From Kuk Sool Won to United Mirae Kuk Sool: A Modern Evolution of Tradition
Preserving Tradition, Embracing the Future of Korean Martial Arts
Korean martial arts have long honored tradition, discipline, and holistic growth. One of the most respected systems, Kuk Sool Won, was founded in 1961 by Grandmaster Suh In-Hyuk. Over the decades, Kuk Sool Won expanded globally and became known for blending ancient Korean fighting techniques with modern martial arts training. But in recent years, a new chapter emerged with the creation of United Mirae Kuk Sool — a martial arts organization designed to preserve tradition while modernizing its approach.
The History of Kuk Sool Won
Kuk Sool Won was developed as a comprehensive martial art, integrating techniques from Korea’s tribal, Buddhist temple, and royal court traditions. Its curriculum includes striking, grappling, joint locks, pressure points, throws, weapons, acrobatics, and meditation. As it grew, Kuk Sool Won established schools worldwide, known as “dojangs,” offering a highly structured system focused on respect, discipline, and long-term growth.
Why United Mirae Kuk Sool Was Founded
In 2022, Master Sung Jin Suh, the son of Kuk Sool Won’s founder, made the pivotal decision to branch off and form United Mirae Kuk Sool (UMKS). The word Mirae means “future” in Korean — a name that reflects the mission of this new organization: to carry traditional martial arts into the modern age with honesty, accessibility, and a renewed focus on student-centered learning.
United Mirae Kuk Sool was founded to:
- Uphold the core principles of traditional Korean martial arts
- Create a more open and inclusive leadership model
- Prioritize transparency and integrity in martial arts instruction
- Offer practical self-defense training with real-world applications
What Sets United Mirae Kuk Sool Apart?
United Mirae Kuk Sool keeps the foundational techniques of Kuk Sool Won — including hyung (forms), weapons training, and joint locking — but enhances the experience with a more flexible and modern approach. Some of the defining features include:
- Practical self-defense (Sah Do Mu Sool) for today’s situations
- Mental and physical wellness through meditation and breathing
- Student-first instruction, fostering leadership and growth
- Community-based teaching with transparent advancement processes
This progressive mindset has attracted families, teens, and adults looking for a martial arts school that values both tradition and evolution.
A Growing Community
United Mirae Kuk Sool is expanding quickly with affiliated dojangs across the U.S. and beyond. Students and instructors enjoy:
- Training seminars with Master Sung Jin Suh
- Local and regional martial arts tournaments
- A balanced focus on tradition, self-defense, and personal development
- An inclusive curriculum ideal for families, teens, and beginners
Why United Mirae Kuk Sool Matters
The transition from Kuk Sool Won to United Mirae Kuk Sool wasn’t about rejecting tradition—it was about preserving it in a meaningful and relevant way. With its emphasis on honesty, accessibility, and future-forward teaching, UMKS is bringing Korean martial arts into the 21st century without losing the depth and discipline of its origins.
Join the Future of Korean Martial Arts
Whether you're a parent looking for youth martial arts classes, an adult seeking traditional self-defense, or a martial artist interested in a more community-driven training experience, United Mirae Kuk Sool offers a home.
