people have 20+ years to devote the better part
of their lives apprenticed to a Shaolin monk.
Technically, the discipline is divided into “kyuk-
suk-ta” (striking), “kyuk-sul-ryu” (submission
maneuvers), and “kyuk-sul-moo-kee” (weapons).
Th e striking includes punching, kicking,
elbows, knees, head-butts, etc.—in essence,
every part of the body that can be used from
long-range to close combat. Versatility of each
technique is emphasized as well as effi ciency.
Power is still important to the master but now
developing it intelligently. It’s not just how
hard you hit, but “how” you hit and “where.”
Submission fi ghting covers trapping, throws,
arm bars, throws and all forms of grappling
(standing and prone). Again, although many
of his students are fi ghters in the ring,
the training is primarily based upon
preparing for life-or-death altercations.
However, they teach MMA style
techniques in part and, in some cases,
compete in those kind of events
Weaponry, one of the last levels of
training, is taken very seriously.
Th is is not about using padded
or fake weapons for open-
hyung demos to score points.
Staves, sticks, knives, swords
and even fi rearms (think “pistol
whipping”) are studied in earnest.
In addition, improvised weapon
training is integral. Th is could range
from chopsticks, pens, mugs, books,
keys, or a plastic bottle to even an
umbrella. Actually, Grandmaster Nam
has been the close-quarters combat instructor
for Korean SWAT for years running.
One very crucial diff erence between this art
and other modern arts is a very strong emphasis
on emotional quotient, for lack of a better
phrase. According to Nam, several years ago he
thought he was really something special. Over
time, through teaching, he came to realize his
apprentices were the teachers, not him. One of
his je-ja (apprentices) said Nam was extremely
stubborn in some ways when younger but by
teaching and having to live by the precepts
he taught, he became quite the opposite. He
changed as he watched his students grow,
develop and go their own ways. Th is had a
tremendous eff ect on his home life as well, as
he became more of a family man with his wife,
son and twin daughters. (Both daughters are
professional fi ghters currently.) As he is not
ambitious in terms of opening a chain of schools
with a massive team of fi ghters, each student
in one way or another is counseled by GM
Nam so he or she truly is physically, mentally
and spiritually complete.
To simplify his martial
philosophy: from the beginning,
everything is connected. Th e
skills you learn from day one and then
onwards must encompass all ranges
and skill subsets. In combat you need
to keep moving and be aware.
As for advice for our readers, he
would like to say you can’t “buy”
martial arts with money. Martial arts
are paid for with sweat, self-discipline
and hours upon hours of hard training.
Th at will not only build your body but
also cultivate your spirit, making you a
better human being. During this time
you must always seek out other martial
artists and exchange ideas and concepts
through healthy competition or training.
From my point of view, I have met many
fi ghters and masters here, more than I likely
can remember. Th is grandmaster exudes such
gentleness and warmth that you are actually
shocked when you see him explode into a
barrage of techniques in his gym. He truly
is the kind of grandmaster I think visiting
foreign martial artists need. To learn more
about Shiljun Kyuk Sul Do, please contact
Billy Kim (his apprentice) by Facebook or
by e-mail at [email protected].
Th e following are Billy Kim’s words
about his beloved master...
Th is is my testimony of my fi rst impression of
my experience with my master Nam Ki Suk.taekwondotimes.com / January 2018 63