The Song family tradition

The history preserved by Chun Seung Won follows the Song family’s movement between China and Korea and the teachings carried through generations. The family account traces these roots to the Song Dynasty in China (960–1279), describing a heritage shaped by moral integrity, martial practice, and the preservation of knowledge.

Early martial teachings

The family account identifies Xu Xuanping—also written Hsu Hsuan-P’ing, and known in Korean as Hur Sun Pyung—as an early source of its martial teachings. His art, Chang Quan (“Long Fist”), is called Jang Gwon in Korean and is described in the school’s history as rooted in Shaolin martial traditions. These teachings were preserved and passed down within the Song family.

Song Won Gyo and Heaven Earth Style

Song Yuanqiao, known in Korean as Song Won Gyo (1288–1370), holds a central place in the school’s traditional account. He is described as preserving the family teachings and studying under Zhang Sanfeng, known in Korean as Chang Sam Bong, associated with Tai Chi Chuan (Tae Geuk Gwon).

The school’s history records Song Won Gyo as the disciple selected to carry on the art. It explains the traditional Korean terms Moon Joo Nim for an art’s founder and Jang Moon for the disciple entrusted with its continuation, a responsibility grounded in knowledge, character, and skill.

The Southern Group, or Nam Pa, is associated with Geon Gon Pa—“Heaven Earth Style.” The Song family account describes this tradition as preserved through Song Won Gyo and connects it with a text titled The Origin and Branches of the Song Style Tai Chi Practice.

Philosophy: the study of nature and principle

The school’s history places Neo-Confucian philosophy alongside martial practice. It discusses Chu Hsi, known in Korean as Joo Ja, whose interpretation of the Confucian classics became known as Joo Ja Hak and influenced scholarship during the Joseon Dynasty.

Song Si-yeol (1607–1689), also known as U-am, is identified with Songnihak, “The Study of Nature and Principle.” His teachings form a philosophical foundation of the Chun Seung tradition. The year 1607 used in the school’s history refers to his birth.

Grandmaster Song Duk Soon · 1851–1922

Grandmaster Song Duk Soon was both a martial artist and a practitioner of eastern medicine. The school’s history credits him with bringing together Korean Soo Bak Ki and the Chinese traditions of Shaolin and Tai Chi into the official Song family martial system, Chun Seung.

The family account also records his role in resistance during the Japanese occupation of Korea. It describes his travels between China and Korea, his skill in Chook Ji Bub (“The Flying Art”), and his capture and execution following betrayal by a resistance member.

Grandmaster Song Keum Sool · 1882–1966

Grandmaster Song Keum Sool received his father’s knowledge and joined him in the mountains during the resistance. The school’s history remembers both men for their martial arts and eastern medicine, reflecting a tradition in which physical practice and healing knowledge were closely connected.

He is described as the last practitioner of Chook Ji Bub. The account states that the occupation and the training time required prevented its transmission to the next generation. He passed the broader family teachings to his son, Grandmaster Song Jung Soo, and grandson, Grandmaster Song Kyong Sik.

Grandmaster Song Jung Soo · 1917–1996

Grandmaster Song Jung Soo studied martial arts in Japan beginning at sixteen. The family history describes five years there, followed by his return to Korea, marriage, and fifteen years of further study in China. The family later settled in Seoul.

After the Korean War, he taught family members and selected disciples, emphasizing traditional concepts and preserving the Song family system. Following Grandmaster Song Keum Sool’s death in 1966, responsibility for the lineage passed to Grandmaster Song Jung Soo.

Grandmaster Song Kyong Sik and the United States

At five years old, Grandmaster Song Kyong Sik began formal training with his grandfather, Grandmaster Song Keum Sool, in the mountains of Korea. His studies included martial arts, eastern medicine, breathing exercises, meditation, and philosophy, alongside continued instruction from his father.

He moved to the United States in 1981. In 1983, his father transferred the Chun Seung system to him as Chairman. Following his father’s death, he became acting president of Chun Seung. In the United States he is also known as Edward K. Song.

His teaching carries forward the family’s emphasis on sincere, serious practice and the development of a meaningful life.

Continuing the tradition

In March 2022, Grandmaster Song entrusted the United States school to Disciples Clayton Moore and Kristopher Glover. Today, Clayton Moore serves as Head Disciple and Head Instructor for New Mexico; Kristopher “Kris” Glover serves as Head Instructor for Texas.

The continuing purpose is to preserve the teachings, share their history, and carry their principles into daily life.