Kuk Sool Won is a traditional Korean martial arts franchise founded by Grandmaster Suh In-hyuk in 1958 in South Korea. The World Kuk Sool Association, Inc. began offering formal school licenses in 1983, and full franchise operations launched around 2008 under WKSA LLC. The franchise is currently headquartered in Magnolia, Texas.

Kuk Sool Won offers franchise agreements for part-time, full-time, club-based, or mobile martial arts schools. Franchisees are supported through affiliates that supply uniforms, weapons, belts, patches, and training materials. The brand operates on a belt-rank system that requires instructors to meet specific qualifications before running a licensed school.

The system taught at Kuk Sool Won is a comprehensive Korean martial arts curriculum that blends traditional styles such as SahDoh MuSool, BulKyo MuSool, and KoongJoong MuSool.

It includes striking, joint locks, throws, acrobatics, weapons training, meditation, and pressure-point techniques. This broad approach helps it stand out from many single-discipline martial arts franchises.

Training

Kuk Sool Won provides several training-related services and support options to franchisees, administered at the discretion of the Franchisor. The training programs are structured as follows:

1. Initial Training: The Franchisor may offer an initial training program for one person affiliated with the Franchisee. This training is entirely at the Franchisor’s discretion and held at a location chosen solely by the Franchisor. Franchisees are responsible for their own travel, lodging, and meal costs associated with the training.
2. Continuing Education Program (CEP): Franchisees or their Designated Instructor are required to attend an annual CEP held at a location designated by the Franchisor. The tuition cost is set by the Franchisor and must be paid in advance. Non-attendance requires payment of a fee equivalent to the CEP tuition. All associated expenses like travel and accommodation are borne by the Franchisee.
3. Annual Training Seminar: A representative of the Franchisee and all instructors must attend a training seminar at least once a year. Attendance is mandatory for other training events deemed essential by the Franchisor.

Territory Protection

Kuk Sool Won grants territory protection to its franchisees, ensuring a degree of exclusivity within a defined area. Specifically, the franchisee is guaranteed the exclusive right to operate a School at the licensed location within the assigned territory.

The Franchisor agrees not to authorize another full-time School within the same boundaries.

However, this protection is not absolute. Kuk Sool Won retains the right to allow the operation of Part-Time Franchised Schools, Club Franchised Schools, Transient Schools, or Pre-Existing Schools within the protected territory.