1. How much does it cost?
2. Is there a family discount?
3. Do I have to sign a contract?
4. What is Black Belt Club program?
5(a). What is your age limitation to take classes?
5(b). Do you have kids class, adult class, and/or family class?
6. How do we know if this Instructor is qualified to teach?
7. How does one become an Instructor?
8. Why do I have to bow? Can I not bow at all?
9. Why do I have to call someone “Sir” or “Ma’am”?
10. What is Kuk Sool Won?
11. What is the World Kuk Sool Association?
12(a). How do I get my next rank?
12(b). What are the rank requirements?
12(c). How much is it?
13(a). When do I learn weapons?
13(b). Is it necessary?
14. Is the weapons training safe?
15. When do I begin to spar or fight?
16. Can I protect myself from an attack?
17. How quickly can I learn to defend myself from an attacker with or without a weapon?
18. What is the difference between Kuk Sool and other martial arts?
19. Is my rank in another art transferrable? If not, why not?
20. I did Kuk Sool long ago; do I have to start as a white belt?
21. Is there a Distance Learning program in Kuk Sool Won?
22. Why is your uniform black?
23. Do I need the textbooks, handbooks, and/or other educational DVDs?
24. Do I have to speak Korean to learn Kuk Sool?
25. What is the purpose of tournaments and seminars? And do I have to attend them?
26. Can I compete in open tournaments?
27. How do I know if this Instructor is legitimate and an official member of the World Kuk Sool Association?
28. What are the benefits of being a member of WKSA?
29. What is Gaya Won?
30. Do I buy uniforms and other merchandises from my school, or can I order it through online?
31. How long does it take to become a Black Belt?
32. Does my Kuk Sool Rank Transfer from School to School?
33. How can I contact WKSA?
1. How much does it cost?
Each School has its own operating costs. Consequently the fees charged do vary from School to School. Many Schools offer different programs so you will be sure to find a program that fits your financial needs.
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2. Is there a family discount?
Most Kuk Sool Schools are happy to provide a Family Discount when more than one person from a Family enrolls at the same time. Some Schools also offer a discount if an annual fee is paid in one (1) lump sum.
3. Do I have to sign a contract?
Some Schools use a “Billing Service” and therefore they may be contract terms that you have to fulfill. Some other Schools do their own billing and do not require contract terms.
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4. What is Black Belt Club program?
In a Black Belt program, the Student commits to training for a three or four year period (normally under contract). The Black Belt Club Students normally enjoy their own Black Belt Club Class, and in some instances do learn some weapons techniques earlier than regular Students.
5. (a) What is your age limitation to take classes? (b) Do you have kids class, adult class, and/or family class?
Each School mandates the minimum/maximum age for new Students. The School is also able to set its own Class Schedule. Some Schools run totally separate Classes for Children, while others run Adults and Children together. It would depend on the size of the School facility, the size of the Student body, and the Instructor availability of that particular School.
6. How do we know if this Instructor is qualified to teach?
Each WKSA School Owner undertakes a training program to teach and requires its Instructors to take that same program. To verify that the School you are interested in is a registered WKSA School, visit www.kuksoolwon.com and select ‘Schools.’
7. How does one become an Instructor?
Instructor training starts at White Belt! Following the Kuk Sool syllabus all the way the Black Belt 1st Degree is the only way to start your Instructor Training. Once you have reached Black Belt, your own Instructor will introduce you to his or her Instructor Training program. Continued training to 2nd Degree Black Belt can also put you on the path to School Owner candidacy.
8. Why do I have to bow? Can I not bow at all?
Kuk Sool Won is a Traditional Korean Martial Art, and, in Korea, people bow for the same reason as westerners shake hands. Bowing is a greeting, just like shaking hands: it is not an indication that one person is subservient to another. You cannot “not bow at all”. If you reach out to shake someone’s hand, it would be extremely impolite for that person not to take your hand.
9. Why do I have to call someone “Sir” or “Ma’am”?
As in any walk of life- calling someone Sir and Ma’am is a sign of respect and good manners. In Martial Art Training, good manners are paramount. Your fellow Students and Instructors will also demonstrate their respect for you, by addressing you as Sir or Ma’am.
10. What is Kuk Sool Won?
Kuk Sool Won is a pure Traditional Korean Martial Art. The contents of the syllabus were gathered together by Grandmaster In Hyuk Suh, after many years studying the various forms of the ancient Martial Arts in Korea. For further information, go to the History and Founder page of this website.
11. What is the World Kuk Sool Association?
The World Kuk Sool Association, Inc. is the governing body of all the official Kuk Sool Won Schools world-wide.
12. (a) How do I get my next rank? (b) And what are the rank requirements? (c) How much is it?
(a) You must have a good, consistent class attendance, you must know the material of that rank, both to your satisfaction and the Instructor’s satisfaction.
(b) The Kuk Sool Won Syllabus is displayed in every School. If you are training in a Club where the Instructor cannot always display notices, go to the Kuk Sool Curriculum page of this website, and you will see all the requirements from White Belt- through to Black Belt. Testing Fees vary from School to School. Much like the regular Training Fees, each School has its own over-heads and therefore charges accordingly.
13. (a) When do I learn weapons? (b) Is it necessary?
(a) Weapons training is an integral part of Kuk Sool Won training. Students on the regular course will start Bong (staff or stick) training at Brown Belt. Students who belong to a Black Belt Club may learn some weapons earlier at their Black Belt Club Class
(b) Yes, it is necessary, Weapon training is an integral part of Kuk Sool Won training
14. Is the weapons training safe?
All students are advised of the risks involved in weapons training. Weapons training is always properly supervised by a qualified Instructor.
15. When do I begin to spar or fight?
Sparring Classes will depend on your abilities and desires. Each School Owner will decide when the time is right for you commence your Sparring Instruction. The wearing of Protective Sparring Gear is mandatory.
16. Can I protect myself from an attack?
The Kuk Sool Won syllabus contains a complete Self - Defense System. The moves and techniques of Kuk Sool Won have to be practiced to such an extent that they become a natural reaction, rather than a thought out process.
17. How quickly can I learn to defend myself from an attacker with, or without, a weapon?
Right from Day 1 of your Kuk Sool Won training, you are taught self-defense techniques. Your learning curve will be entirely based on your Class attendance pattern, and your learning and retention capabilities.
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18. What is the difference between Kuk Sool and other martial arts?
Every Martial Art has something to offer. Kuk Sool Won is a style that has more to offer than perhaps any other Martial Art. All Martial Arts offer kicking, punching, and most offer sparring. Kuk Sool Won has the kicking, punching and sparring and also has a complete self-defense system built into its syllabus. In addition, once you have attained the required rank- Kuk Sool Won offers traditional weapons training.
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19. Is my rank in another art transferrable? If not, why not?
Each Martial Art has its own requirements to reach a particular rank. The Kuk Sool Won syllabus is different from any other Martial Art as it has many different elements that other Martial Arts do not have. To give an analogy- if you studied and attained Certification in a foreign language, say French, would you expect to join a Spanish Class and have the French Certification acknowledged?
20. I did Kuk Sool long ago; do I have to start as a white belt?
Once you have earned a Belt in Kuk Sool Won, the Belt Rank is never withdrawn. Re-new your membership - take with you your Kuk Sool Won ID Card which shows your current rank- signed and approved by your previous Instructor. You new (or even previous) Instructor will review with you all the material that is required for that rank. Once both you and the Instructor are satisfied that you have demonstrated your abilities of that you rank- you will once again continue to progress to the next rank. The length of time this will take, will depend on your Class attendance and your learning and retention capabilities.
21. Is there a Distance Learning program in Kuk Sool Won?
Kuk Sool Won is a Traditional Martial Art. All the material, no matter what part of the world you practice in, is taught on a one-on-one basis. The material is taught by an accredited Instructor, and has to be practiced until near perfect under the supervision of an accredited Instructor. Therefore a Distance Learning program is not available.
22. Why is your uniform black?
Black Uniforms were worn by the ancient Korean Royal Court Soldiers, and in Eastern culture, black is considered to be pure and good.
23. Do I need the textbooks, handbooks, and/or other educational DVDs?
All the technical merchandise that is published by Kuk Sool Won is intended to be used as an “aide memoir”. Books, DVD etc. can never replace a live Instructor. You should attend Class, give 100% of your attention, and use the books and DVD’s etc. to consolidate and reinforce what you are taught in Class by your Instructor.
24. Do I have to speak Korean to learn Kuk Sool?
Kuk Sool Won is a Traditional Martial Art. Being traditional, much of the Instructional commands are spoken in Korean, with your Instructor giving the English translation. As you progress in Kuk Sool you will start to pick up on some of the language. In fact most children can count from 1-10 after a very few lessons!. Adults may take a longer period! Most people, as they near Black Belt, get very interested in the Korean language and will start to read the Text Books and start to use the simple phrases and vocabulary listed at the back of the book. Once a Black Belt 4th Degree progresses to 5th Degree Master Level, they are expected to know and understand much of the basics.
25. What is the purpose of tournaments and seminars? And do I have to attend them?
Tournaments allow you to demonstrate your skill in Kuk Sool Won, in competition with your peers. At such events, you experience camaraderie with your fellow competitors, many of whom will be from other towns or cities. Should you be able to attend a World Championship- they may even be from another Country. Where ever they originate from, the Kuk Sool Won that they practice will be the same Kuk Sool Won as you practice. Kuk Sool Won Tournaments are purely for fun and enjoyment and competing has no relevance to your progression in Kuk Sool Won Seminars are occasions when you can learn from Senior Masters and even the Grandmaster! Seminars will help you to fine-tune your knowledge of Kuk Sool Won. Seminars are opportunities not to be missed.
26. Can I compete in open tournaments?
No. Kuk Sool Won is a Traditional Martial Art and as such, is very specific. No Martial Art Judges other than Kuk Sool Won Judges would be able to judge your style. Think about it- if you practiced tennis- would you enter a golf tournament? After all- its all about hitting a ball - isn’t?
27. How do I know if this Instructor is legitimate and an official member of the World Kuk Sool Association?
Go to the Schools page of this website, and search for the appropriate school. If the School does not appear on this website, your Instructor is not a member of the World Kuk Sool Association and therefore is not legitimate and not authorized to teach Kuk Sool Won. Furthermore this Instructor has no vehicle to progress his or her own training.
28. What are the benefits of being a member of WKSA?
(a) You will be learning and practicing the official Kuk Sool Won syllabus, which is second to none.
(b) Your Instructor is a bona fide Instructor
(c) Your Instructor has his/her own bona fide Instructor
(d) Your Instructor is also learning his/her next rank material and has understanding and empathy with practicing Students
(e) Your Instructor undergoes mandatory quality checks
(f) You have access to WKSA Tournaments and Seminars
(g) You have access to Kuk Sool Won merchandise through Gaya Won.
(h) You have the opportunity to practice Kuk Sool Won for the rest of your life
(i) You have the opportunity to join in WKSA official events such as Trips to Korea
(j) You have the opportunity to be part of a growing innovative Martial Art that although Traditional, keeps up with the modern advancements of communication and organization.
29. What is Gaya Won?
Gaya Won is the sister company to the World Kuk Sool Association and is the label under which all official WKSA merchandise is produced. Gaya Won is available through this WKSA website, also at National Tournaments, and in person at the WKSA HQ, Tomball TX.
30. Do I buy uniforms and other merchandise from my school, or can I order it through online?
Most merchandise can be purchased via your own School, depending on the size of your School and how much stock they want to keep. Your Instructor may also make a special order on your behalf to Gaya Won. You are also welcome to order on line via this website. Please click on the Gaya Won page
31. How long does it take to become a Black Belt?
The Black Belt 1st Degree program has been designed that the average adult can complete the syllabus in about three and half years. That is based on continuous training 3 times per week and attending each scheduled testing. Of course there are always events in your life that will crop up and prevent you from meeting this schedule – some of the time. There is no “time clock” on Kuk Sool Won training. Each person should have a goal of getting to the next rank and as long as each person feels they have performed to the best of their ability- the length of time taken should be immaterial. There is no “fast path” to a becoming a Kuk Sool Black Belt. Only hard work, determination, strong mind and a good heart.
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32. Does my Kuk Sool Rank Transfer from School to School?
Once you have earned a Belt in Kuk Sool Won, the Belt Rank is never withdrawn. Re-new your membership - take with you your Kuk Sool Won ID Card which shows your current rank- signed and approved by your previous Instructor. You new Instructor will review with you all the material that is required for that rank. Once both you and the Instructor are satisfied that you have demonstrated your abilities of that you rank- you will continue to progress to the next rank.
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