As a martial arts system, Kuk Sool Won covers the entire spectrum of established Asian fighting systems and body conditioning techniques, as well as mental development and traditional weapons training. Kuk Sool Won differs from traditional styles of martial arts by encompassing a broader scope of techniques.

Officially founded in 1958, Kuk Sool Won is not a sport, nor is it simply another Oriental self-defense method. Kuk Sool Won is a complete martial art that is dedicated to the cultivation of physical and mental strength and well-being, and to the preservation of traditional Korean martial arts.

In the areas of self-defense, Kuk Sool Won is a deep catalog of effective techniques. It combines kicking, punching, throwing, falling and other attacks with a myriad of weapons techniques into a beautiful and dynamic 'hard-soft' style, emphasizing speed and grace. Weapon training in Kuk Sool Won weapon training involves over 20 different weapons and the curriculum is very extensive. Some of the weapons used in Kuk Sool Won are the rope or sash, cane, fan, and short sword, which were all used among members of the Korean Royal Court. There were also many unique open-handed and joint-locking principles of Koong Joong Mu Sool (Royal Court arts) that are used extensively in Kuk Sool Won.

Philosophically, Kuk Sool Won stresses humility, self-discipline, self-control, loyalty and respect for others.