JKN Jane Hurst (far right) and students.
In a traditional martial art we are taught to follow the teachings of our instructor without question. This can be a particularly difficult concept to grasp. We live in a world where we are taught from a young age to question and to challenge as a fundamental way of learning.
As a highly educated person, I have built my professional and academic life around questioning. I am a lawyer and have a doctorate. I am inquisitive by nature and have a thirst for knowledge. I love a good debate as a way of deepening my understanding. Adopting a challenging mindset and approach is ingrained in the way I live my life.
My early martial arts journey in the Korean martial art of Kuk Sool Won™ was difficult for me. I approached it with the usual “why”, “what” and “how” questions that have served me so well in other aspects of my life. “Why am I learning this”, “what is its purpose”, and “how does it apply to a real-life situation” were frequent questions. It was not that I didn’t trust my instructor. Rather, my mind was conditioned to challenge and question as a way of developing my understanding. I was met with a response that I was not expecting. I was told that I didn’t need to understand why, I just needed to do it. This was counter-intuitive to me.
Over time I have come to realise that there can be value in following instructions and simply doing, rather than always questioning and striving to know why. As I progressed through the coloured belt ranks I started to understand how the material I was learning at each belt level not only added a new physical skill. I found myself having “aha” moments where a concept suddenly became clear. For example, instead of just going through the physical movement of a technique such as a wrist lock, I began to understand the concept in a way that I could then apply to other techniques. This embedded my knowledge and understanding in a more lasting and powerful way than any explanation by my instructor could have achieved. I needed to learn by doing rather than by questioning and being told.
As I approach second degree blackbelt, I realise how much I have learned about my martial art simply by participation and being a diligent student. I am not an expert by any means, and I know that I have only scratched the surface in my martial art of Kuk Sool Won™. However, by walking the martial arts path with a different mindset, I have gained a depth of knowledge that transcends anything I have specifically been told or taught.
The importance of this approach was reiterated in the annual visit to New Zealand by Executive Master and eighth degree blackbelt, SIKJN Suh. He spoke to us and our students of the importance of trusting our teachers. All Kuk Sool instructors are well trained, and quality is controlled through a comprehensive syllabus, regular testing and audits, and a school licencing system. We all teach the syllabus developed by our Grandmaster in the same way. It is designed to progressively develop and build on our skills and knowledge through experiential learning (learning by doing).
In Kuk Sool, faithfully following our martial arts system of learning, as developed by our Grandmaster and taught by our instructors over years, will develop deep understanding and expertise. I believe it is not necessary to be “told why” to become a good martial artist. We do need to trust our instructors and the syllabus we are being taught and have the discipline to practice consistently. This approach frees us up to enjoy the process of learning with our bodies, as much as with our minds. Knowledge and understanding will come as part of this process of learning by doing and it will be long lasting and rewarding.
JKN Jane Hurst
First degree black belt and school owner
Kuk Sool Won™ of Onewhero
Copyright © 2019. Kuk Sool Won™ of Pukekohe and Onewhero. All Rights Reserved.
]]>As a highly educated person, I have built my professional and academic life around questioning. I am a lawyer and have a doctorate. I am inquisitive by nature and have a thirst for knowledge. I love a good debate as a way of deepening my understanding. Adopting a challenging mindset and approach is ingrained in the way I live my life.
My early martial arts journey in the Korean martial art of Kuk Sool Won™ was difficult for me. I approached it with the usual “why”, “what” and “how” questions that have served me so well in other aspects of my life. “Why am I learning this”, “what is its purpose”, and “how does it apply to a real-life situation” were frequent questions. It was not that I didn’t trust my instructor. Rather, my mind was conditioned to challenge and question as a way of developing my understanding. I was met with a response that I was not expecting. I was told that I didn’t need to understand why, I just needed to do it. This was counter-intuitive to me.
Over time I have come to realise that there can be value in following instructions and simply doing, rather than always questioning and striving to know why. As I progressed through the coloured belt ranks I started to understand how the material I was learning at each belt level not only added a new physical skill. I found myself having “aha” moments where a concept suddenly became clear. For example, instead of just going through the physical movement of a technique such as a wrist lock, I began to understand the concept in a way that I could then apply to other techniques. This embedded my knowledge and understanding in a more lasting and powerful way than any explanation by my instructor could have achieved. I needed to learn by doing rather than by questioning and being told.
As I approach second degree blackbelt, I realise how much I have learned about my martial art simply by participation and being a diligent student. I am not an expert by any means, and I know that I have only scratched the surface in my martial art of Kuk Sool Won™. However, by walking the martial arts path with a different mindset, I have gained a depth of knowledge that transcends anything I have specifically been told or taught.
The importance of this approach was reiterated in the annual visit to New Zealand by Executive Master and eighth degree blackbelt, SIKJN Suh. He spoke to us and our students of the importance of trusting our teachers. All Kuk Sool instructors are well trained, and quality is controlled through a comprehensive syllabus, regular testing and audits, and a school licencing system. We all teach the syllabus developed by our Grandmaster in the same way. It is designed to progressively develop and build on our skills and knowledge through experiential learning (learning by doing).
In Kuk Sool, faithfully following our martial arts system of learning, as developed by our Grandmaster and taught by our instructors over years, will develop deep understanding and expertise. I believe it is not necessary to be “told why” to become a good martial artist. We do need to trust our instructors and the syllabus we are being taught and have the discipline to practice consistently. This approach frees us up to enjoy the process of learning with our bodies, as much as with our minds. Knowledge and understanding will come as part of this process of learning by doing and it will be long lasting and rewarding.
JKN Jane Hurst
First degree black belt and school owner
Kuk Sool Won™ of Onewhero
Copyright © 2019. Kuk Sool Won™ of Pukekohe and Onewhero. All Rights Reserved.
JKN Jane with one of her younger students
The start of a new year is a time when we traditionally set our goals for the year ahead. These may be to lose weight, get fitter, try a new activity, or change jobs. Goals can be useful. They provide direction, focus and motivation. They also enable us to measure our progress and bring feelings of satisfaction and pride when we achieve a particular goal.
For a while I have been thinking about and questioning the importance of goals within the context of a traditional martial art. Many people, particularly those who are relatively new to martial arts, focus on the goal of achieving a certain rank. In the early stages of training, they focus on attaining the next coloured belt. As a student progresses, the goal often shifts to reaching the rank of black belt. Students will also focus on the goal of learning new material or starting weapons training. These types of goals provide them with motivation, particularly when training becomes difficult, along with a sense of achievement and satisfaction when the goal is reached.
Unlike many of the people I have trained with, I have never really set myself any specific goals for my martial arts training. My intention from the day I started training in the traditional Korean martial art of Kuk Sool Won™ was to continue to train for as long as I found it enjoyable. This has led me on the path towards 2nd degree black belt. However, it has never been a particular goal to become a black belt or run a martial arts school. It just happened as a natural progression of my commitment to enjoying my training.
I believe that my enjoyment and commitment to my training in Kuk Sool Won™ has been much greater because I have not set myself any particular goal. Instead, each training session or class I teach becomes my main focus. This enables me to be fully present, participating in my martial art practice and teaching in a very mindful way. I endeavour to engage fully with my students and almost always find it an energising and rewarding experience. It frees me from the stresses of the day and my worries or concerns for tomorrow. For me, martial arts provides a truly mindful activity.
A traditional martial art is not a series of destinations. Rather, it is a continuous journey of physical development and personal discovery. What is truly important and of value is in what we learn along the way, rather than what goal we achieve or rank we attain. Focusing on a goal involves focusing on some future state, rather than the present moment. While I would never discourage students from setting goals for themselves and their training, I do encourage them to place a much greater focus on their current training. Being truly present in each moment of every training session is tremendously beneficial and enriches our daily lives. This provides richness and satisfaction on a daily basis. Goals are achieved as a by-product rather than the end-product of training. Ultimately a more mindful approach to training which focuses on the journey enhances our lives more than occurs through the achievement of any specific goal.
So for 2019 my commitment is to continue to learn and to enjoy my training and teaching on each day that I am fortunate enough to participate in Kuk Sool Won™.
JKN Jane Hurst
First degree black belt and school owner
Kuk Sool Won™ of Onewhero
Copyright © 2019. Kuk Sool Won™ of Pukekohe and Onewhero. All Rights Reserved.
]]>For a while I have been thinking about and questioning the importance of goals within the context of a traditional martial art. Many people, particularly those who are relatively new to martial arts, focus on the goal of achieving a certain rank. In the early stages of training, they focus on attaining the next coloured belt. As a student progresses, the goal often shifts to reaching the rank of black belt. Students will also focus on the goal of learning new material or starting weapons training. These types of goals provide them with motivation, particularly when training becomes difficult, along with a sense of achievement and satisfaction when the goal is reached.
Unlike many of the people I have trained with, I have never really set myself any specific goals for my martial arts training. My intention from the day I started training in the traditional Korean martial art of Kuk Sool Won™ was to continue to train for as long as I found it enjoyable. This has led me on the path towards 2nd degree black belt. However, it has never been a particular goal to become a black belt or run a martial arts school. It just happened as a natural progression of my commitment to enjoying my training.
I believe that my enjoyment and commitment to my training in Kuk Sool Won™ has been much greater because I have not set myself any particular goal. Instead, each training session or class I teach becomes my main focus. This enables me to be fully present, participating in my martial art practice and teaching in a very mindful way. I endeavour to engage fully with my students and almost always find it an energising and rewarding experience. It frees me from the stresses of the day and my worries or concerns for tomorrow. For me, martial arts provides a truly mindful activity.
A traditional martial art is not a series of destinations. Rather, it is a continuous journey of physical development and personal discovery. What is truly important and of value is in what we learn along the way, rather than what goal we achieve or rank we attain. Focusing on a goal involves focusing on some future state, rather than the present moment. While I would never discourage students from setting goals for themselves and their training, I do encourage them to place a much greater focus on their current training. Being truly present in each moment of every training session is tremendously beneficial and enriches our daily lives. This provides richness and satisfaction on a daily basis. Goals are achieved as a by-product rather than the end-product of training. Ultimately a more mindful approach to training which focuses on the journey enhances our lives more than occurs through the achievement of any specific goal.
So for 2019 my commitment is to continue to learn and to enjoy my training and teaching on each day that I am fortunate enough to participate in Kuk Sool Won™.
JKN Jane Hurst
First degree black belt and school owner
Kuk Sool Won™ of Onewhero
Copyright © 2019. Kuk Sool Won™ of Pukekohe and Onewhero. All Rights Reserved.
A traditional martial art, like Kuk Sool Won™, is about more than the development of physical skills. The learning and personal development opportunities it provides go much deeper. This is particularly clear when working with our female students. Many people believe that a martial art is great for girls and women because it teaches self-defence. This is based on the premise that women need to learn how to defend themselves against a physical attack. It sees girls and women as potential victims of violence based on their gender.
While there are undoubted benefits to learning self-defence skills, participation in a martial art provides girls and women with so much more than protection from violence. A starting point to understanding these benefits can be found in the research into the types of benefits sport provides to girls and women. In 2015, an international consultancy (EY), published research on women in senior leadership positions in large corporations in the United States. It identified that 94% of women in the executive team (or C-suite) had played sport and 74% believed that a background in sport can help accelerate a woman’s career. Girls who play sports have “greater social and economic mobility, are less likely to use drugs, have greater personal safety, and perform better at school”.
Other research focusing specifically on women who participate in martial arts has found that it is empowering for those women, builds confidence, and can help change gender stereotypes. In martial arts, girls and boys, and women and men train together. In some martial arts, such as Kuk Sool Won™, they even compete against each other in many categories of competition. This creates an environment where men and women learn to work together, promoting equality and challenging traditional views on gender.
Almost half of our students are girls and women. Based on our experiences working with them, as well as our own experiences as women martial artists and instructors, we are well aware of the benefits martial arts training provides.
I am passionate about encouraging girls and women to explore their physicality through martial arts. If this is done in a respectful, inclusive environment, the benefits can be truly lifechanging.
JKN Jane Hurst
First degree black belt and school owner
Kuk Sool Won™ of Onewhero
Copyright © 2018. Kuk Sool Won™ of Pukekohe and Onewhero. All Rights Reserved.
]]>While there are undoubted benefits to learning self-defence skills, participation in a martial art provides girls and women with so much more than protection from violence. A starting point to understanding these benefits can be found in the research into the types of benefits sport provides to girls and women. In 2015, an international consultancy (EY), published research on women in senior leadership positions in large corporations in the United States. It identified that 94% of women in the executive team (or C-suite) had played sport and 74% believed that a background in sport can help accelerate a woman’s career. Girls who play sports have “greater social and economic mobility, are less likely to use drugs, have greater personal safety, and perform better at school”.
Other research focusing specifically on women who participate in martial arts has found that it is empowering for those women, builds confidence, and can help change gender stereotypes. In martial arts, girls and boys, and women and men train together. In some martial arts, such as Kuk Sool Won™, they even compete against each other in many categories of competition. This creates an environment where men and women learn to work together, promoting equality and challenging traditional views on gender.
Almost half of our students are girls and women. Based on our experiences working with them, as well as our own experiences as women martial artists and instructors, we are well aware of the benefits martial arts training provides.
- Strength: Martial arts training improves physical strength when undertaken over an extended period of time. The feeling of having a strong body can be particularly powerful for women. When I first started training, I had little in the way of upper body strength. This has changed significantly over the years of dedicated martial arts training. Feeling good in your body is an empowering experience, especially for women who can be very self-conscious and critical about their bodies.
- Confidence: Participation helps girls and women to become more confident. They learn to recognise, develop and harness the strength within their bodies and minds. This in turn, is both empowering and develops self-belief. This inner confidence is far more powerful than learning any specific physical self-defence skills. They start to walk and talk differently. Their confidence encourages them to participate in life with a belief that they are worthy. This has major implications for the decisions they make, for the relationships they form, and for their attitude towards life. So much more becomes possible with self-confidence and self-belief. It opens up a world of possibilities.
- Resilience: Martial arts training requires considerable patience and commitment. By training over extended periods of time, our female students develop self-discipline. They learn how persistence enables them to overcome the physical and psychological challenges martial arts training presents. They are encouraged to focus on their strengths and the things that they are good at, rather than dwelling on their failings or weaknesses. This fosters resilience and inner strength, which they can draw on to overcome challenges in other aspects of their lives.
- Respect: An inclusive environment encourages respect and tolerance. Our dojang is a truly respectful place. We role model and encourage respectful relationships between all of our students. This includes our students developing a respectful relationship with themselves. Respect in turn builds self-esteem, as well as encourages the development of strong, healthy and trusting relationships. Our female students learn how it feels to be in an environment where they are respected by others, including boys and men. This can be a very empowering experience for some.
I am passionate about encouraging girls and women to explore their physicality through martial arts. If this is done in a respectful, inclusive environment, the benefits can be truly lifechanging.
JKN Jane Hurst
First degree black belt and school owner
Kuk Sool Won™ of Onewhero
Copyright © 2018. Kuk Sool Won™ of Pukekohe and Onewhero. All Rights Reserved.
DBN Margaret from Kuk Sool Won™ of Onewhero
At our martial arts school we are privileged to teach students from aged 5 to 75. It’s extremely rewarding to see the development and growth our youngest students as they learn the fundamentals of our martial art. It is exciting to know that they have decades of life ahead of them and that the guidance and training they receive while at our school may positively influence their lives in some way.
It is equally rewarding though to work with older students. Our oldest student, Dahn Boh Nim Margaret, joined our school three years ago with her granddaughter. She was 72 when she started her martial arts training. Both are now well on their way to achieving their black belt. Working with DBN Margaret constantly reminds me of the importance of embracing and celebrating the experience and contribution older people bring to all aspects of society.
There is an uncomfortable reality in our society. Older people can face discrimination because of their age, although it is often subtle. The elderly can be seen as a burden on younger taxpayers, due to the health and pension costs that old age and retirement bring. Their views and experience can be dismissed as lacking in relevance to the younger population. Social isolation and elder abuse are all too frequent realities. Current research indicates that about half of older New Zealanders experience some level of loneliness, and 8-9% feel lonely all or most of the time. Elder abuse is also prevalent. Around 10% of people aged over 65 will experience some form of elder abuse. These statistics are not unique to New Zealand. They represent a global phenomenon.
In the martial arts world, we often focus on physical prowess and athletic ability, which are associated with youth. However, it is important to also embrace and celebrate our older martial artists. There are many reasons for this.
JKN Jane Hurst
First degree black belt and school owner
Kuk Sool Won™ of Onewhero
Note: Dahn Boh Nim or DBN is black-brown belt rank in Kuk Sool Won™.
Copyright © 2018. Kuk Sool Won™ of Onewhero. All Rights Reserved.
]]>It is equally rewarding though to work with older students. Our oldest student, Dahn Boh Nim Margaret, joined our school three years ago with her granddaughter. She was 72 when she started her martial arts training. Both are now well on their way to achieving their black belt. Working with DBN Margaret constantly reminds me of the importance of embracing and celebrating the experience and contribution older people bring to all aspects of society.
There is an uncomfortable reality in our society. Older people can face discrimination because of their age, although it is often subtle. The elderly can be seen as a burden on younger taxpayers, due to the health and pension costs that old age and retirement bring. Their views and experience can be dismissed as lacking in relevance to the younger population. Social isolation and elder abuse are all too frequent realities. Current research indicates that about half of older New Zealanders experience some level of loneliness, and 8-9% feel lonely all or most of the time. Elder abuse is also prevalent. Around 10% of people aged over 65 will experience some form of elder abuse. These statistics are not unique to New Zealand. They represent a global phenomenon.
In the martial arts world, we often focus on physical prowess and athletic ability, which are associated with youth. However, it is important to also embrace and celebrate our older martial artists. There are many reasons for this.
- They have a wealth of life experience. If we are prepared to listen, they have much wisdom to share.
- They are generous with their time. Volunteers are typically seniors and martial arts clubs rely on students volunteering their time for activities like fundraising and working bees.
- They provide emotional support and friendship to others. We all go through tough times when we need support from those around us. Older students know how hard life can be and are a great source of compassion and guidance.
- They are inspirational. Despite physical limitations and pain, they are dedicated to their training and role model tenacity. They don’t give up, are patient, and show us how age does not need to be a barrier to learning and personal development.
JKN Jane Hurst
First degree black belt and school owner
Kuk Sool Won™ of Onewhero
Note: Dahn Boh Nim or DBN is black-brown belt rank in Kuk Sool Won™.
Copyright © 2018. Kuk Sool Won™ of Onewhero. All Rights Reserved.
Nathan Scott (centre), with SBN Caroline (left) and JKN Jane (right)
My Kuk Sool Won™ journey began when I was researching martial arts for one to learn. I came across Kus Sool Won, I decided to look in to it a bit more and then decided I would give it a try. I sent SBN Caroline, the owner, an email and I soon got a reply. So, the next day I went along to my try-out class and I loved it and went along to the next class.
After a year of being with Kuk Sool my younger brother also started training, but unfortunately the West Auckland school had to close. I did not want to stop training, so I tried some other martial arts but they were nothing like Kuk Sool. My Dad drove me on the three hour round trip to the Waikato until we moved down to Onewhero. I was able to do Kuk Sool with the same instructors, which was very important to me. I also convinced my parents to join and we now train together as a family. It is great to train with family because we can all learn together and get to spend time doing something which we all enjoy.
When we moved to the Waikato I joined the Black Belt Club. This means that I can now train as many times as I like. I am now a Brown Belt and in the first hour of training I help the younger students and in the second hour I focus on my own training. I really enjoy working with the younger students as it helps me to be patient and to be a good teacher. This means that I train for up to 6 hours a week, over 3 session times.
My favourite part of Kuk Sool is using the weapons, because it is fun and you can learn the part the weapons have in the history of Korea. I also really enjoy practicing the forms. Forms are a combination of moves made to fit together in a sequence. The reason I like forms is because it is the main part of Kuk Sool, which teaches you strikes and stances easily.
I would like to get to at least Ji Do Kwahn Jahng Nim (Seventh Degree) and open a school in Wellington, but my Kuk Sool Won journey will never end. SBN Caroline and JKN Jane are the best and I never want to stop Kuk Sool.
Nathan Scott
Brown Belt
Kuk Sool Won of Onewhero & Pukekohe
Copyright © 2018. Kuk Sool Won™ of Onewhero. All Rights Reserved.
]]>After a year of being with Kuk Sool my younger brother also started training, but unfortunately the West Auckland school had to close. I did not want to stop training, so I tried some other martial arts but they were nothing like Kuk Sool. My Dad drove me on the three hour round trip to the Waikato until we moved down to Onewhero. I was able to do Kuk Sool with the same instructors, which was very important to me. I also convinced my parents to join and we now train together as a family. It is great to train with family because we can all learn together and get to spend time doing something which we all enjoy.
When we moved to the Waikato I joined the Black Belt Club. This means that I can now train as many times as I like. I am now a Brown Belt and in the first hour of training I help the younger students and in the second hour I focus on my own training. I really enjoy working with the younger students as it helps me to be patient and to be a good teacher. This means that I train for up to 6 hours a week, over 3 session times.
My favourite part of Kuk Sool is using the weapons, because it is fun and you can learn the part the weapons have in the history of Korea. I also really enjoy practicing the forms. Forms are a combination of moves made to fit together in a sequence. The reason I like forms is because it is the main part of Kuk Sool, which teaches you strikes and stances easily.
I would like to get to at least Ji Do Kwahn Jahng Nim (Seventh Degree) and open a school in Wellington, but my Kuk Sool Won journey will never end. SBN Caroline and JKN Jane are the best and I never want to stop Kuk Sool.
Nathan Scott
Brown Belt
Kuk Sool Won of Onewhero & Pukekohe
Copyright © 2018. Kuk Sool Won™ of Onewhero. All Rights Reserved.
Teaching children the traditional Korean martial art of Kuk Sool Won™ is a great joy for me. Sure, it can be a bit like herding feral kittens at times, especially when they are tired near the end of the school term. It can also be frustrating when they can’t remember what you have taught them or when siblings fight in class. But these are minor irritations when compared with the overall joy teaching this age group brings.
So why do I enjoy teaching martial arts to children so much?
Teaching martial arts to kids is not easy and does not come naturally to everyone. While there are many factors that make a good teacher, fundamentally an instructor must have a passion for teaching children. If this exists, the kids will be “smiling, sweating and learning” (using the words of Master Martin Ducker of Kuk Sool Won™ of Lowestoft and Halesworth). This makes for a great environment for everyone.
JKN Jane Hurst
First degree black belt and school owner
Kuk Sool Won™ of Onewhero
Copyright © 2018. Kuk Sool Won™ of Onewhero. All Rights Reserved.
]]>So why do I enjoy teaching martial arts to children so much?
- It is fun: Kids like to have fun. It is the main reason they participate in any activity. Martial arts training must be a fun-filled experience for children, otherwise they will quit. In many ways it is structured play, especially for the younger age groups. As adults, we have usually forgotten the joy that comes from play. Our lives become structured and serious. Our martial art becomes about constantly striving to achieve a never-ending series of goals that we set ourselves. We often forget that it can also be a really fun experience. When I am teaching our kids class, I make sure to mix structured training with fun games and activities. These also have hidden benefits, as they emphasise elements like fitness, teamwork, coordination, balance, and speed. But mostly they are focused on the kids having fun and when they are enjoying themselves, teaching is fun for me as well. Smiles are contagious!
- It is rewarding: If martial arts are fun, kids will often commit for a long period of time. As an instructor, I get to teach them once or twice a week for years. I get to see them grow; physically, emotionally and psychologically. They develop physical self-defence skills and become fitter, stronger, more flexible and coordinated. A martial arts though, doed not just develop a child’s physical skills. Kids grow in confidence, which is especially important for those who are shy or being bullied. They also learn boundaries, interpersonal skills, effective communication, good manners, leadership skills, focus, and respect It is hugely rewarding to know that I am, in some small way, positively influencing the development of so many children who come through our school.
- It fits with my values: I am motivated by a desire to make a difference. Teaching kids, and especially young girls, the skills to defend themselves and to grow into strong and confident people fits with this value. When we work in an area which is consistent with our values, it is a joy. This doesn’t mean that it will always be enjoyable. Working with children can be challenging, tiring and frustrating. But given that it fits with my value of making a difference to their lives, I find it a deeply satisfying experience, despite the challenges.
Teaching martial arts to kids is not easy and does not come naturally to everyone. While there are many factors that make a good teacher, fundamentally an instructor must have a passion for teaching children. If this exists, the kids will be “smiling, sweating and learning” (using the words of Master Martin Ducker of Kuk Sool Won™ of Lowestoft and Halesworth). This makes for a great environment for everyone.
JKN Jane Hurst
First degree black belt and school owner
Kuk Sool Won™ of Onewhero
Copyright © 2018. Kuk Sool Won™ of Onewhero. All Rights Reserved.
DBN Garth (right) of Kuk Sool Won™ of Pukekohe enjoying his training with fellow students
For SBN Caroline and I, our martial art of Kuk Sool Won™ is more than a hobby. It is our job, our passion and central to the way we live our lives. However, for most people, martial arts are a recreational activity. In our experience, students participate to get fit, learn some self-defense skills, build their confidence, and to enjoy the companionship of their fellow students. They set goals around achieving a certain rank and are motivated by the new material they learn at each new belt level. While the practice of martial arts is important, as with any recreational activity, it must fit in around many other life commitments.
A recreational martial art usually involves around 2 to 4 hours of structured training a week in a class environment. While this is enough time to learn the basic skills, in our martial art of Kuk Sool Won™ there is a lot of material to learn and perfect, especially as a student progresses towards black belt (and beyond). This invariably means our students need to practice their material outside of class time. This can be challenging, particularly for those students who are time poor or do not have someone they can practice with outside of classes. As well, students may not always have a training partner at the same belt level in their school. For example, my training partner left when I was a yellow belt (after six months of training). As ours was a small school, I never had another regular training partner at my belt level. Having a fellow student of the same rank as a training partner makes training much more enjoyable, helps with motivation, and aids the learning process, as you help each other to practice and remember your material. I know from experience that it definitely makes training more difficult when you no longer have another student at your level to train with.
While participating in martial arts as a recreational activity is enjoyable and rewarding, there are definitely some training challenges to be overcome. We have come up with some tips to make your training and practice more enjoyable and effective.
Martial arts training is a fantastic recreational activity. To get the most out of it, you need to be smart about how you train. The tips I have outlined above are ways to maximise the time you have available. Your instructor and other more senior students will also be a great source of knowledge. Ask for advice and be creative in the ways you train so that you can find works for you.
JKN Jane Hurst
First degree black belt and school owner
Kuk Sool Won™ of Onewhero
Copyright © 2018. Kuk Sool Won™ of Onewhero. All Rights Reserved.
]]>A recreational martial art usually involves around 2 to 4 hours of structured training a week in a class environment. While this is enough time to learn the basic skills, in our martial art of Kuk Sool Won™ there is a lot of material to learn and perfect, especially as a student progresses towards black belt (and beyond). This invariably means our students need to practice their material outside of class time. This can be challenging, particularly for those students who are time poor or do not have someone they can practice with outside of classes. As well, students may not always have a training partner at the same belt level in their school. For example, my training partner left when I was a yellow belt (after six months of training). As ours was a small school, I never had another regular training partner at my belt level. Having a fellow student of the same rank as a training partner makes training much more enjoyable, helps with motivation, and aids the learning process, as you help each other to practice and remember your material. I know from experience that it definitely makes training more difficult when you no longer have another student at your level to train with.
While participating in martial arts as a recreational activity is enjoyable and rewarding, there are definitely some training challenges to be overcome. We have come up with some tips to make your training and practice more enjoyable and effective.
- Take notes to aid your memory: When I learn a new set of techniques, I always write them down in my Kuk Sool notebook. I have done this since early in my training. I have often had to train with someone at a lower rank than myself, so I cannot rely on my training partner being able to remind me of my techniques. I also use the official Kuk Sool Won™ textbook as a memory prompt once I have been taught material by my instructor. My notes jog my memory, as does the textbook. They are an excellent aide memoire for use at home. I also add training tips to my notes as I refine my techniques after further instruction. Even if your memory is excellent, it is a good idea to have a backup, especially as you advance through the ranks. This is particularly true in Kuk Sool, where there are a large number of techniques to learn for each degree of black belt.
- Walk through your forms and techniques at home: It is important to practice your material outside class. This is hard though, if you don’t have a lot of space and no one else in your household is practicing martial arts with you. There are ways around this. For forms, you don’t need a lot of room as you can practice doing them “on the spot”. Your instructor can teach you how to do this. The idea is to walk through your forms, so the moves become second nature. You can work on your stances for example and finesse the details of the form in class. For techniques, you can walk them through with an imaginary partner. I have been practicing my techniques on my imaginary friend “George” for several years now! Sure, it’s not as good as practicing with a real person, but it is better than not practicing your techniques at all.
- Go through your forms and techniques in your head every day: I systematically work through my forms and techniques in my head every day. It is a form of meditation for me. It not only keeps my techniques fresh in my memory, but also is a form of relaxation. I use my notebook if I find myself forgetting any particular technique. I am currently training for second degree black belt in Kuk Sool Won™ and I have well over 300 techniques to remember, as well as a number of open hand and weapons forms. I largely focus on the material that I don’t get to teach students on a regular basis, as that material has become very much second nature. We need to work on our memory. It is not just something that happens. We need to regularly think about our martial arts material, inside and outside class. If we turn our mind off the moment we step outside of the dojang (training hall), we will struggle to remember our material.
- Take the opportunity to train with as many other students as possible: While it is great to have a regular training partner, it can make us complacent. We quickly become in tune with that other person and know how their body will react when we do a technique on them. It is easy to just go through the motions. While a training partner can help with memory, training with other people as often as you can will challenge your memory. Being outside of your comfort zone puts pressure on your memory, which will highlight where you need to do further work. Also, techniques work differently on everybody, so training with other students will teach you how to apply a technique in different ways. This will add to your depth of knowledge. So actively seek out other students to train with during classes rather than always training with the same person. It might feel less comfortable, but you are likely to learn more.
- Don’t miss classes: This may sound obvious, but when you are only doing 2 or 3 classes a week, you really can’t afford to miss too many. Your body and mind need regular and consistent training time. You will struggle to remember your material if your training become inconsistent. Also, the more classes you miss, the more you are likely to miss classes in the future. It becomes a viscous cycle. It can be hard to motivate yourself to get to training when you are tired, feeling a bit unwell, or it’s cold and wet outside. While it might be tempting to stay at home or go out with friends and family, martial arts require a certain level of dedication and commitment, even when it is just a recreational activity.
Martial arts training is a fantastic recreational activity. To get the most out of it, you need to be smart about how you train. The tips I have outlined above are ways to maximise the time you have available. Your instructor and other more senior students will also be a great source of knowledge. Ask for advice and be creative in the ways you train so that you can find works for you.
JKN Jane Hurst
First degree black belt and school owner
Kuk Sool Won™ of Onewhero
Copyright © 2018. Kuk Sool Won™ of Onewhero. All Rights Reserved.
SBN Caroline Hurst (4th Degree Black Belt and School Owner)
In 2003, SBN Caroline arrived in New Zealand as a first degree black belt in the traditional Korean martial art of Kuk Sool Won™. She had trained at the busy UK school of Kuk Sool Won™ of Lowestoft and was expecting to join the local Kuk Sool school to continue her training. However, she found that not only were there no schools in West Auckland where she was living, there were no Kuk Sool schools in New Zealand. What would most people do in this situation? They would give up their martial arts training or start from scratch in a different style.
Undeterred and committed to continuing her training in Kuk Sool, SBN Caroline opened her own school, with the support of her family, who had also trained to first degree black belt. The early beginnings of Kuk Sool in New Zealand were humble, with her school of Kuk Sool Won™ of Auckland having only 3 students for the first couple of years. Gradually though, this has increased and over the last 15 years, SBN Caroline has promoted 25 students to 1st degree black belt. Four of these students have progressed to 2nd degree black belt.
Establishing and running a school in a new location is always challenging. Being so far away from an instructor and other students at a similar level adds another degree of difficulty that few martial artists and school owners ever experience. To receive her own training, SBN Caroline must travel to Texas, at considerable personal expense. While we have been fortunate to have annual visits from her instructor in recent years, SBN Caroline has been in the challenging position of having her instruction condensed into three or four days a year. She then has to practice her material on her own, based on her memory and notes taken at the time. She must wait for several months for refinement and further instruction. In this way she has progressed from first to fourth degree black belt and is currently testing for master (fifth degree black belt).
Learning a traditional martial art like Kuk Sool can be a very challenging experience. It takes years of dedication to achieve each degree of black belt. Most people give up before they even reach black belt. Few go on to achieve 2nd degree and even less progress to the higher ranks. However, the rewards of making the commitment are considerable. Training over years (and even decades) develops the body, as well as self-defense knowledge and skills. However, it does much more than teach physical skills. It also teaches the importance of dedication, tenacity, commitment, and focus. Training so far away from an instructor and in the absence of other students at a similar level, in the way SBN Caroline has, is extremely difficult but it has helped her to develop all of these characteristics. Taking the harder path can make us more resilient and better able to cope with the difficulties and challenges that life inevitably brings. The benefits of such perseverance cannot be underestimated or overstated.
For some, the martial arts journey involves opening a school either through choice or by necessity as a way of continuing to train. School ownership provides the opportunity to learn by teaching and to develop a depth of understanding that is difficult to achieve by participation as student. It also develops qualities such as humility and integrity. Our students are only as good as our ability to teach them. Every person learns differently and we must adapt our teaching style accordingly. School ownership requires significant commitment and responsibility. It also requires personal sacrifice. Most school owners do not get paid and often have to subsidise the school’s running costs to ensure it can survive. Added to that is the cost of travel to visit an instructor, which from New Zealand, is always expensive. There are also no other school owners here to provide advice, moral support, or a sense of collegiality. Instead, we must be self-reliant, as well as savvy in the use of technology to build relationships with school owners in other parts of the world.
15 years ago, SBN Caroline chose an extremely difficult path when she committed to continue her Kuk Sool training in New Zealand by opening a school. I have been fortunate to be part of that journey for the last few years and to be able to learn from her and provide her with support. Her commitment to not only Kuk Sool but to each student is inspiring. She has and continues to make a difference to lives of many people. That is the true essence of our martial art.
JKN Jane Hurst
First degree black belt and school owner
Kuk Sool Won™ of Onewhero
Copyright © 2018. Kuk Sool Won™ of Onewhero. All Rights Reserved.
]]>Undeterred and committed to continuing her training in Kuk Sool, SBN Caroline opened her own school, with the support of her family, who had also trained to first degree black belt. The early beginnings of Kuk Sool in New Zealand were humble, with her school of Kuk Sool Won™ of Auckland having only 3 students for the first couple of years. Gradually though, this has increased and over the last 15 years, SBN Caroline has promoted 25 students to 1st degree black belt. Four of these students have progressed to 2nd degree black belt.
Establishing and running a school in a new location is always challenging. Being so far away from an instructor and other students at a similar level adds another degree of difficulty that few martial artists and school owners ever experience. To receive her own training, SBN Caroline must travel to Texas, at considerable personal expense. While we have been fortunate to have annual visits from her instructor in recent years, SBN Caroline has been in the challenging position of having her instruction condensed into three or four days a year. She then has to practice her material on her own, based on her memory and notes taken at the time. She must wait for several months for refinement and further instruction. In this way she has progressed from first to fourth degree black belt and is currently testing for master (fifth degree black belt).
Learning a traditional martial art like Kuk Sool can be a very challenging experience. It takes years of dedication to achieve each degree of black belt. Most people give up before they even reach black belt. Few go on to achieve 2nd degree and even less progress to the higher ranks. However, the rewards of making the commitment are considerable. Training over years (and even decades) develops the body, as well as self-defense knowledge and skills. However, it does much more than teach physical skills. It also teaches the importance of dedication, tenacity, commitment, and focus. Training so far away from an instructor and in the absence of other students at a similar level, in the way SBN Caroline has, is extremely difficult but it has helped her to develop all of these characteristics. Taking the harder path can make us more resilient and better able to cope with the difficulties and challenges that life inevitably brings. The benefits of such perseverance cannot be underestimated or overstated.
For some, the martial arts journey involves opening a school either through choice or by necessity as a way of continuing to train. School ownership provides the opportunity to learn by teaching and to develop a depth of understanding that is difficult to achieve by participation as student. It also develops qualities such as humility and integrity. Our students are only as good as our ability to teach them. Every person learns differently and we must adapt our teaching style accordingly. School ownership requires significant commitment and responsibility. It also requires personal sacrifice. Most school owners do not get paid and often have to subsidise the school’s running costs to ensure it can survive. Added to that is the cost of travel to visit an instructor, which from New Zealand, is always expensive. There are also no other school owners here to provide advice, moral support, or a sense of collegiality. Instead, we must be self-reliant, as well as savvy in the use of technology to build relationships with school owners in other parts of the world.
15 years ago, SBN Caroline chose an extremely difficult path when she committed to continue her Kuk Sool training in New Zealand by opening a school. I have been fortunate to be part of that journey for the last few years and to be able to learn from her and provide her with support. Her commitment to not only Kuk Sool but to each student is inspiring. She has and continues to make a difference to lives of many people. That is the true essence of our martial art.
JKN Jane Hurst
First degree black belt and school owner
Kuk Sool Won™ of Onewhero
Copyright © 2018. Kuk Sool Won™ of Onewhero. All Rights Reserved.
It’s winter in New Zealand and that means its cold and flu season. Unless you have a freakishly cast iron constitution, you are likely to get sick at some time during the winter. For those of you who are fanatical about your martial arts training, this poses a dilemma. Do you push through and keep training, or do you take some time off while you get well?
There are few hard and fast rules when it comes to training with an illness. Everyone and every situation is different. For example, as owners of a relatively small and new martial arts school, SBN Caroline and I are rarely able to take time off when we are sick. We do though, call on our more senior students to help us with our classes and make sure we rest outside of class times. Our situation is different though, to that of our students.
Here is the advice we give to our students when they are struggling with an illness.
Above all else, don’t get stressed if you need to miss some training sessions, particularly if you have a grading looming. Your health is very important and your instructors understand the impact of winter illnesses. We know you are likely to miss some classes at this time of year and would rather you took the time to get well so that you can train well when you do return to classes.
JKN Jane Hurst
First degree black belt and school owner
Kuk Sool Won™ of Onewhero
Copyright © 2018. Kuk Sool Won™ of Onewhero. All Rights Reserved.
]]>There are few hard and fast rules when it comes to training with an illness. Everyone and every situation is different. For example, as owners of a relatively small and new martial arts school, SBN Caroline and I are rarely able to take time off when we are sick. We do though, call on our more senior students to help us with our classes and make sure we rest outside of class times. Our situation is different though, to that of our students.
Here is the advice we give to our students when they are struggling with an illness.
- If you have something that is contagious, then do not come to class. So if you have chicken pox, strep throat, or the flu (and not just the “man flu”) for example, stay home. These illnesses spread quickly through a martial arts school. In our 15 year history, we have had to close the school once as a result of an epidemic of swine flu. No one wants to catch a nasty illness like that, so make sure you stay home and get well.
- If you are sick enough to need to take time of work or school, then don’t train. Get lots of rest and make sure you are on the mend before you return. If you push yourself too hard, too soon, you may make yourself sicker for longer.
- Listen to your body. If you are really tired or have a fever for example, then your body is telling you to rest. If you are so congested that you can’t breathe properly, then you are going to struggle with training. It may be best to take a day or two off.
- If you have a bit of a cold or are just feeling a little bit under-the-weather, then you may be able to cope with some light training. In our martial art of Kuk Sool Won™, there are lots of things you can still do when you need a lighter training session. You can work on your memory by walking through your self-defense techniques and forms. You can also gently work on your kicking technique or do some light weapons training. Talk to your instructor before your class to work out what you can best focus on, to ensure you don’t push yourself too hard.
Above all else, don’t get stressed if you need to miss some training sessions, particularly if you have a grading looming. Your health is very important and your instructors understand the impact of winter illnesses. We know you are likely to miss some classes at this time of year and would rather you took the time to get well so that you can train well when you do return to classes.
JKN Jane Hurst
First degree black belt and school owner
Kuk Sool Won™ of Onewhero
Copyright © 2018. Kuk Sool Won™ of Onewhero. All Rights Reserved.
JKN Jane Hurst and SBN Caroline Hurst
I recently turned 50, a significant milestone in anyone’s life. For many people, this is a time of reflection. We think about our past and what we have learned from it, as well as reflect on what the future may offer. As a black belt, instructor and school owner in the traditional Korean martial art of Kuk Sool Won™, I have been reflecting on the central role martial arts occupies in my life. What does it mean to me as I age and how do I see my future as a martial artist?
My passion and commitment to Kuk Sool Won™ continues to grow as I enter my 50s. There are many reasons for this. Understanding what they are keep me motivated, particularly when I am having a bad day or when I want or need to lift my energy levels.
Here are the top five reasons why I am passionate about Kuk Sool Won™ at age 50 and why training gets better with age.
We all have our reasons for training in martial arts. I encourage you to take the time to reflect on what they are for you. This will help to motivate you during the tough training days, as well as provide you with greater clarity of the many benefits your training brings to your life. For older martial artists, you may well find that like me, your training is getting better and more enjoyable as you age.
JKN Jane Hurst
First degree black belt and school owner
Kuk Sool Won™ of Onewhero
Copyright © 2018. Kuk Sool Won™ of Onewhero. All Rights Reserved.
]]>My passion and commitment to Kuk Sool Won™ continues to grow as I enter my 50s. There are many reasons for this. Understanding what they are keep me motivated, particularly when I am having a bad day or when I want or need to lift my energy levels.
Here are the top five reasons why I am passionate about Kuk Sool Won™ at age 50 and why training gets better with age.
- Focusing on respect: Kuk Sool Won™ is a traditional martial art, which is based in fundamental human values, like respect. This includes respect not only for others, but also for ourselves. In a world where many people feel free to abuse each other online, spread hateful messages, and turn a blind eye to suffering, it is deeply poignant to be part of a respectful environment. It connects us with each other at a fundamental human level and reminds us of our own humanity. With respect comes tolerance and compassion. These are values which make us kinder and more caring people. The fundamental value of respect grounds me as a person in what truly matters in my life, particularly as I get older, namely the importance of my relationships with other people.
- Making a difference: My position as a school owner and instructor enables me to make a positive difference to the lives of many people, such as the anxious five year old, or the teenager who is being bullied, or the under confident adult. By teaching them martial arts in a respectful environment, I am able to make a very real and important difference to how they perceive themselves and interact with the world around them. Every student has something to learn, whether it is developing the physical skills of self-defence or personal growth in areas such as confidence and self-belief. The influence does not end there though. By making a difference to a student, that ripples through to their relationships with other people. It is this ability to positively influence the lives of our students (and beyond) that motivates me to teach. It is extremely rewarding knowing that I can use my wealth of life experience to help others.
- Keeping me young: As I age, my body is physically changing. For example, I carry old injuries which limit some training activities. However, as someone who came to martial arts later in life, I am finding that even though I have hit 50, I am still getting stronger and my flexibility continues to improve. Physically, Kuk Sool Won™ is helping to keep my body young and healthy. It is also keeping my mind young. There is an extensive syllabus to be learn and concepts and philosophies to understand. The physical and mental learning never ends. Martial arts training without question helps to keep my mind and body young.
- Being mindful: Martial arts teaching and training is a very mindful experience for me. It helps me to stay focused in each present moment, without judging myself harshly. This is important for my physical and mental wellbeing. It increases my enjoyment and reduces my levels of stress and anxiety in all aspects of my life, not just while I am training or teaching martial arts. It also gets me out of my head and more connected with my body. As someone who writes for a living, this is refreshing.
- Psychological freedom: At age 50 I have probably already lived more than half of my life. Of those years that are left, some may not be good years physically and mentally, as my body and mind will at some stage begin to deteriorate in old age. Instead of dwelling on this potentially depressing reality, martial arts focuses my mind on all of the things that I can do. I am no longer worried about whether I can kick as high or as well as the young students or get as low in my stances. I am liberated from the expectations people have of martial artists as young, dynamic, and gifted athletes. I no longer feel the need to compare myself to others. Instead, I am secure in the knowledge that I am doing something tremendously beneficial for me. This is a very powerful place to be psychologically and it enables me to really enjoy and value each moment of my life and the opportunities that are presented to me. There is a freedom that comes with this and it is life-enhancing.
We all have our reasons for training in martial arts. I encourage you to take the time to reflect on what they are for you. This will help to motivate you during the tough training days, as well as provide you with greater clarity of the many benefits your training brings to your life. For older martial artists, you may well find that like me, your training is getting better and more enjoyable as you age.
JKN Jane Hurst
First degree black belt and school owner
Kuk Sool Won™ of Onewhero
Copyright © 2018. Kuk Sool Won™ of Onewhero. All Rights Reserved.