My Martial Arts Journey

Blog written by Sally, Kuk Sool Won Instructor

When I started my martial arts journey it was mainly to learn self-defence, but I ended up getting hooked into it and years later I achieved my Third-Degree Black Belt (Assistant Instructor) in a traditional Korean martial art called Kuk Sool Won™ in November 2022.

I began my martial arts journey later in life at the age of 36.  I had moved across the country leaving behind family and friends for a career opportunity.  I was living on my own in an area and did not know anyone.  My job was very stressful and working long hours.  I needed an outlet to relieve stress and focus on something else.  I have always dabbled in sports and going to the gym to keep fit, but after a while would get bored and my motivation to keep going would fall by the wayside.  I also wanted to do something where I could make new friends, keep fit but also to learn self-defence.

I knew nothing about martial arts, but was recommended to try the local Kuk Sool Won™ martial arts school.  They were offering a free trial class so as there was nothing to lose I thought I would give it a go! I must admit, it was a little bit nerve wracking walking through the door to the martial arts school for the first time.  I didn’t know what to expect, but the instructors and other students were all so welcoming and friendly and put me at ease.  They took the time to explain everything and I came away from my first class buzzing having achieved kicking as high as my head and breaking a board with my own bare hands!  I was hooked!

What I enjoy about Kuk Sool Won™ as a form of martial arts is that its not all about physical strength or rolling around on the floor!  It uses pressure points and joint locks so you can manipulate your opponent on to the floor.  I am only just over 5 foot tall and slim build and yet I can use techniques to get a rather large bloke crumpled on the floor in front of me!

As a woman, I appreciate how martial arts benefits females. Kuk Sool Won™ helps promote self-confidence as well as an aid to keeping fit and maintaining healthy weight management and that martial arts is not just about kicking and punching but gives power in the knowledge of self-defence techniques. I am also keen to help promote and encourage young girls and women to participate in sports and for them to gain confidence in themselves as well as have a healthy body attitude. I see women and girls grow in confidence through learning martial arts and want to empower them to learn this awesome skill.

I know what it’s like to walk through the door for the first time into a martial arts school. I want women and girls to feel comfortable and that they are in a friendly and encouraging space. I get a great buzz when I see others achieving more than they think they can with martial arts.