Chico Kuk Sul Academy

My name is Jerry Rempel and my Kuk Sul title is Kwang Ja Nym. I cannot begin to express the immense gratitude that I feel for being able to practice this martial art, and to have this school available to us in Chico, CA.  I began my journey in 2001, and after 22 years I reached 5th degree black belt. In looking back, I realize that the journey itself is far more significant than the achievement of the end goal. Along the way, I have met and worked with many people in the do jang, and if I have helped to improve even one of those people’s lives, all of the hard work and sweat would have been worthwhile.

Like many martial artists, I began my martial arts training at an early age. However, I never quite found what I was looking until I found this school and this instructor. I put my martial arts training on hold to finish my law school career. Then I looked long and hard, I and took quite some time in selecting a school where I wanted to train. I was very selective, because I wanted to find a style that had everything. I cannot express how fortunate I am to have found Chico Kuk Sul and Master Duran, because this school and this instructor was and is everything I am looking for in martial arts training.

I have at times referred to Kuk Sul as “that punching, kicking, throwing, grappling, falling, tumbling, joint locking, cutting and thumping style.  It simply has EVERYTHING.  What intrigued me most about Kuk Sul, however, was the technical aspects and energy work involved. I was amazed to find a school where working with energy and pressure points was not something that was hidden and only revealed to elite students. I began learning these techniques very early on in my training, because I expressed an interest in doing so, and I showed the etiquette that allowed me to be taught.  I realized that if I emptied my cup, it would certainly be filled. . . and them some. 

Through my martial arts training, I learned to be centered in my body and still in my mind. This has translated into other areas of my life, and it has been very beneficial in my law practice as well as virtually every aspect of my life.  Like when one wields a sword, one must be the eye of the storm, so it is in every aspect of life.  This only happens through being centered and still. 

With Kuk Sul as a foundation, I began exploring the different ways that a body can move and how far it can be pushed, which has helped me in cycling and Ironman triathlon training and performance. If it were not for the practice of Kuk Sul, I do not believe that I would have been nearly as successful as I have become in other aspects of my life.

In looking back over the years of my training, I realize how very fortunate I am to have found this school and the amazing instructor Chung Kwang Ja Nym Duran. Chief Master Duran is both a friend and mentor, and he is the most amazing martial arts instructor I have come across in my entire life. I am very fortunate to be part of this school and this martial arts community.