Korean Grandmaster of Kuk Sool Won visits martial arts school in Dublin, California

Master Seyd Saidi, Chief Instructor at Kuk Sool Won of Dublin emphasized the importance of this event to all his students. “The beauty of Kuk Sool is that it is a unique combination of hard and soft styles and offers an holistic training experience to its practitioners” said Master Saidi.

Students of all ranks who are practitioners of this traditional Korean martial arts system, participated in this unique event where they could train in the presence of the Founder of Kuk Sool Won. The Kuk Sool belt rankings, progress from white to yellow, blue, red, brown and finally black. Once first dan black belt is achieved advancement continues to Master level.

Participants of the seminar were privileged to experience first-hand the teaching skills of Master Sung Jin Suh and Master Barry Harmon who are advanced practitioners of the art.

The charismatic black belt PSBN Chris Pak led warm-up for the students and his vibrant energy set the tone for the intensive training session.

Kuk Sool Won is a comprehensive system of martial arts rather than a style. In addition to the kicking and punching that one would expect from a martial art, Kuk Sool also incorporates open hand and weapons forms and techniques including grappling and throwing. The weapons forms are extensive and are taught when students reach the higher belt rankings.

In his address to students Kuk Sa Nim (Grandmaster) In Hyuk Suh explained what lies at the core of the martial arts system he has committed his life to. “I’m smart. I have good heart. I’m strong” was the affirmation the students got to repeat to understand that as martial artists mind, body and spirit need to work in unison.

Grandmaster In Hyuk Suh attributed his longevity to daily practice and meditation. He indicated the importance of persistent training while young to maintain good health as one ages. He also demonstrated techniques for improving circulation through the activation of various pressure points every day.

Kuk Sool Won has an extensive curriculum and this particular seminar focused on techniques and applications that do not form part of the regular class programs. It provided students with an opportunity to hone their skills in an intensive training session with the highest ranked instructors in their art.

Self-defense applications are essential in Kuk Sool and students were trained in advanced sparring techniques in addition to other applications.

Kuk Sa Nim mentioned the hundreds of pressure point and joint lock techniques required to reach black belt level and that the Kuk Sool curriculum includes over three and a half thousand techniques.

The history of this martial arts system is rich and inspiring and reflects the remarkable accomplishment of Grandmaster In Hyuk Suh in drawing together a range of practices epitomizing the essence of traditional Korean martial arts. Kuk Sool was first brought to America in 1974 and had its headquarters in San Francisco before it was relocated to Houston, Texas as a more central location for the American schools.

“It is an honor to host the Grandmaster and his team,” said Master Saidi “most other martial arts do not have the opportunity to engage with senior leadership directly and it is enormously beneficial to all of us.”

The seminar forms part of an annual Super Seminar Series held at Kuk Sool Won schools across the globe.