Gongkwon Yusul Online Academy FAQ
1. Identity & Characteristics of Gongkwon Yusul (Basic Exploration)
Q1. What kind of martial art is Gongkwon Yusul? (How is it different from Taekwondo, Judo, or Jiujitsu?)
A. Gongkwon Yusul is a Korean practical mixed martial art that seamlessly connects striking techniques (kicks and hand techniques), throws, and yusul (joint locks and pinning). Unlike martial arts that only focus on striking or only fight on the ground, it is a highly rational martial art that comprehensively controls combat at all distances, from standing situations to ground fighting.
Q2. Is it dangerous or overly violent like MMA or cage fighting?
A. No, it is not. While Gongkwon Yusul pursues real-world practicality, its educational system is strictly designed with safety at its core. Instead of random hitting and clashing, our system minimizes the risk of injury through structured "Bon" (Pattern) training and controlled partner drills, allowing you to learn safely and enjoyably.
Q3. Can a complete beginner with no prior experience in martial arts or exercise follow along?
A. Yes, absolutely! The academy's curriculum is precisely structured, starting from the very basics of breakfalls (nakbeop) and foundational stances. Even those with no athletic background will naturally absorb the movements by following the videos step-by-step, so there is no need to worry.
Q4. Does learning Gongkwon Yusul actually provide practical self-defense benefits?
A. It provides excellent self-defense benefits. You will learn practical techniques to immediately respond to various real-life crisis situations, such as when someone grabs your collar, rushes in with a punch, or tackles and pins you. By understanding the mechanics of these techniques, even a physically weaker individual can defend themselves perfectly.
2. Target Audience & Difficulty (Checking If It's Right for Me)
Q5. Can I start if I am older or have weak physical strength? (Age limits)
A. Age and physical strength are not obstacles at all. Gongkwon Yusul utilizes the opponent’s force and applies the body's mechanical principles, so it does not demand excessive muscular strength. You can adjust your pace according to your current fitness level, and your stamina and flexibility will naturally improve over time.
Q6. What if I am stiff or uncoordinated?
A. While having natural flexibility is certainly helpful when starting out, Gongkwon Yusul is scientifically designed so that anyone can execute the techniques safely and effectively, even without exceptional flexibility. We do not demand extreme split-stretches or flashy aerial kicks.
More importantly, your flexibility, strength, and coordination will naturally develop and improve as you train. Our curriculum breaks down every movement into easy-to-understand segments, making it accessible for absolute beginners.
While the learning curve may vary from person to person, consistent practice and repetition will gradually transform your body. Over time, your movement will become fluid, and you will ultimately master the techniques. What truly matters is not your starting physical condition, but your dedication to the process.
Q7. Is this program suitable for children (elementary students) or teenagers?
A. It is highly beneficial for both children and teenagers alike.
Our program is structured to support the physical and emotional growth of young practitioners at every developmental stage.
- For Children (Elementary): It develops foundational strength, flexibility, and coordination through active physical training. It also naturally fosters self-control, discipline, and social skills by teaching respect and etiquette in a structured environment.
- For Teenagers: It promotes healthy physical growth, correct posture, and strength development while serving as a constructive outlet for academic stress. Most importantly, it equips them with realistic self-defense skills and the confidence to protect themselves in challenging situations, such as school bullying.
Gongkwon Yusul goes beyond physical training to emphasize character development and mutual respect, making it the perfect program to help growing youth develop into strong,
Q8. What is the ratio of female practitioners? Can women learn without pressure?
A. Absolutely! There is no need to feel pressured at all. With the growing interest in self-defense, the ratio of female practitioners has been steadily increasing, and women of all ages are training with great enjoyment.
In fact, at our headquarters, we have a highly skilled female Senior Instructor actively leading and teaching classes. Having a female leader on the mat ensures a welcoming, supportive atmosphere where female practitioners can receive meticulous and tailored guidance.
Gongkwon Yusul's self-defense system does not rely on raw strength or muscle; instead, it focuses on scientific techniques such as leverage, angles, and timing to neutralize an opponent. This means female practitioners can easily and highly effectively master practical self-defense skills to protect themselves against larger, stronger opponents.
Do not hesitate to take the first step.
3. Training Methods & Curriculum (Actual Learning Process)
Q9. How are the classes specifically conducted? (Do I learn striking, throwing, and joint locks all together?)
A. The official curriculum of Gongkwon Yusul balances and develops your comprehensive combat skills through "Sugi/Joksul-bon" (hand and foot techniques), "Gyeonbeop" (throwing), "Wasul" (ground fighting/grappling), as well as "Matdaegi" and "Daeryeon-ui-bon," which smoothly connect all these elements.
Q10. How long is the training period for the online course, and how long does it take to master it?
A. While results vary depending on individual practice and frequency, practicing consistently will typically allow you to master all the techniques within a specific Dan Mastery Course (e.g., 1st Dan Mastery Course) in about 6 months to a year. The online course offers the great advantage of unlimited, repeatable learning at your own pace.
Q11. How is the belt (Grade/Dan) system structured, and how do promotional tests work?
A. Our academy features a highly structured belt system designed to support systematic physical development and technical mastery. Progression is divided into the following stages:
- Beginner Course: White → Yellow → Green → Blue Belt (Foundations of stand-up combat & basic Samwonbon-Simmu)
- Intermediate Course: Orange → Red → Purple → Brown Belt (Integration of striking and grappling & Samwonbon-Gyeonbeop/Ipgi)
- Advanced Course: Black Belt (The essence of Gongkwon Yusul, advanced sparring, & Samwonbon master level)
We provide clear, standardized guidelines and examination criteria specifically for online students. Our online testing program allows you to promote from Black Belt 1st Dan up to 3rd Dan.
Once you meet the requirements for your respective level, you can record and submit your test video demonstrating seamless synchronization with a dedicated partner (Uke). Upon successful official review, you will be awarded your certified rank.
Q12. What safety systems or protective gear are in place to prevent injuries?
A. Both our online and offline courses prioritize teaching "safe breakfalls" and "respect for partners (the tap-out system)" above all else. For free sparring or high-intensity practice, students are instructed to wear certified protective gear, such as gloves and shin guards.
4. Fees & Package Benefits (Registration Decision)
Q13. How much do the tuition fees, textbook, and uniform cost?
A. Detailed tuition fees can be reviewed and purchased under the [Courses/Registration] menu for each program at the top of our website.
The pricing and purchasing methods for the official uniform and curriculum textbooks are currently being finalized. They will be made available for purchase directly through this website in the near future. We will provide an official update as soon as the online shop is ready.
Q14. Are there any package or bundle discounts available for beginner and intermediate (1st Dan, 2nd Dan) courses?
A. Yes, there are! Instead of purchasing individual unit courses separately, choosing the "Mastery Course Bundle," which packages the entire curriculum for a specific rank together, allows you to take the full course at a much more economical, discounted price.
Q15. Can I watch a free trial lesson or sample lecture before starting?
A. Once you sign up for a free membership, you can watch basic sample lessons of Gongkwon Yusul and the educational curriculum orientation videos for free. Experience the quality of the lectures and teaching style firsthand before selecting your regular course.
Q16. Is a flexible schedule (or freedom of pace) possible for busy professionals or students?
A. This is the greatest benefit of the Online Academy. There is no fixed timetable; you can log in and take classes 24 hours a day, anywhere, anytime. You have complete autonomy over your learning pace—you can progress quickly or repeatedly replay challenging movements.
5. Website Usage & Learning Methods (System Related)
Q17. Is membership registration mandatory? What are the benefits of joining?
A. Membership registration is mandatory for purchasing courses and managing your enrollment. Upon signing up, you receive access to free sample lectures and will be the first to receive technical reports, seminar information, and member-exclusive discount coupons regularly published by the Academy.
Q18. How do I stream the online classes? (Are PC, smartphone, and tablet all supported?)
A. Yes, all devices are fully supported!
You can freely stream your training videos from your PC, laptop, smartphone, or tablet.
- PC & Laptop: For the best streaming experience and ease of navigation, we highly recommend using the Google Chrome browser.
- Audio, Subtitles & Translation Tip: The instructional videos feature Korean audio with English subtitles hardcoded on the screen. In addition, the full English subtitle script is provided as text in the description section below the video. By using Chrome's built-in translation feature, this description text can be instantly translated into your preferred native language. Following along with this translated script while watching the video will ensure you fully grasp every technical detail without any language barriers.
- Mobile & Tablet: In addition to using mobile web browsers, you can download the official "Kajabi" app. Once logged in, you can conveniently stream all your courses in a mobile-optimized layout with just a single tap.
Q19. How long is the course access period (Lifetime ownership vs. time limit)?
A. All online courses offered at the Gongkwon Yusul Academy, including the Mastery Bundles, come with a 1-year (365 days) access pass upon purchase.
During this 1-year period, there are no daily viewing limits or restrictions. You are free to study, practice, and review the materials online as many times as you like, anytime and anywhere.
Q20. If I buy several individual unit courses and want to upgrade to a "Bundle" later, can I get credit or a coupon for my previous purchases?
A. To ensure a fair and reasonable pricing structure for our students, we operate an upgrade coupon system. Exclusively for the 1st Dan Course, a deduction coupon of a designated amount will be issued to your email based on the individual units you have previously completed.
If you wish to upgrade to a bundle, please apply the issued coupon before proceeding with your final payment.
Q21. If I have questions about a movement while watching a video, how do I ask and receive answers on the website?
A. Instead of using individual comment sections under the video lessons, we host a dedicated, highly professional space called the [Grand Master Q&A] community for all technical inquiries.
- How to Access: Once you purchase our "KEEPERS" product, you will be automatically enrolled in the [Grand - Master Q&A] community.
- Public Inquiry: You can post your questions directly on the community board to receive detailed answers while sharing valuable insights with other students.
- Private Inquiry: If you prefer to ask privately, you can send a 'Direct Message (DM)' to our instructional team for personalized 1-on-1 guidance.
Q22. What payment methods are accepted? (Credit cards, international payments, installments, etc.)
A. All educational courses at the Gongkwon Yusul Academy are processed securely through PayPal. You can easily register for classes using your PayPal account or via international credit cards supported by the PayPal processing gateway.
Q23. Is it possible to log in simultaneously on multiple devices with a single ID? (Account sharing restrictions)
A. While you may alternate between your own registered PC and smartphone (Kajabi app) to view lessons, simultaneous login or streaming on multiple devices with a single ID is strictly prohibited.
- Automatic Prevention of Dual Access: Our academy utilizes a strict multi-device monitoring system. If simultaneous connections from different environments or IPs are detected under the same account, the security system will instantly and automatically block access and force a logout.
- Strict Prohibition of Account Sharing: Under our strict 1-user-1-account policy, sharing, transferring, or selling your account credentials to others is classified as a severe violation of our Terms of Use and an infringement on intellectual property. If unauthorized account sharing is flagged, your account will be permanently terminated without prior warning, and no refunds will be issued. Furthermore, commercial redistribution or unauthorized exploitation of our contents will be subject to severe legal action.
Q24. Can I pause (hold) my membership or get a refund if personal circumstances arise during the course?
A. Purchasing a course at the Gongkwon Yusul Academy grants you a 1-year access pass. Therefore, a temporary pause or hold system is not available. Regarding refunds, due to the nature of digital online content, no refunds are possible once a video has been viewed even once. Please review this policy carefully before completing your purchase.
Q25. How do I contact customer support if there is a website error or a video does not play?
A. Please send the details of the error along with a screenshot of the issue to the official academy support email (master@gongkwon.com). Our operations team will promptly investigate and resolve the technical issue for you.
Q26. Can I receive an invoice, tax receipt, or certificate of enrollment?
A. Upon completion of your payment, a Kajabi enrollment confirmation statement and a PayPal payment receipt will be automatically sent to your registered email immediately. If you require a payment statement or receipt for corporate or institutional reimbursement, please download your official transaction statement directly from your credit card company's website/app or your PayPal account transaction history.
6. Reliability & Vision (Brand Value)
Q27. What are the qualification standards for a Gongkwon Yusul Instructor (Certified Trainer)? Can I trust their credentials?
A. To become a certified instructor of Gongkwon Yusul, strict eligibility requirements must be met. Colored belt practitioners (beginners/intermediates) cannot become instructors. First and foremost, you must hold at least a 1st Dan Black Belt rank. After achieving a black belt rank, you must complete a separate Instructor Qualification Course and pass the certification process to legally operate as an official instructor.
Q28. What qualifications or benefits do I receive upon graduating from this academy or acquiring a Dan rank?
A. Obtaining an official certified Dan rank grants you global recognition as a Gongkwon Yusul black belt. Furthermore, achieving higher ranks and completing advanced instructor courses qualifies you to open an officially chartered branch gym (Jigwan) or manage a global branch network as a professional martial artist.
Q29. Are there branch gyms or training centers worldwide? Is this martial art recognized internationally?
A. Yes, Gongkwon Yusul is a global martial art with numerous branches and an extensive international network expanding far beyond South Korea. Martial artists across Europe, Asia, and the Americas train in Gongkwon Yusul, drawn by its logical and structured approach. The certificates issued by this academy carry identical global validity.
Q30. Can I receive direct feedback from the Master (Founder) or senior instructors if I have questions during my training?
A. Yes, absolutely. By purchasing our exclusive KEEPERS product, you will grant yourself the ultimate privilege of asking questions directly to Master Kang, the founder of Gongkwon Yusul, and receiving his personal feedback.
- New Member Welcome Coupon: We are currently offering a 100% complimentary benefit coupon for the KEEPERS product to all newly registered members. Take advantage of this coupon to easily purchase the package and start asking your training questions without hesitation.
- Direct Feedback from the Founder: Once you become a KEEPERS member, you can submit your technical questions or inquiries regarding your training and receive clear, in-depth guidance directly from Master Kang. This is the most definitive way to elevate the quality of your practice.
- Exclusive Membership Activities & Premium Benefits for KEEPERS: To be a KEEPER means joining an elite group of dedicated members who protect and grow the true value of Gongkwon Yusul worldwide. As a member, you will receive a personalized KEEPERS character image customized to your rank (e.g., White Tiger for 1st Dan, Blue Dragon for 2nd Dan) and gain active participation in a variety of exclusive community activities and premium networking opportunities designed solely for our KEEPERS members.
