1. What is your style like?

It is an aggressive fighting style that has been noted to resemble kung fu and hapkido. Our kicking style and footwork is smooth and very similar to the rhythm of Taek Kyon. The main difference between ourselves and many other styles is that we utilize all aspects of technique [Hard/Soft, Linear/Circular, Far/Close, etc.] to achieve the most efficient and effective techniques.

We offer a training in many weapons. Weapons training includes: sword (double and single edge), staff, spear, rope, walking cane, fan, Hyup-do and Whule-do (similar to Kwan Dao), short staff, short sword, batons (stick fighting), knife, and baton-knife.

Chung Do Mu Sool Won empty hand techniques incorporate hand strikes, kicks, pressure points, joint locks, body throws, tissue ripping (salsang sool), chokes, (police) escorting techniques, and head butting techniques. Although we do not teach many ground fighting techniques, we do give students experience in full contact (no rules, no padding) sparring at a mid rank level (1-1.5 years) to show the versatile application of techniques.

This system was a family tradition that has a very old and true, historically sound lineage. It is traceable in the Korean National Archives and the Mu Yae Tobo Tanji (the family is noted for its exceptional sword techniques). Also, we are endorsed by the Korean Secretary of Education. It is a Royal Court martial art but, we are not associated with the World Kuk Sool Won Association® or any of its splinter groups. We are also not related to Tang Soo Do (the newly invented Soo Bak Do), Hapkido (we use the name for a common reference) or the new and reinvented Hwa Rang Do.

 

2. Do you do ground fighting?

We do fight full contact (no rules, limited padding, no helmet) and we do have some ground fighting skills, but ground fighting is not taught on a daily basis. It is one facet of our training but, in general, ground fighting is impractical against multiple attackers and attackers with weapons, therefore we do not place a great emphasis on it. Emphasis is placed on teaching how to stay on your feet in a fight.

 

3. Does this class count for NIU credit?

In Fall-05 semester, we offer Chung Do Mu Sool Won as KNPE 133 (sections 1 & 2) at NIU. But our regular club practices do NOT count toward the NIU credit by themselves. However, those who are enrolled in the KNPE 133 (sections 1 and/or 2) may use the regular practice times of our club to make-up the hours, given that you asked permission to do so from Master Augsburger in advance.

For Kishwaukee Community College students, the self defense class is offered for academic credit (Physical Education).

Regardless of college credits, we believe that your dedication and commitment shown in extracurricular interests will help you in your life. You may not be getting any college credit, but it does look great on your resume, too -- employers often look for these things.

 

4. Do you need experience to Join?

No. Many of the club members have experience in other systems (Tang Soo Do, Ju Jitsu/Aikido, Kung Fu, Shotokan Karate, etc..), but it is in no way a requirement. We respect rank from other styles but we do not honor it (i.e., rank does not transfer). You should be proud of what you know, but be hungry for what you don't know.

 

5. What should I wear on the first day of practice?

A pair of sweat pants (basketball warm-up type) and a T-shirt would be fine. Short pants or skirts are not recommend. If you have have a uniform from another style you practiced before, you can wear them. However, as mentioned above, we respect rank from other styles but we do not honor it (i.e., rank does not transfer).

If you decide to join the club, you will be purchasing the Chung Do Mu Sool Won uniform...

 

6. Is this class effective for women?

Very little upper body strength is needed to perform most of the techniques. Women will learn how to use more power related techniques (punches) in combination with power redirection techniques (joint breaking, palm strikes) to balance out their abilities.