1. Who is the founder of Kuk Sool Won™?
2. How should I conduct myself culturally in this new situation?
3. Are there any school rules?
4. Why do we bow?
5. How do I address my instructor?
6. How come someone of the same rank as myself knows ....and I don't?
7. What if I'm late for class?
8. What about the Dobok (uniform)?
9. Why are the uniforms black instead of white?

In Hyuk Suh is the founder, Grandmaster and President of the World Kuk Sool Association®. He has studied martial arts for more than 50 years, receiving his first instruction from his grandfather, Myung Deuk Suh, master Instructor. After his grandfather's death, he traveled throughout the Far East seeking out and studying additional aspects of the martial arts. The knowledge he acquired from his grandfather and later masters enabled him to establish Kuk Sool Won™. His organization now boasts 1.3 million members with over 800 schools worldwide in 27 different countries. Grandmaster Suh is especially renowned for his mastery of pressure point and joint manipulation.

*From World Kuk Sool Won Association

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Kuk Sool is a traditional martial art and stresses etiquette. Ask your instructor if you are unsure about correct conduct in a given situation. An easy rule to remember, and should always be done is always remember to bow and say 'Kuk Sool when you enter and leave the building, and when you enter or exit the classroom (dojang) area. Non-students do not have to bow, but they do need to remove their hats upon entering the building as do the students.

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SCHOOL RULES
1. Always show respect to the school.
2. Always remove shoes and hats upon entering school.
3. All students are required to wear shoes and shirts outside of school.
4. No eating, drinking or chewing gum inside of school.
5. No smoking or alcoholic beverages allowed in school.
6. No loud talking or loud noises.
7. All students must bow and say "KUK SOOL!" upon entering and exiting the school.
8. Only students may enter Dojang (Practice Area); non-students must have permission.
9. Guests must be well-mannered and respectful.
10. Anyone showing disrespect or not following the above rules will be asked to leave.

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Bowing is part of the traditional Asian way of greeting, parting, and demonstrating respect. Unlike bowing in western culture, Asian bowing is by no means a sign of subservience, or of worship. Bowing is a fundamental part of Kuk Sool etiquette. Should you attend a Kuk Sool event as a spectator rather than a participant, you still need to stand and bow at the
appropriate times.

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Instructor and senior ranks of all ages should be addressed as either "sir" or "ma'am" or by their Korean title, if known. Doing so demonstrates respect for the hard work they invested in learning martial arts. Need help with terminology?

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Comparing ourselves to others is human nature -- but try to refrain from it.  Learning -- whether martial arts or a foreign language -- is based on each person. Your instructor knows Kuk Sool, of course, but (s)he also understands the learning and teaching process and about you as a student. (S)he customizes you to your own style of learning. Makes you feel special, eh? You must trust your instructor's judgment because you will be shown new material when you are ready. So devote yourself to practicing the skills you are currently acquiring. Oh, and never teach Kuk Sool to other students: They have their own customized learning process and besides, you are a student, not a teacher. This is moot if you are directed by a black belt to help another student 

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The old saying goes: To be early is to be on time.....so get there 10 or 15 minutes early. This way you will not have to rush, can change clothes, and do a bit of stretching, etc. You'll be ready if you are unrushed and can enjoy the class that you have paid for. If it's unavoidable and you are late, you must ask the instructor's permission to join class, and then, you must bow in before joining the group.

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Please keep your uniform clean and in good repair. Uniforms should be washed in cold water with mild detergent and machine dried on a low setting. Never wash your belt!  If you wear a t-shirt underneath your uniform, it must be either a plain black t-shirt or, preferably, a black Kuk Sool t-shirt.  You must wear a complete, clean uniform to promotional testings and other formal occasions. Regularly-enrolled students may only practice wearing approved uniforms.

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Kuk Sool reflects the traditions and culture of its native country, Korea. In Korean culture, black represents wisdom.

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