Frequently Asked Questions
What makes kuk sool different to other martial arts?
This is probably the most common question we hear. Due to the high media coverage of other martial arts people are much more familiar with them than they are with the likes of Kuk Sool Won.
Kuk Sool Won is different from other martial arts with its "Hard/Soft" system of techniques that are very flowing and circular and pleasing to watch as well as perform.
Kuk Sool Won is a Traditional Korean Martial Art…
You will also gain fitness, make new friends, have fun and learn self defence all at the same time! Any type of activity can potentially be beneficial, but a traditional martial arts system teaches not only physical skills and healthy competitiveness but also positive values such as respect, self confidence, self discipline, goal setting and self development.
A good martial arts school like Kuk Sool Won of Lowestoft offers a supportive environment with positive role models to help you develop good values to help you in everyday life.
I have never done anything like this before?
Absolutely! The hardest part of your martial arts journey is to turn up and walk through our doors. The rest is down to us! We always welcome new beginners and have a program which caters for complete beginners who have never done a martial art before. You will soon fit in with the rest of the class and will never be asked to perform moves that you are not capable of.
At Kuk Sool Won of Lowestoft we pride ourselves on our professional approach and our instructors are trained to cater for complete beginners, in fact the majority of the students who practice at our school had no prior martial arts training. Everyone has different strengths and weaknesses that they bring to class and our goal is to build on your personal strengths, while at the same time helping you to overcome any weaknesses you may have.
Come and talk to some of our students and ask about their accomplishments – they may all be different – but they are all important, especially to a beginner such as yourself.
We promise you that if you make the commitment to try our classes – one day you will look back and be surprised at how much you have gained.
I'm shy/nervous/quiet and not sure if martial arts is what I need?
Kuk Sool Won martial arts training will help to inspire confidence in yourself in a way that no other organised activity is able to do so. Unlike most organised activities such as football, the martial arts doesn’t have “stars” and “benchwarmers”. Your confidence isn’t going to improve by being involved in a sport where you are always sitting on the bench because the team manager cares more about winning the game than the development of non-star players.
In a Kuk Sool Won martial arts class everybody participates and there are so many different elements in training that you are bound to be one of the best at something! You will also notice the camaraderie in our school right from beginner level that all the students will help each other and cheer each other on. It is a wonderful and positive atmosphere that will inspire confidence in you. Punching and kicking is only the tip of the iceberg and at Kuk Sool Won of Lowestoft we believe that the most valuable lessons we can give to our students are the ones that produce intangible results such as self confidence, self discipline, out-going positive and successful people.
My life is too busy and stressful to take on a hobby/martial art?
The key question here is: Can you afford not to take on a martial art? Kuk Sool Won doesn’t just work on the aspects of kicking and punching, although these training tools can be efficient stress relief on their own, we also work on Meditation and Breathing Techniques designed to calm the mind and body and considerably reduce stress levels in today’s busy society.
It is a well known fact that the practice of Kuk Sool Won martial arts will help develop a positive mental attitude and help provide the body with more energy, the more energy you have the more you can accomplish! It is also healthy to have a stress outlet and manage your stress levels for a healthy lifestyle.
am i able to train because i am unfit?
All of our training at Kuk Sool Won of Lowestoft is tailored to the individual’s needs. Age, physical condition and injuries are never a problem and we are able to structure your training around any restrictions that you may have. Our traditional martial arts training program follows a philosophy that your health should be your primary consideration in training, while self defence is a bonus by-product.
Is Kuk Sool Won safe? will i get injured?
Unlike a lot of more competitive martial arts schools, training at Kuk Sool Won of Lowestoft is extremely safe. While there may be the occasional pulled muscle from overexertion, the actual contact is minimal and well controlled. Students are taught to apply their techniques slowly and smoothly, always aware of the safety of their partner, and sparring (if you choose to participate in sparring which is not mandatory for advancement through the ranks) is closely supervised by an experienced instructor with little-to-no contact only and using protective equipment for safety.
How much does it cost and what does the price include/exclude?
The introductory program is completely FREE! Regular training program costs vary depending on which program you require. Our introductory program is a perfect way of finding out if our training is right for you, by allowing you to check out the facility, experience the training and meet the instructors.
Once you have completed the introductory program the instructors will be able to recommend a suitable program for you and your needs. Then you will be given specific information about options on class schedules and program fees.
Everything you need is included in our regular program is included in our monthly tuition. Should you chose to participate in sparring lessons and tournament sparring you will need to purchase the relevant equipment, and once you reach the appropriate belt grade you will need to purchase weapons to practice with, most of which we can supply for you.
In addition to your tuition, there are also testing fees that are quite reasonable and which occur only every 3 months. You will never be surprised by a fee as we will always notify you about any forthcoming testings and fees well in advance.
I work shifts will this hold me back?
There are minimum attendance requirements for the next belt level to be attainable, however this shouldn’t be a problem. If you miss a class during the week and would like to make it up we offer an open make-up class on Saturday mornings for all ages and all ranks. If this is not convenient you can speak to our Master Instructor to attend one of our other classes at another time.
We charge on a monthly direct debit basis rather than per class and offer you plenty of opportunities to make up any classes that you miss.