WHAT IS JUNSAKWON? 

The history of Junsakwon starts with the Korean martial art of Hapkido. Hapkido is a Korean style known as "The Way of Coordinated Power and Spirit". It was founded by Choi Yong Sool (AKA: Asao Yoshida/1904-1986). Choi had learned Daitō-ryū Aiki-jūjutsu from its headmaster Sokaku Takeda while living in Japan from 1915 to 1945. A the end of World War II,  Choi returned to Korea and began teaching Jūjutsu, referred to also as Yu Sul by Koreans and later Hapkido. 

 

“Hap” is harmony or balance, “Ki” denotes the essence of power/energy/spirit and “Do” means the way/path/method. The grappling and joint locking techniques of Japanese Daitō-ryū Aiki-jūjutsu were combined with Korean kicking. According to my teacher, Yu Chong Su (Song Tan City, So. Korea), many of the modern kicks used in today's Hapkido were derived from Tae Kyun (Ancient Korean Kicking Art) and were not part of the original Jūjutsu that Choi brought from Japan, this was added and taught by other instructors, such as Master Ji Han-Jae, who contributed the most to its modern development, it's spread throughout the world, and may have also been the one who came up with the name, HAPKIDO. 

The Chong Su Kwan Hapkido shown to myself and other students of that era was unfiltered and more resembled the Aiki-jūjutsu that was taught to my instructor by Master Choi.

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JUNSAKWON

JSK is an extremely realistic and versatile discipline of self-protection. Joint locks are a strong part of the training as well as throwing techniques that are similar to those in Judo but with an emphasis on constant contact. It is based on scientific principles of anatomy, combat tactics and strategy, focusing on a method of fighting centered around controlling the opponent.

It is a combat grappling system that employs joint locks and striking in fast counter-attack movements designed to quickly disengage you from your opponent. If the fight goes to the ground the student trains to return to a standing position as quickly as possible. The student understands that a prolonged fight on the ground may place the defender in greater danger.

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The student begins their training in the DEFENSIVE FUNDAMENTALS & TACTICS (DFT) class. Methods of defense are studied such as situational awareness as well as environmental  factors and terrain that can affect the defense employed. The student continues by learning how to analyze a threatening situation quickly and, if necessary, to utilize the appropriate self-defense response. 

 

THE FIVE FUNDAMENTAL POINTS OF JUNSAKWON

1. Striking: Utilizing your feet and hands as striking tools by perfecting your attacks and properly targeting the weak & vulnerable spots of the human body. 

2. Joint, Arm & Body Locks: Restraining the opponent's movements by seizing control of the body and utilizing various types of joint locks.

3. Throws: The takedowns and throws used in JSK are similar to the ones found in Aiki-Jūjutsu and Judo but with a strong emphasis on self-defense, surroundings & terrain. 

4. Weapons Training: Learn to utilize standard weapons (both blunt & bladed) and to turn mundane objects into effective impact & control tools. 

5. Grappling: Grabbing, holding and controlling your opponent is the core of the JSK system and required whether you're standing or on the ground.