Richard Steel - 4th Degree Black Belt SBN (Sa Bhum Nim)

Head Instructor & School Owner

I began practicing KukSool (National Korean Martial Arts) in 2005 when my close friend and instructor KJN John Edmiston opened his school in Livingston and have been training ever since. From the moment I started I was hooked and still love the continuous learning and development on offer and have applied this concept to other aspects of my life.

I have spent the last 18 years practicing forms, weapons and hundreds of joint locking and pressure point techniques. This has led me to further understand body mechanics and utilising body conditioning  principles to build strength and flexibility through a perfected way of training to help refrain from injury. I am at my most happiest, developing my mind and body through consistent training and this passion to fully understand and develop the traditional martial arts keeps me striving to be a better martial artist. I look forward to sharing my knowledge and inspiring others to be their best. By influencing our students mental and physical well being as well as spiritual growth I have created a positive training environment. I Believe anything is possible and anything can be achieved through strong will, perseverance and a never give up mentality. I continue to train under 5th degree Master KJN John Edmiston, a life long  friend who is taught directly from Chang Si Ja Master Sung Jin Suh, founder of United Mirae Kuk Sool and the eldest son of the Grandmaster of Kuk Sool Won In Hyuk Suh (Kuk Sa Nim). I decided to leave the Wolrd Kuk Sool Association and Kuk Sool Won in 2022 to join Master Sung Jin Suh and his new association United Mirae Kuk Sool. Being a part of the WKSA was a great time and I thank Kuk Sa Nim for sharing his knowledge of martial arts with us and all the Masters and instructors who helped me along the way. I look forward to a new venture with UMKS to further develop and evolve my skills as a martial artist.

My Journey so far

One of the proudest moments of my life was when I received my First Degree black belt in 2009, 4 years later and after lots more dedication, perseverance and practice I promoted to 2nd degree in 2013 and 4 years after that I promoted to 3rd degree black belt in November 2017 (when my daughter was born). After 16 years of continuous training and practice I promoted to 4th Dahn in November 2021. Kuk Sool practice is a huge aspect of my life. After my daughter was born I decided to pursue opening my own School and share my knowledge in the traditional martial arts of Korea. I opened for classes in January 2018 and have since grown to well over 100 students and now operate from our full-time dojang. We train with no ego and with an open mind, bring positive energy and attitude with a willingness to learn and through consistent training you will grow to be your best. I look forward to meeting you and if you have questions or would like more information, please just contact me. Thanks, SBN Richard Steel

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