Kuk Sool Won
Kuk Sool Won is a Korean martial arts system founded by Suh In-Hyuk; the Kuk Sa Nim or Grandmaster) in 1958. The name Kuk Sool Won translates to "National Martial Art Association" (often shortened to 'Kuk Sool') and it is currently taught worldwide. Founded as a martial arts system and not merely a martial arts style, Kuk Sool is not limited to any single discipline. It attempts to be a comprehensive study of all Korean martial arts. In Hyuk Suh's philosophy regarding his system is to "Integrate and explore the entire spectrum of established Asian martial arts, body conditioning techniques, mental development, and weapons training."
Technical aspects
Kuk Sool includes (but is not limited to) the following sets of techniques:
Joint locking/breaking: Various joint locks are employed in Kuk Sool, including wrist locks, arm-bars, and small joint manipulation.
Soo Ki (Hand Striking): Palm, fist, wrist, finger, closed hand, open hand, arm, shoulder and pressure-point striking techniques.
Johk Sool (Kicking Techniques): Spinning, jumping, combination, double-leg, and pressure-point kicks.
Throwing and Grappling (Tu Ki & Jap Ki): Body throws, projection throws, leg throws, pressure-point grappling, grappling defense, wrestling, and ground-fighting techniques.
Nak Bup (Falling Principles): Falling techniques are taught in Kuk Sool. These techniques allow a practitioner to fall into a variety of positions while minimizing injury. This is typically accomplished through maximizing the surface area on impact to prevent damaging force on an isolated area of the body.
Animal-Style Techniques: Tiger, Mantis, Crane, Dragon, Snake, Bear, Eagle etc.
Traditional Korean Weapons: Sword (short, long, single and double, straight and inverted), staff (short, middle and long, single and double), jool bong (double and triple sectioned; also known as nunchucks and sansetsukon), knife, spear, wol do (Moon knife - a Korean halberd), dangpa (triple bladed spear, or trident), cane, rope, fan, and the bow and arrow (taught in the traditional style, using a thumb draw).
Martial Art Healing Methods: Acupressure, acupuncture, internal energy, herbal medicine.
Meditation and Breathing Techniques: Meditation and breathing postures and concentration techniques.
At each rank level, Kuk Sool martial artists are required to know one or more empty-hand forms or "hyung". These forms are performed solo.