often is testing?

A. Tests are held monthly, or as needed. With the schedule at the Recreation center, we sometimes have to cancel regularly scheduled classes for testing. Testing may take longer than the regularly scheduled kid’s classes, so be prepared for your child to stay later than 7:00 on test nights.

Q. What is the test, what are they like?

A. Every test is cumulative. Students are tested on all the material they know at the time of each test.

Q. How do I know if I’m ready to test?

A. Eligibility requirements for testing vary at each rank. Students must attend class consistently. In addition to meeting the attendance requirement, students must demonstrate proficiency in their current material to the satisfaction of the Head Instructor. This includes hyung, techniques, kicking, falling, and etiquette. Your instructor will inform you when you are ready to test in the form of a testing letter. The letters are usually sent out 2 weeks in advance of the test date.

Q. What if I have trouble remembering the material?

A. The best way to remember is to PRACTICE. A useful tool for home practice is the Kuk Sool Won TM textbook. This book contains pictures and instructions to help students review material on their own. Talk to your instructor for more information. If you’re still having trouble, you might consider scheduling a private lesson.

Q. Why is everybody called Sir or Ma’am?

A. One of the most important elements of Kuk Sool Won™ training is etiquette and respect for others. We call each other Sir or Ma’am as a sign of this respect. We respect those who outrank us because they have shown the perseverance to attain whatever rank they have, and we respect their hard work and knowledge. We respect those that we outrank because they have demonstrated courage in starting something new, and we respect both their commitment and their potential to learn.

Q. Can I attend class at another Kuk Sool school?

A. If you are temporarily out of your home area and wish to practice in another school, be aware that each school has its own policy regarding visiting students and that you should have your instructor contact that school’s manager, program director or chief instructor in advance. Also remember when visiting another school that you represent not only yourself, but also this school, so please remember your Yea Eue (etiquette).