Discipline, respect, fitness and fun: Katherine leading Kuk Sool Won revival in Wick
A Kuk Sool Won revival is under way in Wick, led by an instructor who has been studying the traditional Korean martial art since the age of eight.
Katherine Nicolson (25), a third degree black belt, is running weekly sessions and is keen to encourage children and adults to give it a try.
“Kuk Sool is based more around self-defence rather than attack,” she explained.
“It teaches discipline and respect and enthusiasm from a young age, from kids as young as five, and how to keep that going right throughout their adult life.
“It also teaches fitness, balance, coordination, and it teaches them how to have fun in a club environment and mingle with other people as well.
“There’s a big competition element to it. There are three UK competitions every year that students can go away to – they can compete, they can win medals.
“It’s really good workout and there’s a lot of fun involved in it. It’s very rewarding, especially progressing up through the ranks as you get to learn more.
“There is a good Kuk Sool family as well because it’s so widespread across Scotland, you get to know so many other amazing people.”
Katherine started her training in Wick with Master Bobby McRoberts before going to study in Aberdeen. While she was away from the county she trained in Westhill, Inverness, Glasgow and Kirkcaldy.
She moved back to Wick three years ago and works as a physiotherapist at Caithness General Hospital.
Wick’s original Kuk Sool Won school shut down during the pandemic but Katherine is now getting it up and running again.
Kuk Sool Won of Wick will operate separately from the existing Kuk Sool Won of Caithness, based in Thurso.
“We still study the same martial art, the same forms and techniques, everything is the same – we’re just a different school,” Katherine pointed out. “There used to be four schools in Caithness, in Lybster and Mey as well.
“I’m looking to bring Kuk Sool back to the Wick side because I’m hoping to regain the popularity it had before.
“We’ve got a few students already, mostly returning students from when Bobby had the school. I’ve just started advertising so hopefully we’ll get a few more students in and get going again.”
Sessions take place in the Assembly Rooms, Wick, on Tuesdays from 6.30pm to 7.30pm.
The Wick school has a Facebook page and anyone wishing to find out more can call Katherine on 07592 026168 or go along at 6.30pm on a Tuesday.
The first session is free on a “come and try” basis. Katherine added: “Give it a shot, and it’s £5 thereafter.”
Caithness Kuk Sool Won instructor Cath Smith said: “I would like to wish Katherine every success in opening up Kuk Sool Won of Wick and I hope she gets lots of new students. I’m delighted to see Kuk Sool on both sides of the county again.”
Students From Kuk Sool Won of Caithness travelled to Bathgate and Winchburgh in West Lothian recently to take part in testings, a Scottish tournament and a masters demonstration. A number of students promoted.
Tournament results: Katherine Nicolson, 3rd dahn, 2nd in techniques; Ellis Macdonald, 1st dahn 13-17, 1st for sparring; Calder Macdonald, 1st dahn, 13-17, 4th for techniques.
Brown-black belt: Mackenzie Sutherland, 4th for techniques, 3rd for sparring; Casian Damian, 4th for form, 3rd for staff; Maria Pinzariu, 2nd for staff, 4th for forms; Adam Macdonald, 1st for sparring, 3rd for forms, 4th for staff.
The students all took part in a two-hour testing where they had to perform techniques, forms, weapons, kicks and hand strikes.
They performed all that they have learned from white belt in front of 9th dahn Alex Suh, son of Grandmaster In Hyuk Suh, and other high-ranking masters from all over the UK.
Promotions: Fraser Martin, promoted to 3rd dahn; Ellis Macdonald, promoted to 2nd dahn; Markus Pinzariu, promoted to 2nd dahn; Casian Damian, promoted to 1st dahn; Maria Pinzariu, promoted to 1st dahn; Adam Macdonald, promoted to 1st dahn; Amber Farquhar, promoted to 1st dahn.
Mackenzie Sutherland tested towards black belt and all being well will promote next year. Katherine Nicolson tested towards 4th dahn and will promote in two years’ time.