Gongkwon Yusul Netherlands.: The Success Story of Master NIKOLAI MARKOV

Ho Shin! My name is Nikolai Markov and I founded the Gongkwon Yusul Club in Amsterdam.

I was entrusted by my teacher, the European Headmaster Dong-Hyeon Yun to bring Gongkwon Yusul to the Netherlands 10 years ago. In these ten years I have learned and grown together with each and every participant, whoever came to my classes. This learning has lead to Gongkwon Yusul becoming one of the most popular martial arts classes on campus. 

Students praise the honest, warm and welcoming atmosphere that is characteristic to Gongkwon Yusul classes. This atmosphere only comes to fruition with Gongkwon Yusul’s principle of “Ho Shin” - learning to care for, nourish and strengthen body, mind and soul in balance.

Through that guiding principle, dealing with each other respectfully and encouragingly is the new normal on the mat. All masks and egos that might feel necessary off the mat fall instantaneously. In honesty and respect, we uplift each other. That is what attracts students from all around the world and fills the classes to the brim.

Through training I have seen students change in ways even I could not have foreseen. They blossom into their strength and grant their individual, unique self-expression the rightful place it deserves. That in turn uplifts every participant in the training.

People immediately feel lighter, stronger, calmer and more confident after just one training session. As they return and keep training in diligence and discipline, building strength and resilience with every training, this grows their capabilities to pursue and shape their own paths of life true to who they are and want to become. Students feel seen and grow confident in who they are and want to be. 

The mat becomes a positive space, where students get to grow and surmount their difficulties in confidence, growing resilience. Learning how to be honest and put in the work to realise a stronger self creates strength on the mat; students carry the sweet fruits of that labor off the mat and into their own lives. That is what gives me the greatest joy: To see first hand the positive impact Gongkwon Yusul leaves on my students’ lives.

From 10 years of teaching it has become evident that Gongkwon Yusul, beyond helping students surmount the challenges of growth, also helps professors overcome the challenges for education of this day and age. I go even further to state that, no matter which age, origin or profession, Gongkwon Yusul as a martial art has sparked a new light of growth into people joining my classes from all walks and ages of life.

Whether you are a student of martial arts, an instructor or already a master of your style: Gongkwon Yusul will help you unlock the next step on your path. Towards a stronger self than you might have even imagined possible.

Everyone, who invested their time and efforts into Gongkwon Yusul has experienced this. No one has found this anywhere else but in the unique way, shape and form that is the martial art Gongkwon Yusul.

The art of fighting, without fighting oneself; but persevering in balance. That is Gongkwon Yusul.
The art of getting up after you fall, again and again. That is where “Ho Shin” starts.

 Your future lies in your hands now. Towards a better tomorrow!