November was one of those months that reminds us exactly what traditional Korean martial arts are about. Not shortcuts. Not comfort. Just turning up, training hard, and seeing what you’re made of.
Between hosting our annual seminar, travelling to Liverpool for national testing, and competing at the UK Tournament, our students were tested physically, mentally, and emotionally — and they met the challenge head-on!
Hosting a Seminar: Hard Training Done Properly
We were proud to host a Kuk Sool Won seminar here in Yeovil, welcoming around 60 students, including visitors from Kuk Sool Won of Weston-super-Mare. Bringing schools together like this strengthens standards and reinforces the sense of wider Kuk Sool Won community.
The seminar was delivered by senior instructors from both the USA and the UK:
SSKJN Alex Suh
JDKJN Nick Reeve
JIKJN Sonny Boyall
The focus was unapologetically demanding:
Jool Bohng forms (otherwise known as nunchaku)
Advanced kicking
Grappling
There were plenty of lightbulb moments, plenty of sweat, and more than a few bruises from Jool Bohngs making unexpected contact. The big smiles at the end said it all — challenging training, delivered well, is still the most rewarding kind.
Liverpool National Testing: Nerves and Determination
Later in the month, 14 students travelled to Liverpool for national testing, with most attending their first national test. These weren’t small steps — students were testing towards 1st Dahn, 2nd Dahn, and 4th Dahn black belt levels.
National testing brings a different pressure. The nerves were very real, but so was the determination. One moment summed it up perfectly: a student’s car broke down en route, yet through pure black belt mindset (and a refusal to quit), they still arrived on time and ready to test. That’s Kuk Sool Won in a nutshell.
We also saw the promotion of Eleanor Thurston from 1st dahn to 2nd dahn!
The UK Tournament: Collective Effort, Standout Moments
he month concluded at the Kuk Sool Won UK Tournament in Liverpool. We took 15 competitors, entering all categories — forms, techniques, sparring, weapons, and breaking — across both junior and adult divisions.
Out of approximately 35 schools, we placed 13th overall. Results like that don’t happen by accident. They’re built on consistency, discipline, and students willing to test themselves under pressure.
While the focus is always on the team, two performances deserve special mention:
William Hann, blue belt junior, competing for the first time, achieved gold in forms, silver in sparring, and bronze in techniques, medalling in every category he entered.
DBN Thu Nguyen delivered an exceptional performance, earning a perfect 10 in one of her adult categories — a rare and well-earned achievement.
Gratitude Where It’s Due
November wouldn’t have been possible without the support behind the scenes. To our parents and families — thank you. The early starts, long drives, waiting around sports halls, and quiet encouragement all play a huge role in our students’ success.
Looking Ahead
As we move into the new year, November has set the standard. Training continues, expectations remain high, and goals for 2026 are already firmly in sight.
Traditional martial arts reward patience, resilience, and consistency. November reminded us that when those values are lived — not just talked about — progress follows.
🥋 Onwards, together.
#kswyeovil
