The Historical Background of Kuk Sool Won
Kuk Sool Won, a comprehensive Korean martial arts system, is a distinctive amalgamation of Korea's historical martial practices. It draws from three main traditions: Sado Mu Sool (tribal or family martial arts), Bulkyo Mu Sool (Buddhist martial arts), and Koong Joong Mu Sool (royal court martial arts). The unification of these traditions has resulted in a versatile and holistic martial art that addresses the spiritual, mental, and physical aspects of the practitioner.
Founding and Evolution
Grandmaster In Hyuk Suh founded Kuk Sool Won in 1961 after more than half a century of dedicated research and training. His aim was to preserve and systematize the rich martial traditions of Korea, which had been diluted or lost due to historical upheavals, including the Japanese occupation of Korea in the early 20th century. The Japanese rule from 1910 to 1945 saw a significant suppression of Korean martial arts, with practices like Judo and Karate being introduced by the Japanese occupiers while traditional Korean practices were banned.
Early Influences and Integration
Grandmaster Suh's family background played a crucial role in the formation of Kuk Sool Won. His grandfather, Suh Myong Duk, had been a martial arts instructor at the royal court, providing Suh with a rich heritage of martial knowledge. Suh also studied various martial arts forms from numerous instructors, including Buddhist monks and village martial artists. These experiences enabled him to compile a diverse set of techniques that form the core of Kuk Sool Won today.
Philosophical Underpinnings
Kuk Sool Won is characterized by its "hard-soft" style, integrating soft, circular techniques with hard, linear techniques. The system places a strong emphasis on speed, grace, and the development of internal energy, known as ki or chi. This dual approach allows practitioners to adapt their combat strategy, either using their opponent's energy against them in a defensive manner or employing strong, fast attacks to disable the opponent swiftly.
Techniques and Training
The martial art includes an extensive array of techniques, such as striking, kicking, throwing, joint locks, pressure points, and weaponry. Practitioners are trained in various stances and movements to improve their versatility in combat. Weapons training in Kuk Sool Won is comprehensive, covering traditional Korean weapons like the sword (gum), staff, spear, and more. At advanced levels, students even learn the art of forging their own swords, linking their soul to the blade and enhancing both physical and spiritual prowess.
Global Spread and Popularity
Grandmaster In Hyuk Suh brought Kuk Sool Won to the United States in 1974, facilitating its spread across the globe. Today, Kuk Sool Won schools and practitioners can be found in many parts of the world, perpetuating the art and its traditions. The art has gained recognition for its thorough approach to martial training and its philosophical depth, attracting practitioners from diverse backgrounds.
Cultural Significance and Modern Day
The creation of Kuk Sool Won was part of a broader movement to revive Korean martial arts post-Japanese occupation. After Korea's liberation in 1945, there was a resurgence in martial arts development, driven by a desire to reclaim and promote Korea's cultural heritage. This renaissance in martial arts not only saw the growth of Kuk Sool Won but also other Korean martial arts like Taekwondo and Hapkido. Each of these arts sought to emphasize different aspects of Korea's martial tradition while contributing to the country's cultural identity.
Conclusion
Kuk Sool Won stands as a testament to the rich martial heritage of Korea. Its founding by Grandmaster In Hyuk Suh was an effort to unify various traditional martial arts into a comprehensive system that addresses the physical, mental, and spiritual aspects of martial practice. Today, Kuk Sool Won continues to grow, preserving ancient techniques while adapting to the modern world, ensuring that the legacy of Korea's martial traditions lives on.