DISCLAIMER Neither the World Kuk Sool Won Association, In Hyuk Suh or Kuk Sool Won of Canton or its Instructors or Assistant Instructors are responsible, in whole or in part, for any injury which may occur from practicing Kuk Sool Won. We do not guarantee that the techniques learned in Kuk Sool Won will be safe and/or effective in a self-defense or training situation. It is understood that there exists a potential for injury when using or demonstrating the techniques learned in Kuk Sool Won. It is essential that, before following any of the activities in Kuk Sool Won, physical or otherwise, the student or students first should consult his or her physician for advice on whether practicing or using the techniques of Kuk Sool Won could cause injury, physical or otherwise. Also federal, state and local laws may prohibit the use or possession of weapons learned in Kuk Sool Won. A thorough examination must be made of the federal, state and local laws before the student or students attempt to use these weapons in a selfdefense situation or otherwise. The World Kuk Sool Won Association, In Hyuk Suh or Kuk Sool Won of Canton or its Instructors or Assistant Instructors do not guarantee the legality or the appropriateness of the techniques or weapons taught in Kuk Sool Won. Kuk Sool Won of Canton Student Handbook is subject to revision without notice. The use of the KUK SOOL logo, the words "WORLD KUK SOOL ASSOCIATION", 'KUK SOOL WON" or "KUK SOOL" are protected by the Trademark laws of the United States, Canada and Korea, England and the Netherlands. Express written permission from the WKSA is necessary for use of the name and logo. Any violations will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. The World Kuk Sool Association (Grandmaster In Hyuk Suh), is the ONLY organization authorized to promote candidates to the Black Belt level. Use of the Name and Logo are controlled by the WKSA through a license agreement. Unauthorized use of the name and logo is a violation of the Trademark laws of the United States and England. Black Belts trained in Korea, the USA, or other countries who have NOT been certified by the WKSA are NOT automatically authorized any commercial use of the Kuk Sool name or logo. Violators will be prosecuted by law. Without WKSA certification a Kuk Sool Black Belt is NOT recognized or authorized to teach "KUK SOOL", use the name, logo or in any way represent Kuk Sool Won to the public. To do so is a violation of the U.S. law and violators will be prosecuted. Copyright 2006 by Kuk Sool Won 11 of Canton Student Handbook Chief Instructor: Kevin B. MacKenzie, Kyo Sa Nim Website: www. kuksoolwon-canton.com Email: kmac@ kuksoolwon-canton.com WKSA Website www.kuksoolwon.com
INTRODUCTION The following information will better prepare you for your training and give you a basic understanding for beginning Kuk Sool Won TM. Read it now as a beginning student, and refer to it later as memory fails or questions arise. First and foremost, SAFETY is our first concern. There are correct and incorrect ways to practice everything we learn. Our goal is to teach you correctly and safely. We are here to guide you towards better self-confidence and discipline, as you improve your balance, coordination, flexibility and control. Our program gradually guides you to improved cardiovascular fitness, muscle tone, flexibility, increased confidence, mental discipline, self-defense techniques and more. You ll take great pleasure, and pride in watching yourself become stronger and more agile, with increased stamina and a better attitude towards everything you do. Kuk Sool Won TM is not simply a martial art, but a complete system offering a lifetime of learning. It has been called the largest privately sponsored martial art in Korea and perhaps the world. The Kuk Sool system includes, (but is not limited to), the following techniques: Hand, leg, throwing and grappling, jointlocking including control and redirection, falling and acrobatics, body conditioning, animal-style, traditional Korean weapons; healing methods including acupressure, acupuncture, internal energy and herbal medicine; and meditation and special breath control techniques. Basic Korean Terminology The most important thing to keep in mind is your goal. Remind yourself of the things you came to develop. Steady attendance and out of class practice is very important for your improvement toward short and long term goals. We strive to create an environment in which the student develops confidence through accomplishing high, but realistic and attainable goals. BOWING Bowing is the most obvious way we show respect. Bowing in Kuk Sool is similar to a handshake in western tradition. It is NOT related to worship or religion in any way. As a Martial Arts student, you will bow frequently. It is important to know when and how to bow. Bow whenever you enter or leave the practice area of the Do-jang, (school). The bow is executed by bringing the right fist over the heart, (palm side facing the heart), and saying Kuk Sool while bending forward from the waist. When you first see an Instructor, bow to him/her as you greet them. When you leave the school, bow to the Instructors as you bid them farewell. Bow in before practice and bow out after practice to show respect. These formal bows are done from a kneeling (formal) position at the beginning and ending of each class. Bow to: 1. The Korean Flag (Kuk Ki); Founding country of KSW 2. The World Kuk Sool Won TM Association Flag (Won Ki); 3. Kuk Sa Nim, the Grandmaster; Further terminology may be found in Kuk Sool Textbook Volume I or on the WKSA website at: www.kuksoolwon.com 1 10
He travels extensively throughout the United States where he has received the keys to many of the cities that he visited. Also, he has conducted lectures, seminars, and demonstrations in those cities. He is the only person in the world who can promote candidates for the rank of black belt in Kuk Sool Won TM. Kuk Sool Won TM was founded by Grandmaster In Hyuk Suh. Kuk Sa Nim's martial arts career started with instruction from his grandfather, Myung Deuk Suh, the last chief instructor of the Korean Royal Court Palace martial art. The Suh family has practiced martial arts for over 16 generations. When his grandfather passed away, In Hyuk Suh continued his martial arts studies with many famous Korean masters of the three original Korean martial arts: Sado Mu Sool (Tribal or Family Martial Arts), Bul Kyo Mu Sool (Buddhist Temple Martial Arts) and Koong Joong Mu Sool (Korean Royal Palace Martial Arts). From those roots dating back to about 4,000 years of age, he founded Kuk Sool Won TM and eventually brought it to the United States in 1974. He became recognized throughout Korea as Kuk Sa Nim and Kuk Sool Won TM became the official name to represent a systematic study of Korean martial arts dating from ancient times to present. To date, well over a million students have passed through his schools. More on KUK SOOL WON TM Once, every few lifetimes, a prodigy is born: a Mozart or Einstein: one born to the gift of his or her discipline. To the martial arts world, this prodigy is named Suh In Hyuk or Kuk Sa Nim, meaning National Martial Arts Teacher. Born from generations of martial artists, he has been called a living history of the Korean martial arts. After spending nearly his entire life traveling Korea to learn from the greatest masters, he compiled the Tribal, Buddhist Temple and Royal Palace martial arts of Korea into one comprehensive system available for the world to learn. Students of Kuk Sool should expect to develop on many levels. The physical developments of strength and cardiovascular endurance develop hand in hand with the growth of character and respect. Students are taught the basic premises of etiquette, beginning with such simple things as a bow and the word Sir. As a student s rank increases, his or her role as an example increases. Thus, greater expectations of etiquette and character are demanded. A student learns to respect other individuals, themselves and cultures as a whole. Through time, students learn to confront and control various fears. This augments strength of mind. Preset self limitations of the mind and body are soon surpassed, over and over again. A student soon realizes that he or she can accomplish much more than they originally thought. Confidence and self-esteem result. All of the above are especially important in a child s development. For adults, the above are true as well. Many adults come to Kuk Sool nursing an injury or limitation. Through the use of body conditioning techniques, and disciplined practice, many of these imitations are corrected over time. The stress relief involved in the art is also notable. The remaining bows are to each Black Belt Level present respectively by rank and to begin/end the class. If you are in the Do-jang when a class bows in/out always bow with the class, even if you are not ready for class or are not staying for the class. If you are in street clothes, you may bow from a standing position. The most important thing to remember is to bow anytime the Instructor tells you to. Every bow has significance. Usually, this is before forms, (hyung), techniques, and sparring practice. Also, bow to the Association flag anytime you are practicing forms (hyung) without supervision. The bow is executed by bending forward from the waist slightly, about 45 degrees. Your eyes should be lowered, but you should still be able to see all of the people to whom you are bowing. If you are in uniform, your hands should be holding your belt in the attention position; if you are in street clothes, keep your arms at your sides. MARTIAL ARTIST CODE OF BEHAVIOR As a new student you will hear the word etiquette repeatedly. You will learn that proper etiquette accounts for a high percentage of your score on belt tests. You will hear the Instructors say that the first thing to be learned as a student of the Martial Arts is etiquette. What do they mean by etiquette? They mean the proper code of behavior for a Martial Artist. What is the proper code of behavior for a Martial Artist? The deceptively simple answer: Any behavior that is motivated by RESPECT. It can also be defined as, "Doing more than absolutely necessary." If you truly learn this Martial Art, it is inevitable and natural that you will develop respect for the Art. In appreciating the truth and beauty of the Art, you will also automatically develop respect for the Instructors who impart their knowledge to you. Likewise, you will have respect for your classmates who share your learning journey. Also, there will be respect for you, as a Martial Arts student. Remember...YOU represent Kuk Sool and, as such, please show your respect for others both inside and outside the dojang at all times. Make your actions and behaviors positive! In reading through the following topics, don t forget that SAFETY, RESPECT and manners are the rationale for the existence of our various rules and regulations. As Martial Artists in the modern world, we must always remember the five Principles of the Ancients: 1. Virtue 2. Trust 3. Intelligence 4. Bravery 5. Discipline Always address the Instructors by their correct title. You may also say Sir or Ma am. Using the Instructor s first name or saying Hey you is not polite or respectful. See "The Use of Titles" on our website for an in depth discussion on this topic. Instructor titles are as follows: 9 2
Jo Kyo Nim... Kyo Sa Nim... Pu Sa Bum Nim... Sa Bum Nim... Kwan Jahng Nim... Chong Kwan Jahng Nim... Kuk Sa Nim... 1st Degree Black Belt 2nd Degree Black Belt 3rd Degree Black Belt 4th Degree Black Belt 5th Degree Black Belt Chief Master Grandmaster, National Martial Arts Teacher IN PREPARATION FOR AND DURING CLASS Attire - Dobok is the Korean word for Martial Arts uniform. Come to class clean and well groomed (this includes keeping the fingernails and toenails well trimmed). This means coming to practice with a complete and untorn uniform; it should include pants, jacket and belt. Always treat the Dobok with respect after class, fold it neatly. 3 - Any T-shirt or leotard worn under the jacket should be black. - Wear your Dobok jacket left over right. - Before class, change into your uniform without delay. Always wear the full uniform at the beginning of class AND UNTIL the instructor gives you permission to remove your dobok top. - If your uniform needs adjusting, face away from the flags and kneel on your right knee. - Remove jewelry before class. Jewelry can cause injury to you and your classmates and you may damage or break the jewelry. Be on time for class: attend class regularly. If you must arrive late, ask for permission to join the class after bowing in on your own. If you must leave early, ask permission before leaving. Whenever you re asked to sit down during class session, sit properly with feet crossed or tucked under you, (NEVER POINT THE BOTTOMS OF YOUR FEET TOWARD AN INSTRUCTOR). Don t slouch or lean against the walls. Concentrate on training. Never do anything to obstruct your own or another's learning. Practice to your full potential; push yourself to the limit of your endurance and energy and concentration. Keep a strong mind. Don t let doubts and or fears overshadow you. Also, do show your stamina not weariness-it is contagious and will quickly influence your classmates. On the other hand, be realistic-don t push yourself beyond safe limits. Always persevere and have patience. Never give up!!! WHAT IS IT YOU NEVER TOUCH ON YOUR FALLING TECHNIQUE? Your head! Sir/Ma am. WHAT TOUCHES THE GROUND HARD? Your hand! Sir/Ma am. HOW DO YOU BRING THE POWER OR KI? Spread the fingers! Sir/Ma am. HOW DO YOU DO YOUR JOINT LOCKS AND THROWS SAFELY? Slowly! Sir/Ma am. WHAT S THE GOLDEN RULE FOR TARGET TRAINING? Never hit the target full power the first few times! Sir/Ma am. WHAT S OUR SAFETY RULE FOR SPARRING? No Contact! Sir/Ma am. WHAT IS IT YOU DON T DO WHEN YOU pivot YOUR FOOT? Never drag the heel! Sir/Ma am. Hyung (Form) Bylaws 1. Eyes bright (alert) 2. Mind calm and clear 3. Body low and soft 4. Kicking slow and precise 5. Hands fast and controlled Learning Process 1. Memorize 2. Make Precise 3. Make Smooth GRANDMASTER IN HYUK SUH Known throughout the world as Kuk Sa Nim-which means National Martial Arts Teacher. Grandmaster Suh is the founder Kuk Sool Won TM and President of the World Kuk Sool Association. He was Black Belt Magazine s Man of the Year in 1984. He has trained over 500 instructors to Master Level. He is one of the World s leading authorities on the use of acupressure and Ki for healing, and has successfully treated ailments which were deemed incurable to both Western and Oriental doctors. He is a contributing editor to Inside Kung-Fu, a world wide published magazine. Books, magazines, and TV programs throughout the world have interviewed him and still do. He has spent more than 45 years in practice and research to learn, compile, master, and organize more than 3600 techniques that comprise Kuk Sool Won TM. This knowledge and expertise is combined in his videotape program and the official Kuk Sool Textbooks that are sold throughout the world today. 8
MENTAL DRILL QUESTIONS WHAT ARE THE TWO MOST IMPORTANT IDEAS IN MARTIAL ART TRAINING? I will develop myself in a positive manner? Sir/Ma am I can do more than I think I can do! Sir/Ma am WHAT S THE FIRST STEP IN STRONG MIND TRAINING? Martial art manners! Sir/Ma am WHAT ARE THE TWO P S? Patience and Perseverance! Sir/Ma am WHAT S OUR LEARNING PROCESS? Memorize-Precise-Smooth! Sir/Ma am WHAT ARE TWO THINGS YOU NEVER DO DURING YOUR EXERCISES? Never hold your breath. Sir/Ma am Never over do it. Sir/Ma am WHAT ARE TWO THINGS YOU NEVER DO WITH YOUR MARTIAL ART TRAINING? Never kick or punch other people! Sir/Ma am Never kick or punch the furniture! Sir/Ma am...(don't laugh, it happens!) WHAT ARE THE FIVE POINTS OF ATTENTION? Feet together! Sir/Ma am Hands on the belt! Sir/Ma am No talking! Sir/Ma am Eyes straight ahead! Sir/Ma am Answer Sir or Ma am. Sir or Ma am WHERE S YOUR FOCUS POINT FOR PUNCHING? Center of the chest! Sir/Ma am Solar Plexus! Sir/Ma am WHAT KNUCKLES DO YOU STRIKE WITH ON A PUNCH? Two big knuckles. Sir/Ma am. WHERE S YOUR THUMB ON A REVERSE KNIFE HAND OR YUK SOO DO? Bottom of the hand! Sir/Ma am. HOW STRONG SHOULD YOUR HORSE STANCE BE? Strong enough to hold a person on each leg! Sir/Ma am. WHAT IS IT YOU NEVER DO WITH BENT LEG KICKS? Never snap the knees! Sir/Ma am. HOW DO YOU PREVENT SNAPPING THE KNEES? Focus! Sir/Ma am. HOW DO YOU FOCUS? "Stop at the point of contact for a second" or "hold it for a second"! Sir/Ma am. 7 DO-JANG DO s and DON TS DO Treat yourself, instructors and fellow students with respect. DO take your shoes off before entering the practice area. DO keep a strong and positive mental attitude. Doubts and/or fears should not overshadow you. On the other hand, be realistic. Don t push yourself beyond safe limits. DO use equipment only for what it is designed. DO put away all Martial Arts equipment that you have used. DO Discuss any problem with an Instructor immediately. Remember, it is better to get your answers from the highest possible authority. Don t ask a Brown Belt if you can ask a Black Belt. DON'T ask your instructor for more material. It is considered rude to ask to be taught the next step in your training as this appears to second guess the instructor. Instead, show your enthusiasm for the material that you already know by practicing it harder and becoming more expert in it. DON'T teach others what you have learned (techniques, forms etc.). This is considered bad etiquette. The instructor is trained to help you learn. Teaching others can lead them to be injured unexpectedly. DON'T talk about other students. Gossip can cause terrible misunderstandings. Even things said with the best of intentions can be misunderstood or received in the wrong way. DON'T enter the office (if applicable) unless you have business there with prior permission. DON'T eat, drink, chew gum or smoke in the Do-jang except in the designated area. DON'T use vulgar language in the Do-jang. DON'T leave your Dobok or other possessions in the Do-jang. DON'T use drugs except for medication. This is a zero tolerance school: If you are ever found drunk or drugged in the Do-jang, you may be expelled. WEAPONS ONLY bring practice weapons into the dojang. Live weapons are not allowed. Ask permission from an Instructor to use a weapon. Usually, weapon techniques are not learned until Brown Belt. 4
Always treat weapons with care and respect. Do not lean or rest upon your weapons. Never leave a weapon unattended. When finished practicing with a weapon, put it away promptly. Do not touch weapons that you have not been taught by an authorized Instructor. THE PRIVILEGES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF RANK Obey Instructors and senior classmates. Do not disturb senior classmates while they practice. Help junior classmates. Never try to do something you haven t been taught. Do not teach in or out of the school if you are not qualified and if you do not have permission. If you wish to practice at another school, ask permission from your Instructor first. Never use your martial arts training needlessly; use only to defend good. LEAD BY EXAMPLE! KUK SOOL WON TM CREED 1. As a member of the World Kuk Sool Association, I pledge to obey the rules of the association and to conduct myself in accordance with the true spirit of martial art. 2. I pledge to be loyal to my country and to promote the development of a better society. 3. I pledge to work together with all classes of people without regard to politics, race or religion. 4. I pledge to strive to promote international goodwill and world peace through the practice of martial art. STUDENT CREED 1. I will develop myself in a positive manner and avoid anything that would reduce my mental growth or physical health. Sir/Ma am. 2. I will develop self-discipline in order to bring out the best in myself and others. Sir/Ma am. 3. I will use what I learn in class constructively and defensively; to help myself and others and never to be abusive or offensive. Sir/Ma am. (Brown belt and above). 4. We are a Black Belt school; We are motivated; We are dedicated; We are on a quest to be our best. Kuk Sool!!! TESTING AND PROMOTIONS Kuk Sool belt colors and testing requirements are standardized. The curriculum is explained in Textbook Vol. I. Belt colors are: White, Yellow, Blue, Red, Brown, Black/Brown and Black by degree. Students will be expected to test for a stripe between each full belt test. Belt testing philosophy: students are tested to be sure all requirements are learned for each level, but tests should also be used by the student as a learning tool for self-evaluation. Testing will be scheduled at least once during each full session; students will not be eligible to test month to month. Suggested testing for adults should be between 2 and 3 months, children testing 3 to 4 months. All students should verify belt testing with the chief instructor. Once you have received permission from your instructor to test, you will be given a testing form. Please turn in your testing form several days before the scheduled testing date. Testing fees are printed on the testing form. FULL belt fees are only charged one time, should a student not pass the first time. Testing sheets are used to record each student's knowledge of the form movements, hand/foot techniques, nak bub and etiquette. Etiquette should improve with each test. Students are encouraged to test once the instructor is satisfied that the student has learned the required skills and knowledge. Registration payments MUST be up to date for the student to be eligible to test. Full uniform (dobok) MUST be worn during testing. Please arrive on time for testing. Students who arrive late without prior permission must wait for a subsequent date to test. WKSA ID card is mandatory for all belt tests. Promotions will be the week following testing at the beginning of the first scheduled class. ATTENDANCE Students that are going to be absent for more than 1 week, please notify us in advance. Regular attendance is encouraged. 5 6