Kuk Sool Hapkido

An Overview
The study of Kuk Sool Hapkido includes many modern day techniques such as Modern Weapons defensive and Offense. Kuk Sool Hapkido has many Techniques and is performed for self-defense, Fitness, conditioning, Demonstrations, Competition's and Would be Health purposes.
 
The Kuk Sool Hapkido Characteristics
Kuk Sool Hapkido Includes many different "Martial Arts styles." However, it still has some distinct characteristics that set it apart from other Martial Arts. It is typically characterized by having Fighting Stances, low stances and walking stances,fluid, graceful,Powerful motions and the use of Brute Force. There is also an emphasis on joint locks and pressure points,Throws,Take Downs,Control moves,Chokes,Standing Grappling and Ground Grappling. Kuk Sool Hapkido can be described as being a Kick Punching style, which Also includes Grappling and Hand strikes in addition to circular and Hard and Soft movements.

The KukSool Hapkido Creed
All Kuk Sool Hapkido Practitioners are all expected to abide by the Human Rights Laws Founded By CYRUS the GREAT 600 B.C. As a member of the World Kuk Sool Hapkido Federation, one will obey the rules of  Law and to conduct them self in accordance with the true spirit of Humanity:

—We pledge to be loyal to our  Emperor/King/President,our Country and to promote the Development of a better Way of Life for All.

—We will Come together in Peace with all Men, Women and will Respect others: Race, Religion and Background.
 
—We Will Stand up Against Terrorism,Violent Crime and Racism.we will spread World Peace through the Knowledge of Human Rights Doctrine of CYRUS the GREAT.
 
One of the Most Important aspects of Kuk Sool Hapkido is the theory of "MIX MARTIAL ARTS".This means "Complete Self-Defense". The first part, 'Spiritual', symbolizes the Creator,Nature, and kindness as well as Meditation. The second part, Mind (Intelligence or Mental togetherness,Knowledge,Education), The third is the 'Body', We suggest that there should personal Fitness,that one should always be active and ready to defend themselves  Against Violence.  The above represents the desire to achieve harmony between Spirit,Mind and Body.The redirecting of attacks in Kuk Sool Hapkido is typically characterized by circular movements.In practice this is obtained through Constant Training. The idea is to combine these three aspects and use them to Better all of the practitioner's Training and Life.
KukSool Hapkido Technical aspects:
Kuk Sool Hapkido Includes the following sets of Martial Arts Techniques:
Joint locking/breaking: Various joint locks are employed in Kuk Sool Hapkido, including wrist locks, arm-bars, and small joint manipulation.

Hand Striking—Attacks

Hand strikes are performed as a close distance alternative to kicks. They are executed in a number of ways - from standing, jumping, spinning and rushing forwards. Hand strikes make up fast combinations of strikes which can leave an opponent stunned and unable to defend himself.  Hand strikes can be separated into two distinct styles: closed hand strikes (Punches and Boxing) & open hand techniques.

Various surfaces of the hand may be engaged as the striking surface depending on which area of the opponents body which is being targeted. This leads to a large array of hand positions.
 
Fore fist - A closed fist may be jabbed out directly to strike with the fore fist knuckles. This is a suitable position for general punches to soft areas of the body. Without protection, it is inadvisable to strike the bony face as fingers are likely to get broken on the hard temple and jaw bones.
Hammer fist - A closed fist may be brought down in a hammering motion to strike with the underneath. Such a strike can obliterate an opponent's nose, making it near impossible for him to retaliate.
 
Back fist - clenched hand is swung backwards into the face of an opponent. The back of the hand makes contact and the momentum garnered in the swing makes this a powerful strike. Spinning back fists are a knockout punch.
 
Knife Hand -  is the name for a 'Karate Chop', i.e. where an open hand is hammered down to make impact with the underside. A Ridge Hand is the opposite, where the top of the open hand strikes. These are commonly made to the side of the neck.
 
Fingertips - can be used to strike vulnerable areas of the body such as pressure points. Used in self-defense and not competition sparring, one and two finger strikes are made to the eyeballs. Four finger strikes engaging the tips of the outstretched hand (known as Spear hand) can be made to vital points in the Body.
 
Thumb - is a fist with the thumb protruding over the top. This is a formidable weapon in pressure point striking. Vulnerable areas can be targeted all over the body such as the sternum, the spaces in between the ribs and other nerve clusters.
 
Palm Heel - Is a KukSool Hapkido strike where the hand is pulled back to engage the base of the palm in an upwards thrusting strike. This is particularly dangerous if applied to the base of the nose or chin and can result in danger.
 
Four Knuckle strike - This is a fist shape particular to the Imperial Martial Arts. Instead of closing the fist completely, the fingers are held out and only the knuckles are bent thereby presenting the upper set of knuckles as the striking surface. This fist is used for breaking boards as the smaller surface area concentrates the punches power. In self-defense, it may be used to purposefully break an attackers Body.
 
Boxing and punching normally use palm, fist, wrist, finger, closed hand, open hand, arm, shoulder and pressure-point striking techniques.
 
Other attacks

Kicking Techniques: Low, High, Middle, Spinning, jumping, combination, double-leg, and pressure-point kicks.
 
Throwing Standing Grappling and Ground Grappling: Body throws, projection throws, leg throws, pressure-point grappling, grappling defense, wrestling, and ground-fighting techniques.
 
Falling and Rolling Techniques: Many different Falling and Rolling techniques are taught in Kuk Sool Hapkido. These techniques allow a practitioner to fall into a variety of positions while minimizing injury. This is typically accomplished through maximizing the surface area on impact to prevent damaging force on an isolated area of the body.
 
Chinese Animal-Style Techniques: Tiger, Mantis, Crane, Dragon, Snake, Bear, Eagle etc.

KukSool Hapkido Weapons: Swords (short, long, single and double, straight and inverted), staff (short, middle and long, single and double),  also nun chucks, knife, spear, Trowing knife,cane, rope, fan,and Modern Weaponry.
 
The following principles and styles guide the Aspects of Kuk Sool Hapkido:

• Acupressure/Massage,CHI/Ki Internal Energy Training
 
• Meditation and Breathing Techniques: Meditation and breathing postures and concentration and Relaxation Meditation techniques.

 
Kuk Sool Hapkido Ranking
At each rank level of Kuk Sool Hapkido, a student has to know certain kicking, punching, grappling, weapons, berating and meditation techniques. Once a student has attained a Black-Belt level, they are introduced to  weapons Sparring. These are done against one, two or three opponents.
 
Also at Black-Belt rank or above, Caution is taken at first to learn Martial Arts and then teaching Martial Arts not to injure your partner. True mastery is demonstrated (amongst other things) by full speed and full contact Sparring. In addition, all KukSool Hapkido Aspects have
Ten Guiding Principles:

1. Good Intentions
2. Good Words
3. Good Deeds
4. Good Health
5. A Clear Conscience
6. Annual Medical Checkups
7. Good Sleeping Habits
8. Good Eating Habits
9. Good Personal Hygiene
10. Respecting Human Rights
 
Kuk Sool Hapkido Techniques
Kuk Sool Hapkido systematically divides and applies principles of International Martial Arts into techniques which are organized into technique sets. Each belt level has one or more sets a KukSool Hapkido Student is required to know before advancing to a Higher Level. The number of techniques in each Belt can range from as little as seven to more than twenty one, and are ordered and grouped by Technique. For instance, there are a Kicking techniques, as well as a counter-to-Grappling technique.
Technique sets also range in level of Experience, with some Higher-Belts Students techniques can be similar to lower-Belts technique, but with a more difficult and/or precise method of application. Individual techniques are performed with one or more partners from a Different stances. Most techniques end with a proper application of a joint lock, choke, strike, throw,Grappling or a combination of any of these. In order to be Realistic, Kuk Sool Hapkido techniques must be performed with speed, accuracy and Power.
 
Kuk Sool Hapkido Uniforms
Kuk Sool Hapkido uniforms are Black standardized Martial Arts Uniforms.They can be black medium or Heavy weight KukSool Hapkido pants and KukSool Hapkido training top. The uniform material can strong Like the Grappling uniforms, as it must allow the user to perform the complete Veritey of KukSool Hapkido Martial Arts techniques.

Following The Imperial Military traditions, Kuk Sool Hapkido uniforms are black and in Demonstrations can be white due to the fact that white is a color associated with Zoroastrianism.

There are Five types of Kuk Sool Hapkido uniforms:

—The very plain Black "V" neck Kuksool Hapkido uniform #1,With no patches or Logos.
 
—The Kuk Sool Hapkido Training uniform #2. This is the most used and plain uniform of Kuk Sool Hapkido. It contains just the basic Black Uniform, but also it can have Different patches which may very slightly from National Flags and Students. In general, The Imperial Crowned,Sun,Sowrd,Lion patch written in English is worn over the Left breast, while a Students national flag patch is worn over the Right breast. The back of the uniform often has Kuk Sool Hapkido written in English.

—These patches are also present on every type of Kuk Sool Hapkido #3 uniform. A Students national flag patch may also be worn on the shoulder. However, patches may be worn to identify a particular KukSool Hapkido school. This is to help promote Kuk Sool Hapkido as one Federation and to Promote a friendly, family like sentiment between Students.
 
—Black Belt Student uniform#4 is a practice uniform with a White Fabric attached to a longer top skirt. It may only be worn by 1st Degree Black Belts and above . However The uniform will not have White Fabric if worn by an instructor.
 
—Imperial uniform #5 is for formal occasions which is limited to testings, promotions, demonstrations and Official Visits. The uniform itself is modeled after Tuxedo Formal uniforms.  Like the Black Belt uniform, it contains a longer skirted top which is cut into "V" Sharp sections. The sleeves are held tight against the wearer's wrists and a scarf (Black , White ,Yellow,Red,Green,Gold is worn underneath the Uniform with the Imperial emblem on the Center of the Scarf. Only Black Belts can wear the Imperial uniform, and rank is denominated by the decorative outline on the Shoulders of the Imperial Uniform in addition to the color scarf and emblem displayed.

Imperial Kuk Sool Hapkido Uniform Ranking

1st degree Black Belt: White Trim, Black Scarf, Crown, Sun, Sword, Lion Patch.
 
2nd degree Black Belt: White and Silver Trim with White Scarf, Crown, Sun, Sword, Lion Patch.
 
3rd degree Black Belt: Silver Trim with Silver Scarf: Crown, Sun, Sword, Lion Patch.
 
4th degree - Silver/Green Trim with Silver Scarf:  Crown, Sun, Sword, Lion Patch.
 
5th degree - Green Trim with Green Scarf:  Crown, Sun, Sword, Lion Patch.
 
6th degree - Green and Red Trim with Green Scarf:  Crown, Sun, Sword, Lion Patch.
 
7th degree - Red Trim with Red Scarf: Crown, Sun, Sword, Lion Patch.  
 
8th degree - Red/Gold Trim with Red Scarf: Crown, Sun, Sword, Lion Patch. 
 
9th degree - Gold Trim, Gold Scarf: Crown, Sun, Sword, Lion Patch. 
 
10th Degree Black Belt - Navy Blue Uniform with Gold Trim,Gold Scarf: Crown, Sun, Sword, Lion Patch.
 
Kuk Sool Hapkido Belt Ranking
Kuk Sool Hapkido uniforms include a belt which Showed  rank and length of Training.  Hapkido schools may also issue Belts with black stripes , notably at the brown belt level II,Red Belt Level II. These stripes indicate proficiency in some of the many requirements needed to attain the next rank. Between brown and black belt is an Advanced Color Belt stage where the student is required to show their Expertise before advancing to 1st Degree Black Belt. Advancement from Brown Belt I to 1st Degree Black Belt depends largely on the student's dedication and Training. Achieving from White to the rank of 1st Degree Black Belt could take anywhere from 3 to 7 years.

At Black Belt Level there are 10 levels:
1st degree - black belt Student
 
2nd degree - black belt Student
 
3rd degree - black belt Student
 
4th degree -  (Assistant Master Instructor)
 
5th Degree -  (Master Instructor) Masters are presented with a thick Black Belt to symbolize Their Mastery.
 
6th Degree Black Belt - (Full Master Instructor)
 
7th Degree -  (Head Master Instructor)
 
8th Degree Black Belt - (Chief Master Instructor I)
 
9th Degree - ( Chief Master Instructor Level II)
 
10th degree Black Belt- (Supreme Grandmaster Instructor)
 
Non black belt students are  referred to as "colored belts", or by their belt color.
 
KukSool Hapkido Tournaments and Competition
A KukSool Hapkido student can be trained to fight in:
 

1970'S - Supreme Grand Master Instructor begins teaching the Imperial Martial Arts to the Imperial Elite Immortal Guards.

1978 - Imperial Elite Immortal Guards, begin their Campaign to defend their Land against Terrorist.

1979 - Dissolution of the Imperial Elite Immortal Guards by Terrorists.
 
1979 - the Execution of General NESHAT,Commander of the Imperial Elite Immortal Guards, by Terrorist.

1979 - Supreme Grand Master Moon emigrates to The United States.
 
1980 - The Passing of H.I.M.SHAHANSHAH ARYAMEHR PAHLAVI, LIGHT OF THE ARYAS, Supreme Grand Master Instructor Moon's Kuk Sool Hapkido Studio's established in The United States.
 
1982 - Supreme Grand Master Instructor Moon Preforms KukSool Hapkido Demonstrations in Reseda.
 
1991 - Supreme Grand Master Moon passes away.

1992 - Publication of Kuk Sool Hapkido handbooks and instructional videos. Head Master Shawn Shervan Establishes KukSool Hapkido World H.Q. in Los Angeles, California,U.S.A.
 
1994 - Head Master Shawn Shervan is honored by presentation of Chief Master Instructor.

During the history of Kuk Sool Hapkido, most Imperial Guards Men were very accomplished in Imperial Martial Artists that they were occasionally called upon during National Ceremonies to Demonstrate their Fighting Abilities. Today, the tenets of  Zoroastrianism and Sufism are prevalent in Kuk Sool Hapkido as they help teach practitioners meditation skills and there philosophies of  Being Humble and to have Compassion for all of Nature,Animals and Humans.

Honor Hayeh Razme SHAHANSHAHI (Imperial Martial Arts) is unique to Kuk Sool Hapkido. Some of the weapons used in Kuk Sool Hapkido were a part of the Special daily Training Of Imperial Guards of The Imperial PAHLAVI Court. The rope or sash, Knife,cane, fan, and short,Long swords were all used among members of the Imperial Elite Immortal Guards. There were also many unique open handed and joint-locking principles of Kuk Sool Hapkido that are used extensively in Kuk Sool Hapkido. Weapons training in Kuk Sool Hapkido is very extensive involving 27 different weapons in its curriculum (see Weapons of Kuk Sool Hapkido).
 
Kuk Sool Hapkido's Modern History
Kuk Sool Hapkido's modern history can be indirectly traced to the Imperial Immortal Guards of the  H.I.M. PAHLAVI'S Imperial Court. During this period almost all aspects of the Indo-European Culture were re-Introduced by the Imperial Government, including the teaching of Imperial Martial Arts. Those  practicing Imperial Martial Arts were Rewarded, and many leading Imperial Martial Arts instructors were also Teaching The Imperial Immortal Guards. Among them was General Neshat, Commander of the Elite Imperial Immortal Guards to the Imperial Court before it was dissolved by the Bloody Revolution of 1979. 

Prior to 1979, Imperial Martial Arts: Different kicking and hard punching styles; Kushti Kaj, a soft style with emphasis on locking and throwing techniques; and Kushti e Azad, a combination which could be either hard or soft, but never used force against force.
 
Despite the Revolution, Many Monarchist have  count the tradition of practicing and teaching Imperial Martial Arts in the U.S. The World Kuksool Hapkido Federation continues to carry on this Imperial Martial Arts legacy.
 
Supreme Grand Master Moon Training
By the time he was 9 years old, had traveled to hundreds of Kilometers to train with private Martial Arts teachers, studying many aspects of Kung Fu,Karate,Judo,Taekwondo,Hapkido Martial Arts. During this intensive training-period S.G.M. Moon learned special Fighting skills, Yoga,meditation techniques and Internal Power Development(CHI) knowledge, which is taught as a fundamental to all Kuk Sool Hapkido practitioners.

In the late 1970s In Supreme Grand Master Moon began to integrate the many scattered Martial Art techniques of Asia into a single Martial Art System. Hence the name 'Kuk Sool Hapkido'. In the CHINESE Language the word kuk/KU means 'INTERNATIONAL' and sool/SU/Shu means 'Martial Arts' (the International Martial Arts).Chief Master Shawn Shervan taught his first Kuk Sool Hapkido Martial Arts to the Public in 1986, and in 1994 officially founded The World  Kuk Sool Hapkido Federation.
 
Present Federation and Instruction
In 1994, when Kuk Sool Hapkido  was becoming well known by the World, The Chief Master brought This Mix Martial Arts to the United States. Currently the World Kuk Sool Hapkido Federation headquarters is located in Los Angeles, California,U.S.A. Kuk Sool Hapkido is practiced in many Countries. Official Kuk Sool Hapkido Competition and Tournaments Training is available, including  Mix Martial Arts tournaments Training, and attract many competitors each year. It is famous in the Kuk Sool Hapkido community for their outstanding Training and Conditioning.
 
Kuksool Hapkido Perspectives on the Source of Kuk Sool Hapkido
Over the years differing versions of the sources of Kuk Sool have emerged. Early sources presenting conflicting information on the source of this Mix Martial Arts include the writings of some Kuk Sool representative , the early statements of others,
The first source for Imperial Court Martial Arts which was studied by the the Imperial Elite Immortal Guards. This fact is that The Imperial Elite Immortal Guards mentioned in many published regarding The Elite Forces of Cyrus The Great Dating back to some 2,500 years ago.
 
Of many of Moon's influential teachers were ZorKhaneh Ostads, the founders of Modern Imperial Martial Arts and a master's of Indo-European Martial Arts,as well." Supreme Grand Master Moon Always claimed to have studied native Asian Martial Arts of Persia, China, Japan, Okinawa, Korean Martial Arts". Some would rather have claimed to have studied other Martial Arts as opposed to his art in its early years as Japanese jujitsu before settling in Imperial Iran.
 
Moon is also known to have had associations with members of  Karate, Kung Fu, Judo, Taekwondo, Hapkido school's in Korea, especially with people like Kim Oh Tak and others senior members before founded the Kuk Sool Hapkido Martial Arts.

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