However, its history goes back to the Japanese annexation of Korea in 1911.

Japan suppressed all Korean martial arts and so they were only taught in secret. Suh In Hyuk was taught some of these traditional arts by his grandfather who also got him in with other traditional masters who taught him other arts. After studying with masters all over Korea, Suh In Hyuk developed what he had learned into a single art. He now lives in Houston and certifies every black belt student himself.

Discipline

Literally, Kuk Sool Won translates from Korean to mean "National Martial Arts System."

About KSW

An umbrella organization of 31 indigenous Korean martial arts styles, the system includes punches and kicks, throws and joint locks. All told, more than 3,000 techniques are taught in KSW.

Tournaments

The Anderson school participates in the national KSW tournament every year in Houston.

They are working to put together a South Carolina tournament. Middleton says that tournaments aren't the focus of the school's instruction.

Rankings

For every test there is a form (a pre-arranged set of punching and striking techniques) and a number of techniques a student must perform proficiently.

For example, there are 15 techniques on the test for students going from white to yellow, and 24 for students going from yellow to blue.

There are a few more techniques on tests for red, brown and black-brown. Testing for black belt takes a while and has it's own process or "cycle."

Children

Classes are taught the same curriculum as the adults, but it's more repetitive to help them remember techniques. After all, there are more than 3,000 total techniques taught in KSW, and children have a harder time remembering them without repetition. The very young students have a little bit smaller of a curriculum, but they are taught adult techniques.

Weapons

Kuk Sool Won is very weapons intensive compared to other martial arts, especially at higher levels. KSW students use common weapons like swords and staffs, but also some traditional Korean weapons that might be unfamiliar to most people such as a folding bamboo fan or using a rope.