Feb
27
    

Strong Arm Technique - Ki Party Trick #2

Posted by Steffen Pu Sa Bum Nim
Ki, Techniques, Tips and Tricks, How To on February-27-2008

waterfall training

The second Ki trick is useful in educating students on the benefits of relaxation and intent.

First have a student place their hand palm up on your shoulder. The crook of their elbow should be facing upward at this point. Now tell them to keep their arm straight while you pull down at the crook of their elbow. The arm should bend fairly easily.

Now have your student do the same thing, but this time have them relax their whole body. Now have them envision their arm as a hose with water flowing through it. Make them aim that water at the wall behind you. Their arm should be very solid at this point. It should take you considerably more effort to bend their arm, if you can at all.

The explanation for this trick is that Ki follows intent. As you relax and let your energy flow, your intent (the mental image of a fire hose) brings our Ki into your arm and lets you “resist” without resisting.

This second Ki trick is much more difficult then the first. I would recommend practicing it until you can do it easily. Then use yourself as the example to the students. Remember to relax your whole body as much as possible. I find that the biggest impediment to understanding this technique is random tightening of muscles. It is really hard to let go and trust yourself.

Once your students have the idea, make sure you tie the ideas back to our techniques. Probably the easiest way to relate these ideas is to the three technique principles: Soft-Circle-Harmony. Another satisfying way to illustrate the use of relaxation and intent is to apply it to a palm strike. You should be able see noticeable results within minutes.


 
Jan
07
    

Sohn Mohk Soo 101 by Kuk Sa Nim [Video]

Posted by Max Jo Kyo Nim
Kuk Sool Videos, Techniques, Kuk Sool Won, Videos, Martial Arts, Martial Arts Demo on January-7-2008

Kuk Sa Nim performs Sohn Mohk Soo wonderfully. These videos Kwan Jang Nim Gene Gause are puuting up on YouTube are great because they show Kuk Sa Nim breaking down the technique so you can see the joint-locks and pressure points. I would suggest notcing how fluid and effortless Kuk Sa Nim’s techniques are. Not to mention his minimal foot movement.


 
Jan
04
    

Kuk Sa Nim Does Ki Bohn Soo - Old School Video Style

Posted by Max Jo Kyo Nim
Kuk Sool Videos, Techniques, Kuk Sool Won, Videos, Martial Arts, Martial Arts Demo on January-4-2008

More props to Kwan Jang Nim Gene Gause and his school for releasing these awesome videos. This video is extremely awesome because it slows down each technique to show you the joint-lock and manipulation every time. Enjoy!


 
Dec
18
    

Holiday Demo Challenge - Do You have a Kuk Sool Holiday Demo Planned?

Posted by Max Jo Kyo Nim
Kuk Sool Videos, Techniques, Kuk Sool Won, Videos, Martial Arts, Martial Arts Demo on December-18-2007

Is your school going to do a Holiday Demo? If so, record it, post the video on YouTube and I will get it posted here on the blog. Here is the first one I have seen from Sa Bum Nim Dewain Perry’s School in South Austin, TX.


 
Dec
13
    

Using Your Head - KSW Head Butt Techniques

Posted by Max Jo Kyo Nim
Kuk Sool Videos, Techniques, Kuk Sool Won, Videos, Martial Arts, Martial Arts Demo on December-13-2007

Kuk Sool Won Head Butt Techniques performed by Kwan Jang Nim Barry Harmon. This video is from a demo at University of Illinois 1996. Over 10 years ago. Pretty crazy.

If you can’t see the video in your browser click here: Master Barry Harmon: Kuk Sool Head Butt Techniques



 
Nov
26
    

Kuk Sa Nim Performs Maek Cha Ki [Video]

Posted by Max Jo Kyo Nim
Kuk Sool Videos, Techniques, Kuk Sool Won, Videos, Martial Arts, Martial Arts Demo on November-26-2007

This video features Kuk Sa Nim performing Maek Cha Ki in 1975. Some of the techniques are a little different than they are now and some of them are a lot different. For those of you not yet at the Blue Belt level, Maek Cha Ki is a pressure point striking set with kicks. Each technique starts off of your partner doing a kick then a punch. Enjoy.


 
Nov
13
    

Oldest Kuk Sool School in the States - Master Thomas Brewer [Interview]

master thomas brewerFirst 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?

kuk sool won of berkelyA: 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


 
Nov
12
    

3 Steps to Ace your Next Belt Test

Posted by Max Jo Kyo Nim
Tips and Tricks, Kuk Sool Links, Techniques, Hyung, Form, How To, Requirements, Kuk Sool Won, Martial Arts on November-12-2007

Most people get really nervous and never feel like they are ready for their belt test. Here are some easy ways to get over that feeling and Ace your next Belt Test while impressing your friends and Instructor.

You can also check out each belts requirements at the Kuk Sool Belt Testing Chart

1. Practice Random Techniques 2 Weeks Beforehand

For the 2 weeks before your belt test work on Random Techniques with your in class partner. Instead of practicing in order forwards or backwards have your partner say a random technique and then quickly do it. You should be able to do each technique within 3 seconds of your partner saying the technique start to finish.

2. 20 Wall Kicks a Day

Wall kicks are an extremely effective way of improving your kicks while working on the proper mechanics of each kick. Find a spot on a wall and put one hand on the wall. Practice 20 front kicks, 20 round kicks, 20 side kicks, and 20 hook kicks. If you do that for a couple weeks before your test you will notice a lot of improvement on your kicking mechanics.

3. Read these Previous Articles

3 Tips to Make your Kuk Sool Form Better Today

3 Tips for a Better Spin Kick

How to Increase Your Flexibility

What is the Name of your Kuk Sool Rank

10 Steps to a Gold Medal Cho Geup Hyung

Martial Arts Exercises to do Outside the Dojang

3 Steps to a Perfect Jump Spin Kick


 
Nov
09
    

When Your Martial Arts Techniques Don’t Work

Posted by Max Jo Kyo Nim
Techniques, Kuk Sool Blog, Kuk Sool Won, Articles, Martial Arts Pictures, Martial Arts on November-9-2007

martial arts comic strip

* Sent to me by Mel JKN. Thanks Mel :)