October '10 - Student of the Month: Nicholas Davaul

Current Rank: Cheong Di (Blue Belt)

About Me:
I am 31 years old. I work as a Mechanical Engineer for an oil service company called Schlumberger. I design and build downhole power motors that help aid in drilling for oil.

In my spare time, while not training, I am a volunteer firefighter for the Atascocita/Humble/Kingwood Area and a LifeGroup leader at my church.

I have been married to my wife for 5+ years and have two sons. One of my sons cannot wait to turn six so that he can start Kuk Sool Won™ with his dad!

How long have you been training in Kuk Sool Won™?
I have been in Kuk Sool Won for 4 years. I started under JDKJN Roper in 2006. However after I received my blue belt, I injured my shoulder and had a job change which required international travel which caused me to stop my training for about 3 years. However, due to a recent change in job in May, I was able to resume my training. Now, I'm on track to test for my Red Belt in Oct. '10.

What made you join Kuk Sool Won?
I wanted to learn a martial art that was “free-flowing”. I didn't want to do a martial art that everyone else did. I wanted a martial art that didn't have to many fixed positions, rigid stances, rigid blocks, or a martial art that only focused on one aspect of a martial art system such as only kicking, or throws, or wrestling. I wanted to learn a martial art that would give me EVERYTHING.

After researching the various martial art centers around where I lived, I visited each one and watched how the class was ran, the complexity of the martial art, the syllabus of the martial art, and the number of times I can train a week. I happened to visit KSW-Kingwood on its Grand Opening Day. I saw all the local masters and GM In Hyuk Suh. There was a demo that happened and I watched with amazement all the different aspects of martial arts that I wanted to learn were being done before my eyes. Since that day I was hooked.

What do you like most about Kuk Sool Won™?
The diversity and complexity of the art. There are joint locks, throws, kicks, techniques that range from a front kick, to double person attacks. The list is endless. Plus there are weapons!!!

What is your favorite Technique so far – and why?
If I had to pick one technique, it would have to be Maek Chi Ki #15. Out of all the techniques I have learned, this one seems to come naturally to me. I like the way I'm able to deflect and redirect an opponent's punch and counter with my own powerful palm strike. I can also generate ALOT of power behind my strike.

What is your favorite Form so far – and why?
Cho Geup Hyung - Being only a Blue belt (w/ red stripe) I don't have alot of forms under me. However, I like this form because it has alot of low stances, powerful movements, and kicks that show off flexibility, balance, and focus.

What are your long term goals in Kuk Sool Won™?
Apart from the obvious 1st Black Belt, I want to train to earn even higher Dan rankings. I want to travel to Korea to attend a KSW National Championships. I also would like to do full splits to aid me in my sparring and forms when I enter as many tournaments that I can.

What is/has been your best accomplishment in Kuk Sool Won™?
I competed at my first ever National Championships in October and I placed 2nd in forms and 3rd in sparring. I've never done a martial arts competition before and I think I did well. I also had my family there supporting me from the stands, which made me feel more relaxed, focused, and made the entire event that much more fun.