Martial Arts Master at AHS

Seung Narm is a freshman here at Albany High School, and he is a master in Kuk Sool Won. Well, maybe not a master, but he is a first-degree black belt. Kuk Sool Won is a traditional Korean martial art.

“In Kuk Sool Won, I learn self defense and how to use weapons. We also learn pressure points and how to fight,” explained Narm. This is his fifth year taking part in the sport.

“I always wanted to do it, but my parents wouldn’t let me until I came to Albany,”Narm said. Because of his belt expertise, Narm is a student helper and has mastered the basic skills of martial arts.

Beginners start off as a white belt, then progress in order to a yellow, blue, red, brown, and then different degrees of a black belt. In between the belt levels, you can earn stripes and then move on to the next belt. With brown belts, you have to first earn two stripes and then you can start testing for the black belt.

“At belt tests, they judge you on what you know and if you can master the skills required for the belt. Different belts require different techniques, and as you progress it becomes more advanced and more fun,” said Narm. These techniques range from learning to use weapons like nunchucks, swords, and staffs, to learning forms and techniques such as falling.

So, what does a typical day of practicing Kuk Sool Won look like?

“First we do warm-ups, which usually consist of stretches. Then there is usually a day where we practice kicking and go over our kicks. We also train with different weapons every month,” explains Narm. They also have yearly tournaments where they compete by displaying good form, proper use of weapons, and perfected technique. Each competing “house” is given points, and the houses with the most points at the end of the tournament win bronze, silver, or gold trophies. These houses are made up of training centers throughout the Bat Area.

When asked why he takes Kuk Sool Won, Narm replied, “I can always protect myself, and it’s good exercise.” His class meets Wednesdays and Thursdays in Berkeley. If you are interested in taking Kuk Sool Won, the traditional Korean martial art, check its website at www.kuksoolwonofalameda.com.

One Response

1. 5:53 PM on March 22nd, 2007dabomb:

   yay seung!!!!!

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