Kuk Sool Won of St Paul | Twin Cities Martial Arts with Classes for Kids, Adults, Families, and Workouts

Q: What is the Name of your school?

A: Kuk Sool Won of Walzem

Q: Where is your school located?

A: San Antonio , Texas

Q: How long has your school been open?

A: I’ve been teaching in San Antonio since 2002, before that I had a school on McGuire Air Force Base, New Jersey for 4 years.

Q: What is your Kuk Sool Rank?

A: Sa Bum Nim (Fourth Degree)

Q: Where are you originally from?

A: A small town named Oldhams , Virginia

Q: What are your hobbies outside of Kuk Sool?

A: Music, Sports, Hanging out with family and friends

Q: Any other basic background info you would like to share?

A: I’m a down to earth, fun loving guy. I love to train hard, but I believe that in all training, there should be some fun.

Q: When did you Start Kuk Sool Won? Why?

A: I started Kuk Sool Won in the early 90’s at Ramstein Air Force Base under the instruction of then Kyo Sa Nim Daniel Jolly, who is now a Kwahn Jahng Nim. I had visited several schools on base before viewing a Kuk Sool Won class. But after talking to Mr. Jolly for a while, I was threatened. He told me that I BETTER be in class Monday and not to make him come looking for me, because the base was not that big. So I have been in Kuk Sool Won since that day….LOL…

Q: When did you decide to become an instructor and why?

A: I mentioned as a white belt that I wanted to teach one day. So I asked KJN Jolly what rank I needed to be to help him with the children’s class? He said. “Just show up and everything will be fine.” That was the start of me being a helper which turned into an assistant and now a school owner and instructor.

Q: What is your favorite Hyung? Why?

A: My favorite Hyung is Gum Moo Hyung, I love the fact that is a deceptive form. If you don’t know the history of it, you would think that it’s an empty hand form, but it’s actually a weapons form. This fact alone makes it special, and the movements are absolutely amazing.

Q: What is your favorite technique or technique set (Ho Shin Sool)? Why?

A: I don’t actually have a favorite technique, I love them all. As a whole, techniques are my favorite part of Kuk Sool Won. But if I had to pick, I would go with the combination of Maek Chi Ki and Maek Cha Ki. I like those sets because they can be used in any capacity and are very effective.

Q: What is your favorite thing to teach?

A: Sparring and Techniques

Q: Where has Kuk Sool taken you in the world?

A: Not too many places; did most of my traveling through the military but trained everywhere I could.

Q: What one thing would you tell any Kuk Sool student to be successful in Kuk Sool?

A: Be patient and learn to examine the little things just as much as the big things. An example of that would be, when you watch your instructor or someone do a back step and punch, don’t just look at the punch but everything that led up to it, such as proper stepping, body alignment, center of gravity etc.

Q: Who has inspired you in Kuk Sool?

A: Kwan Jang Nim Jolly. If it weren’t for him, I wouldn’t be in Kuk Sool today. Over the years I’ve watched him deal with injuries and always bouncing back through training and healthy living. His attention to detail is a great asset that he instilled in me and a lot of his students. Being a student of his and learning from him on how to run a school and teach are lessons that I will never forget.

Q: What is your favorite Kuk Sool memory?

A: Being promoted with my daughter on May 19th 2007

Q: Do you Teach Military Kuk Sool Practicioners in a different way? If so, How?

A: For the military personnel that I have taught, it was nothing different just more intense. I may have altered a technique here and there but it was based on different scenarios versus just standing in a dojang. However, I teach my students to give 100% every time they practice. If they practice at 100% they will perform at 100% when need be. This world is not getting any safer, so training with intensity could be the difference between life and death if we are ever caught in that type situation.

Q: If you could change one thing about Texas what would it be?

A: Well I can’t speak for all of Texas but for San Antonio , I would like to turn the temperature down just a bit. It’s hot almost year- round, but at least it’s not terribly cold.

Q: What has been the biggest hurdle in teaching your own child Kuk Sool?

A: Understanding that she has to be herself and not what I want her to be. I had to back off and treat her like a student that was coming through the ranks versus coming in as a black belt. Once I backed off and let her be the belt she was, she became one of the best students in the school. To often as parents that teach or coach our own children we think they should be the best and over-train them. This hurts them more than helping them. That was my biggest hurdle and best lesson.

Q: Have you ever been to Minnesota? and if you haven’t, why not? (This dojang’s home)

A: I haven’t been to Minnesota. I never had a reason to go there, but who knows what the future has in store for me.

Thank You Sa Bum Nim for granting us the interview. If you would like to see Sa Bum Nim in action check him and his other instructors out in their Promo video: San Antonio Martial Arts Promo Video - Kuk Sool Won of Walzem

I’ll join in and give my thanks to Max Jo Kyo Nim for getting us started with a great website and blog, plus his helpful instructions and suggestions for keeping it going without his daily, hands-on administration.

I’m Nicki Dahn Bo Nim, a student and assistant instructor at Kuk Sool Won of St. Paul, mother to a Dahn Bo Nim and a perpetual Red Belt (he’s six, so I guess I should cut him some slack), and the office meddler here at the school. Apparently, I’m also a blogger, so I’ll steal Steffen PSBN’s idea and interview myself.

When did you start taking Kuk Sool?

October 2005, when Steffen PSBN opened the dojang. I had known Steffen PSBN and his family through our homeschooling group for a couple of years, and I was just being nice and signing up to help out. Two and half years later, I think I can officially say I’m hooked.

Why did you bring the kids?

I started classes with my daughter, who was 7 at the time. I could see adolescence looming on the horizon, and I wanted her to keep physically active, become more aware and confident of herself, and be able to take out any future boyfriend who got out of line. My son was 4 when his sister and I started, and he stood on the sidelines mimicking everything we did. Steffen PSBN took pity on the poor boy and brought him in just before his fifth birthday. For my son, studying Kuk Sool has given him plenty of opportunity to practice focus — there are even days when I can see the good results of all that practice!

What else do you do when you aren’t training?

I mentioned the mothering gig, right? Okay, so in addition to raising two kids, running the household, meddling in the dojang office, training and teaching, I occasionally spend a little time as an editor, writer, and public relations professional. I work from home and homeschool, so working in the same place that I train fits my typical m.o.

Hobbies?

I used to read…and still do occasionally, stealing time from one or another responsibility. I also manage to work in an occasional concert, movie, visit to the indoor climbing wall, or social opportunity. Actually, that’s my hobby, right there — socializing. So, say hi to me, okay?

Whom do you most admire in Kuk Sool?

My instructor, Steffen PSBN. The two other PSBN’s that train at our school. The rest of our instructor corps. And anyone and everyone who gives it a try, sticks with it, and learns to love it.

What’s looming on your Kuk Sool horizon?

Another test, doubtless. The life of a Dahn Bo Nim is full of trials (though my instructor just informed me that that may be a lingering peculiarity of his teaching style. Apparently the rest of you don’t take one or more grueling tests every month for at least a year. Um, are there spaces at YOUR school?).

Of course, what I’m looking forward to the most is Kuk Sa Nim’s visit and the Super Seminar in June. Okay, there’s that picky little test I have to get through, but after that, I’ll be a Jo Kyo Nim and ready to take it easy for a while! What? What do you mean “training begins at black belt”?

Who let you on this blog? When is Max JKN coming back?!

Sorry. Steffen PSBN will be better able to write about the technicalities and finer points of training in Kuk Sool, so he’s the one filling Max’s shoes. They brought me in to work the less formal angles of a martial arts blog. I’m here as a mom, a very novice martial artist, and a writer with a decent understanding of comma usage.

First I’d like to Thank Max JKN for all the wonderful work he has done getting this blog up and running and keeping it interesting.

We are adding two new bloggers this week to give a broader scope to our writings. I’d like to acquaint the readers with who we are. I am Steffen Kellogg, a Pu Sa Bum Nim, and head instructor at Kuk Sool Won of St. Paul. The other is Nicki Jones, a Dahn Bo Nim and assistant instructor at Kuk Sool Won of St. Paul. This week we’ll both spend a little time introducing ourselves.

I’m going to use Max JKN’s interview as a basic template.

What is the name and location of your school?

Kuk Sool Won of St. Paul

How long has it been open?

This location opened up in October of 2005.

Where are you originally from?

I am originally from Northern Illinois (The Rockford area)

What are your hobbies outside of Kuk Sool?

I spend a lot of time outside of Kuk Sool homeschooling my two boys. I also love rock climbing, biking, and “helping” my kids with legos.

What is your background in Kuk Sool?

I started training with Sa Bum Nim Tim Seitz at University of Illinois in December of 1993. 4½ years after that I moved to Lubbock, Texas and started a club at Texas Tech University. I stayed there for three years, just long enough to pass it on to fresh black belt. The club is still going strong 7 years later. After leaving Lubbock, Texas, I moved to the wonderful city of St. Paul, Minnesota. In Minnesota I started another club at the medium sized University of St. Thomas. After four more years of teaching a club, I made the jump to a professional school in October of 2005. Since then I have been working hard trying to grow my student base and create an awesome learning experience for my students.

When did you start Kuk Sool? Why?

I started Kuk Sool Won in December of 1993. I started because I saw a white belt practicing in the hallways during a break in our Spanish class in College. I just thought Ki Cho Hyung was so awesome I wanted to see more. So I went and witnessed a testing. I got to see first hand the incredible diversity of techniques in Kuk Sool, and I was immediately hooked. Since then I haven’t looked back.

What is your favorite Hyung? Why?

Kyuk Pah Hyung has always been a favorite of mine. I just love the way it looks, and the way it feels when you really nail it.

What is your favorite technique set?

That’s a very hard one for me. It changes with new understanding. Right now I’m loving Too Ki and Pyung Soo. However, KJN Brewer said it best when he said Ki Bon Soo is “The keys to the kingdom”. I’ve always loved Ki Bon Soo.

What is your favorite thing to teach?

I could not pick a favorite thing to teach. For me teaching is all about getting to see that flash of insight when a student picks up on something.

Where has Kuk Sool taken you in the world?

Kuk Sool has taken me all over the continental US. I’m looking forward to the Korea trip in 2010 and to getting a chance to visit England and see some of the schools over there.

What one thing would you tell any Kuk Sool student to be successful in Kuk Sool?

Be patient, persevere, and smile.

Who has inspired you in Kuk Sool Won?

The list is endless. I am inspired by the Kuk Sa Nim and the masters. Just seeing the possibilities is amazing to me. I’m inspired by all the instructors out there like me who get jazzed up just watching the light go on in their students’ eyes. I’ve gotten so many great ideas just from talking and sharing with other instructors. And I’m inspired and humbled by the students. Especially those students who do not have natural advantages and have to fight and struggle every step of the way.

What is your favorite Kuk Sool Memory?

I have great memories of going as a group to San Francisco Tournament when I was a red belt. The tournament was great and afterwards, I got to train in San Mateo. I just remember how nice everyone was there.

What is your experience Blogging?

Before this I wrote one post about a recent encounter I had with a drunken assailant. And that is it!

Kwan Jang Nim John Ives is Chief Instructor of all the UK schools and one of the top Masters in the World. Whenever I see him I am always surprised how tall he is (6′2″).

Big Thank You to Kwan Jang Nim John Ives for taking time to answer our questions. Also, Thank You to his Student and my friend, newly promoted, Pu Sa Bim Nim Stuart.

Q: What is the name of your school?

A: Kuk Sool Won of Norwich

Q: Where is your school located?

A: Norwich, UK

Q: How long has your school been open?

A: Since 1975

Q: What is your Kuk Sool Rank?

A: 6th Dahn Kwan Jang Nim

Q: Where are you Originally From?

A: Norwich, UK

Q: Why Did you Start Kuk Sool?

A: For Fitness and Self-Defence

Q: When Did you Decide to Become and Instructor? Why?

A: I didn’t decide. I was told to teach. However, over the years I have found it valuable and rewarding. It is a pleasure to see my students progress.

Q: What is your Favorite Hyung? Why?

A: Guhm Moo Hyung, because it is an ancient traditional form with advanced techniques. I really enjoy this form.

Q: What is your Favorite Technique Set (Ho Shin Sool)? Why?

A: Bu Chae Sool (Fan Techniques) because it is a very versatile weapon.

Q: What is your Favorite Thing to Teach?

A: Jok Sool

Q: Where has Kuk Sool taken you in this World?

A: All over the world. Europe, Asia, Canada and North America.

Q: What One thing would you tell any Kuk Sool student to be successful in Kuk Sool?

A: Practice!

Q: Who has inspired you in Kuk Sool?

A: Kuk Sa Nim

Q: What is your favorite Kuk Sool memory?

A: My first visit to Korea.

Q: How would you say Kuk Sool in the UK is different from schools in other countries?

A: Kuk Sool Won schools in the UK are very close knit.

Q: What do you think the future holds for Kuk Sool in Europe?

A: Growth.

This is one you will probably email to all your friends. Adapted from a recent video interview that got a lot of bad press for Scientology. However, he was apparently Hilariously talking about Kuk Sool! Who woulda thought?!?!

* Big Thank You to AirNick productions for puttin’ this video out there. Hilarious job.

Kuk Sa Nim gives a wonderful history lesson on the three areas on which Kuk Sool is based: Tribal, Buddhist, and Korean Royal Court Martial Arts. If you want to tell your friends about Kuk Sool you may want to send them this video as it explains where we come from so well.

First Off, I would just like to give a huge Thank You to Kwan Jang Nim (Master) Thomas Brewer for answering our interview questions. Kwan Jang Nim was sent our interview questions because his student, Cynthia Dahn Bo Nim, won our birthday challenge.

Q: What is the Name of your school?

A: Kuk Sool Won of Berkeley

Q: Where is your school Located?

A: Berkeley, California

Q: How long has it been open?

A: The school opened in 1980 under Master In Joo Suh (now Chiefmaster). It is the oldest location in America.

Q: What is Your Kuk Sool Rank?

A: I am a Fifth Degree (Kwan Jang Nim)

Q: Where are you originally from?

A: I am originally from Kalamazoo, Michigan.

Q: What are your hobbies outside of Kuk Sool?

A: At the moment my hobby is rock climbing. It is great cross training for martial arts.

Q: Any other basic background info you would like to share?

A: I started Kuk Sool on 1983. I moved from Michigan in January and started working on the Pacific Stock Exchange. I had taken Tae Kwan Do and so when I came out to California I started asking around about the different Martial Arts. I figured San Francisco had to have the best MA because of the large Asian population. At the Stock Exchange a couple of guys were black belts so I asked them. One asked me what I had taken and when I answered Tae Kwan Do he said that Kuk Sool Won was the best Korean Martial Art and I should check it out. He told me the other Black Belt that worked there had taken Kuk Sool and I should talk to him. I did and he told me that Kuk Sool was too hard and I should find a Tae Kwan Do school. That was all it took for me. I headed directly for the closest Kuk Sool school and signed up. I worked in San Francisco but lived closer to Berkeley so I signed up there. Master Byung In Lee was the main teacher. After five months I moved to San Francisco and switched to that school.

Q: When Did you Start Kuk Sool Won? Why?

A: At the San Francisco school I had a couple of different instructors before Kuk Sah Nym started teaching in the class again. In 1986 I earned my Black Belt and Master Sung Jin Suh came over from Korea shortly after that. I taught Kid’s classes and helped around the school for the next few years until Kuk Sah Nym asked me if I wanted to purchase the Berkeley school. I had been thinking about opening a school so it was good timing. I had tired of the Stock Exchange and thought I could train more if I ran a school. I took over Berkeley in December of 1989.

Q: What is your favorite Hyung? why?

A: My favorite hyung at the moment is Oon Hak Hyung. I have only known it for about a year so it is still new and still really, really challenging. I have never practiced a form that I couldn’t do 5 times in a row.

Q: What is your favorite technique or technique set (Ho Shin Sool)? why?

A: I don’t really have a favorite set of techniques. If pressed I would have to say Ki Bon Soo because that set is the keys to the kingdom.

Q: What is your favorite thing to teach?

A: My favorite thing to teach is techniques. Maybe it was my years of being around Kuk Sah Nym (when he taught, it was mostly techniques) but I like to see people’s faces when they see how a technique can work.When they get it!

Q: Where has Kuk Sool taken you in the world?

A: I went to Korea twice in the 1980’s. The first time by myself on a semi lark and the second time on a Kuk Sool trip. By coincidence Masters Jay Lee and Marlin Sims were in Korea at the same time on my first trip and I met them and went around Korea with them. Other than that I am mostly a homebody.

Q: What one thing would you tell any Kuk Sool student to be successful in Kuk Sool?

A: The one thing I would tell any Kuk Sool student to be successful is patience. Be patient with yourself and your practice. At the San Francisco school on Ellis Street there were newspaper clippings of the Grandmaster on the wall as you left. One of them was headlined something like “Grandmaster of Martial Arts says key is patience”. The Korean masters who taught then were not known for their support and encouragement. Many a class I left with my tail between my legs. But seeing that clipping reminded me that this was a long term process and if I quit I would not see the rewards of that process. For me that patience has paid off.

Q: Who has inspired you in Kuk Sool?

A: My biggest inspiration in Martial Arts has been Kuk Sah Nym. He is in another world when it comes to the martial arts. He exposed me to what Martial Arts can be. Not that I will ever get there but to know that is what I am working toward is enough for me.

Q: What is your favorite Kuk Sool memory?

A: I will always be fond of when the San Francisco school was in the Mission district and after class we would have dinner and Kuk Sah Nym would tell stories.

Q: Why Berkeley?

A: I ended up in Berkeley because it was meant to be. That might sound airy-fairy but it was the right place for me.

Q: Is the California lifestyle as laid back as they say it is?

A: The California lifestyle is not so much laid back as it is live and left live. People work just as hard if not harder than elsewhere (it’s soooo expensive).

Q: Have you ever been to Minnesota? and if you haven’t, why not? (it’s the Home of this Blogger)

A: Never been to Minnesota. The only thing I know about that area is what I read in the John Sandford novels. Boy, you sure got a lot of serial killers up there! I do hope to go on the seminar tour one of these years and if it reaches your area I would love to visit. *Which it does, just FYI for everyone

On October 22nd I had my birthday and a Kuk Sool Contest. The contest details were for that first three people to email me would get their instructor interviewed on this blog. Now that I have the first of three instructor interviews I think it’s time to release who the winners are and a little about themselves. Check back on this blog for the next instructor interviews and congratulations to the winners.

Cynthia Dahn Bo Nim
Kuk Sool Won of Berkely - KJN Thomas Brewer

“I’m taking the slow-but-steady path forward to my JKN rank next year. I started KSW in 1999 because I love martial arts, and when my daughters were in grade school I wanted them to have the advantage of martial arts classes early in life… so I selected Kuk Sool Won because I wanted the three of us to study something comprehensive… which Kuk Sool Won clearly is. A trial class with Thomas Brewer confirmed that Kuk Sool Won was exactly what I’d been looking for, and I’ve been delighted with it ever since! I love the way I am continuously challenged to expand my mental, emotional, and physical reach beyond any point I previously thought possible, and this is making a tremendous positive difference in all aspects of my life.

KJN Thomas Brewer is an extraordinary instructor who consistently inspires excellence in his students with personalized attention exactly when it’s most needed, and creative approaches to teaching what might otherwise feel tedious… or impossible. ”

Joy Ja Tti
Kuk Sool Won on Jeju Island, South Korea - KJN Oh Sang Hoon

“I have been doing Kuk Sool for 9 months in South Korea. My husband and I are from the US, but we moved to Jeju after graduating university to come teach English. We have been here for over 2 years and are planning on staying indefinately. I get to study KSW an hour a day, 5 days a week, almost entirely in Korean. It’s pretty sweet. I only wish I had discovered KSW 2 years ago when I first got here.”

Stuart Kyo Sa Nim
Kuk Sool Won of Norwich - KJN John Ives

Stuart and I trained together in Korea but he is obviously from the UK and Kuk Sool Won of Norwich. He will soon be testing for the rank of Pu Sa Bum Nim. In fact, we are such good friends I may even link to a funny photo of him when he was really little as a “Millenium Black Belt.” Stuart is the third one in from the left in the front row of kids.

Jason and I have been in contact for a couple months now but we have never actually met in person. He has been awesome and given us some sweet Kuk Sool Photo Wallpapers and this Interview. Jason also met my UK friend Stuart at the Korean Championships this year. He is currently teaching English in South Korea, training in Kuk Sool, and getting ready to return to his home.

Q: Tell us a little about yourself

A: I am from Brandon, Manitoba Canada which is a small town in the Prairies. I came to Korea 4 years ago, after completing University, to pay off my massive student debt.

Q: What is your Rank and What School are you Currently Training At?

A: Currently, I have my first dahn but will be testing for my second in December if all goes well. I am just awaiting the notification from the head office here in my city. I am currently training at Moorung 6 Dojang in Ulsan Korea. I have been training at this dojang for my entire time in Kuk Sool.

Q: What do you Like About Kuk Sool?

A: What I love about Kuk Sool is the people. When I first started out, I thought that martial arts would be all about stone-face masters who were hard-core and difficult to please, like what you see in the movies. What I noticed when I started Kuk Sool was how nice everyone was, especially the masters. Maybe it was because I was one of the few foreigners training in my area or something but everyone made me me feel extremely welcome. In fact one of the first words I learned in Korean was from Kuk Sool and that was “kah-jok” which means “family.”

It was told to me by my original Master Kwan Jang Lee Young Suk, Who trained me for about 2 years. He kept saying to me “this is your family, this is your kuk sool family” I never forgot that.

Q: How Did you Start Kuk Sool?

A: I started Kuk Sool by complete accident. I had wanted to practice Martial Arts when I first came to Korea but wasn’t sure where to go. I received directions from some friends but mistakenly went to the wrong dojang. I ended up walking into my first Kuk Sool class which was very close to my home at that time. It was very difficult at first but slowly I learned what everyone was saying. It was also difficult after my first year when I waited for my black belt. All of my fellow classmates were promoted but being a foreigner I had to wait. A year later, I received my black and was extremely happy. Now, I am hoping that before I leave Korea I can test again for my second dahn.

Q: How Did you Get Interested in Photography and Martial Arts?

A: I got interested in photography with Martial Arts because I didn’t see a lot of shots that I really liked when it came to any sort of Martial Art. There seemed to be a lot of what I would call “Uncle Clem’s yellow belt test” type shots or studio shots of shirtless dudes doing high kicks. There just wasn’t anything that seems to capture the true essence of what I practiced every day. So I started trying to get the shots that I wanted and found that it wasn’t easy.

After years of trying, I have ended up with only a few shots I really think capture the essence of Kuk Sool Won, but I am sure that in the years to come I will have the opportunity to get more.

Q: Anything Else You Would Like to Say?

A: Other than that, all I have to say is that I have never been happier to have stumbled into the the “wrong” dojang. Kuk Sool has been like my Korean family for years now and it is going to be extremely hard to leave them in December.

Thanks for the Interview Jason

If you would like to contact Jason Teale about his photography or some other interest you can find his website here: Jason Teale Photography

If you would like some of the images Jason has taken in this blog post you can download for yourself here: Kuk Sool Wallpapers

Today is my Birthday and I thought I would do a little Kuk Sool Contest. I said a while back I would love to do some instructor interviews. So here is the competition:

1. First 3 people to email me, I will get in contact with their instructor and get that instructor interviewed for the blog.

2. Send the email to stpaulksw@gmail.com


Good Luck. This competition will go on till I get three emails, which will be pretty fast so get on it.