Also, before promotion into the esoteric realm of the BLACK BELT, the student will have begun to learn the basics of weapons training.

But, what else is it, really, that a Kuk Sool Won^TM student gains as he/she progresses through the syllabus? These are some of the responses my students have given me:

• A strengthened sense of self-discipline.

• A gaining of self-confidence.

• Self-respect and respect for others.

• An increase in both strength and flexibility.

Knowledge gives power. But, in the martial art context, it is the ability to apply the knowledge which actually gives the power. To learn a martial art, is one thing. To apply it, is another! Kuk Sool Won^TM is a practical martial art self-defence system. But, each student needs to be aware of (my application of) the words of Franklin D Roosevelt. He said: "[L]et me assert my belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself - nameless, unreasoning ... terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance." Albeit, that he was speaking in a different context, his words, nevertheless, apply so well to an occasion where one individual is confronted, aggressively, by another. My point is that learning this martial art in the training area (dojang) is one thing. Being able to apply it when the occasion requires is another.

Whether you are old or young, male or female, Kuk Sool Won^TM is the martial art and self-defence system for you.