“National Korean Martial Art” is what Kuk Sul Do an East Asian form of combat literally means when translated. This “traditional” martial art form is said to have originated from South Korea, and was introduced and popularized in the United States of America by a martial artist named Choon S Yang.  Apparently, this form of martial art was created by fusing elements belonging to several different combat forms available in the country. Furthermore, as of today there are about twelve schools in South Korea and the United States of America that are involved in teaching this unique Korean martial art form.

a. History/origin of the Kuk Sul Do:

According to the cultural history of South Korea, it was in the year 1910 that Japan conquered the country and became colonial masters.  It was during this period of colonial rule that the use of several Korean martial forms were prohibited. The combat forms included were as follows:

1. Kung Sa- Archery
2. Kum Sul Bub- Swordsmanship
3. Kukki Hapkido
4. Ho Sin Sool
5. Tang Soo Do
6. Hwa Rang Kum Sool
7. Ji lu ki bub- Strikes and kicks
8. Su Young Bub- Swimming and combat in water
9. Tu Ho- Throws
10. Tae Kyun- Kicka
11. Mok Bong- Wooden pole fighting
12. Sul Sul- Empty hand fighting
13. Jong da Bub- Form of self defense against multiple attacks.
14. Bul Bub- Buddhist sutra

It was thus to maintain the Korean cultural heritage that a group of several martial artists got together, and fused elements belonging to varied Korean martial art form to create a unique form of combat which they called “National Korean Martial Art” or commonly known in the Korean language known as “Kuk Sul Do”.

b. Weapon used in the Kuk Sul Do:

Since “striking” techniques are used the weapon used in this form of combat includes the “hands and feet” of the fighter. In addition, external weapons such as a “wooden pole”, “sword” and “bow and arrows” may also be used in the Kuk Sul Do.

c. Technique involved in the Kuk Sul Do and training availability:

In terms of technique, a fighter basically uses moves such as kicking, punching, throws, and empty hand fighting technique to overcome an opponent in this combat form. Furthermore, weapons such as wooden pole, sword, and bow and arrows are also used in the Kuk Sul Do. As for training centers/schools, there are about a few them available especially in South Korea and the United States of America.

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