Kuk Sul is a Koreanmartial arts style that was brought to the United States by Choon S. Yang. The name "Kuk Sul Do" translates to "National Korean Martial Art", and was put together from a number of different Korean martial art styles in order to preserve traditions and movements that are thousands of years old. Because of Kuk Sul Do's beginning, it is a well-rounded traditional style that doesn't necessarily have any specific weaknesses, and encompasses a large amount of material and tradition.
Most of what is modern day Kuk Sul developed from three main places: Korean tribesman out of instinct, guards and members of the Royal Court, and traveling monks that journeyed into, out of and through Korea.1 Lifestyles of various types emerged from all over the country, many of which persevered up until Japan's attack and eventual annexation of Korea in 1910.2 Some of these skills include, but are not limited to:
Kung Sa – Archery
Kum Sul bub – Swordsmanship
Ji lu ki bub – Strikes and Kicks
Su young bub – Swimming and combat in water
Jung chi, ko jun – Politics and Classical Literature
Tu ho – Throws
Tae Kyun – Kicks
Mok bong – Wooden pole fighting
Su Sul – Empty hand fighting
Jong da bub – Defense against attack from multiple attackers
After the Japanese annexation, many of Korean's traditions were banned and replaced with those of Japan's, martial arts included. Masters of many different Korean styles convened to keep the heart of her traditions alive, and put together what they determined to be the best representation of what could be called a "National Korean Martial Art".
Choon S. Yang founded Kuk Sul Do after coming to the United States. Currently twelve schools can be traced back to his Federation through both the United States and Korea.3 He has spent over fifty years training and instructing, and still holds seminars within Kuk Sul Do schools all over the nation and in Korea.