“Juche Kyuksul is
a North Korean military art of self-defence techniques which teaches
how one can defend himself or his comrades without being hurt; and at
the same time, strike at the enemy with high speed and accuracy in
order to annihilate the enemy completely. It is a similar art to
martial arts such as Taekwon-Do and the likes, but the most important
difference is that Juche Kyuksul is not for games. I discovered it
among my curriculum at the Kim Il Sung Military University during my
studies in 1995. Generally, the training has seriously enhanced my
ability to carry out my work in my country”
I have been interested
in this art ever since I saw a question about it on a martial arts
forum a few years ago. Then, I couldn't find any other reference.
Late in 2012, I caught up online with a friend of mine, who learned
the art, to ask more:
Can you tell me
briefly about your connection to the art?
“I am an Army Officer
in my country. I went to Kim-il sung Military University to study
Military Tactics, Juche Kyuksul and other specialities. I was there
for 5 months in 1995.”
Most people know
Taekwon-Do. Is Juche Kyuksul different to Taekwon-Do?
“Yes, Kyuksul is for
the millitary training.”
The same as the
Korean bodyguards train?
“Yes, I was a
bodyguard to the fomer president of my country. I was trained by the
Koreans.”
I must ask, Jumping
over cars?
“Yes, of Course.”
Have you also
learned some Taekwon-Do Self Defense?
“Yes, I know
Taekwon-Do well, for self defence and protection.”
But, it is true that
Taekwon-Do is not used for millitary purposes?
“You are very right.
That's why I told you our's was Juche Kyuksul for total
anahilation of the enemy. There are one thousand and one techniques
in this art.”
Is Kyuksul is only
in DPRK? How big/popular is this art?
“It's the name our
masters in Korea told us; that being, it is not for games, but it is
for self defence and total eradication of the enemy. So you can see
how dangerous it can be - no jokimg around.
It is similar to
Taekwon-Do, but without the sympathy."
(if you know) how
many people practice Juche Kyuksul?
"It
starts as a section of troops, then it graduates to platoon
strength.
Everyone in the army learns it – it is part of the curriculum."
Everyone in the army learns it – it is part of the curriculum."
There are nearly
1000,000 active duty soldiers, and 7 million reserve women and men
soldiers in the Korean army.
"I
happened to trained with that sizable number too; very interesting."
How many
intenrational people practice Juche Kyuksul?
I am aware of
alliance countries such as Kenya, Nigeria, Libya, amongst
others.
"Honestly, I can't be precise as to how many, but they are a large number."
Where exactly do you train in this art? is there a specific Dojang in the Kim Il Sung Military University?"Yes, there's a gym and a field."
What are the Korean instructors like? (Is it anything like Taekwon-Do Instruction)
"They are more dedicated and aggressive."
"Honestly, I can't be precise as to how many, but they are a large number."
Where exactly do you train in this art? is there a specific Dojang in the Kim Il Sung Military University?"Yes, there's a gym and a field."
What are the Korean instructors like? (Is it anything like Taekwon-Do Instruction)
"They are more dedicated and aggressive."
I mean to say, do
they wear a martial uniform and belt, (and yell loudly in Korean)?
"They do not wear a
uniform all the time; most times they wear a half-uniform."
What did you do in
your spare time?"I went on excursions; I visited places like the Mangyondae Children's Palace and Mount Kumgangsan."
---
My
friend only speaks well of Korea. He remembers his time fondly, and
treasures the memories and friends made there. Naturally, no photos
were allowed to be taken during training, however, we can catch a
glimps into this once-in-a-lifetime experience through the leisure
photos. Now, he is a dedicated soldier now pursing honourable efforts
in his army alongside the United Nations with humanitarian aide in
Africa. I wish to thank our comrade for his time and invaluable help
in the writing of this interview, and I wish him all the best for the
future.
