Kuk Sool uniforms come in all shapes in sizes, but people new to Kuk Sool sometimes don’t get to see that higher level uniforms are segmented and earned through rank. In this post we will go through all the uniforms and ranks (with awesome pictures) from our Comprehensive Korea Style of Kuk Sool Won.
Regular Training Uniform
This uniform is worn by everyone that practices Kuk Sool no matter your rank. It is a plain black that has Korean writing on the back that reads “Kuk Sool Won” or something of the like. This uniform also requires you to have a patch of the Korean Flag and the Association Logo. You may also have your countries flag on the sleeve. There are some differences depending on what country you are in. In America you are not allowed to have a patch that signifies what Dojang you are form but in Korea you are allowed to have a patch that has your Dojang name on it.
The only way to distinguish rank is to look at the belt of the individual in this uniform. Colored belts are easy to determine rank. Black Belts it gets a little harder. Jo Kyo Nim and Kyo Sa Nim Ranks (1st and 2nd Degree Black belts) have the same thickness of belts. Pu Sa Bum Nim, and Up all have a thicker belt. There is a special thick white belt given to you when you promote to Kwan Jang Nim but usually they do not practice in this belt.
1st - 3rd Degree Black Belt Generals Uniform (Jo Kyo Nim, Kyo Sa Nim, and Pu Sa Bum Nim Ranks)
This uniform is formal uniform attire for tournaments and special events (ex. Demonstrations) that resembles old time Korean Generals Uniforms. At these three ranks the trim will be Silver only.
4th Degree Black Belt Generals Uniform (Sa Bum Nim Rank)
This is one of three Generals Uniforms that does not share colors with multiple ranks. The others that do not share colors across multiple ranks are 9th Degree Black Belt (Chong Kwan Jang Nim) and 10th Degree Grand Master Rank (Kuk Sa Nim). It will always have Red and Silver trim.
5th and 6th Degree Black Belt Generals Uniform (Kwan Jang Nim Rank a.k.a. Master)
Only does this uniform finally signify Master level in Kuk Sool Won. All ranks above fifth degree are referred to as Kwan Jang Nim or Master until you get up to 9th Degree and 10th Degree. The Red trim only signifies Master level achieved as years and years and years of training.
7th and 8th Degree Black Belt Generals Uniform (Kwan Jang Nim Rank)
Still called Kwan Jang Nim or Master, these Masters are the elite of Kuk Sool Won. Only those truly dedicated and passionate about Kuk Sool Won can achieve these ranks through constant practice and teaching. The uniform has Red and Gold Trim.
9th Degree Black Belt Generals Uniform (Chong Kwan Jang Nim a.k.a. Chiefmaster)
Chong Kwan Jang Nim or Chiefmaster are only second to our beloved Grandmaster Kuk Sa Nim. Their Uniform has only Gold Trim for those who taught many to Master level.
10th Degree Black Belt Uniform (Kuk Sa Nim a.k.a. Grandmaster)
The Founder and head of the World Kuk Sool Won Association is Kuk Sa Nim In Hyuk Suh. Kuk Sool!
