Customer Rating: 
Summary: A Lengthy, Thorough and Beautiful guide to Kuk Sool Won
Comment: He-Young Kimm wrote this book while still a member of the World Kuk Sool Won Association in 1985. With his expertise in Kuk Sool, Hapkido, and Tae Kwon Do, he was certainly the right person to present the first book no this style not completed under the direct supervision of the WKSWF. Kimm succeeded in offering a lavish and educational volume on this inclusive modern Korean Martial Art. With the exception of Hyung (forms), Kimm completely demonstrates all required sequences of techniques up to the rank of Fourth Dan Black Belt Rank in the art of Kuk Sool Won (which translates roughly into National--meaning Korean--Skills School).
At 760 pages, Kimm is able to include not only the sequential series of photographs detailing technique, but also a number of artistic photos which should serve the heart of any martial artist. The first 139 pages cover the introduction to the art--history, philosophy, stances, striking points, basic techniques, etc. Each Part is broken down into the required grouping of techniques. In Kuk Sool Won, Techniques are taught in groupings--for instance, you would learn a series of 15 basic techniques with a partner, then 11 defenses against wrist grabs as a group.
In addition to and after the basic techniques are learned (how to strike, kick, etc), for the first keub (Kyu in Japanese, or junior belt) ranks in Kuk Sool, one must master 7 series of techniques. This includes 15 Ki Bon Sul (basic techniques), 11 Son Mok Soo (Defense Against Wrist Grab), 13 Eui Bok Soo (Defense Against Cloth Seize), 6 An Son Mok Soo (Defense Against opposite Wrist Seize), 15 Maik Chi Ki (counter strikes to vital points), 15 Maik Chak ki (Counter KICKS to vital points), and Cho Keub Hyung (beginner's form--not shown). All of the sequential techniques to 4th dan black belt are included, and should be of interest to anyone with a background in Kuk Sool, Hapkido, Jujutsu, or a Tang Soo Do/Tae Kwon Do style which includes any sort of grappling in their Ho Sin Sul (self defense) requirements.
Every series of technique is completely illustrated and described. While I could fault Kimm for not delving deeper into history, he does remedy this in his subsequent books Hapkido and especially Hapkido II. If you can only afford one book by Dr. Kimm, I would Recommend Hapkido II--If you practice Kuk Sool Won or a Ki Do art in the lineage of In-suk Seo, this book might be more specific.
With Kimm's background in martial art, and the apparent good terms he is on with fellow instructors in the USA, Korea, and otherwise Internationally, I eagerly await his future Publications--especially concerning History of Korean Martial Arts. If you have had difficulty finding Dr. Kimm's books, you'll be pleased to know that often Kimm's publications may be obtained by contacting the World Han Mu Do Association.
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