As a child growing up in Huntington Beach, CA, Jo Kyo Nim Dan Bukaty had two active passions–soccer and a martial art called Limalama, which like American Kenpo and Kajukenbo was developed out of a mix of pacific-rim styles.

After training for several years under Grandmaster and Limalama founder, Tuumamao “Tino” Tuiolosega, Dan had nearly reached the level of black belt, when he decided instead to pursue his interest in soccer. Dan played competitive soccer throughout his high school career until a broken ankle took him out of the game for good.

Flash forward thirty years, and we find Dan married to his wife Monica and the two of them with a 6-year-old son, Noah. They enrolled Noah in Taekwondo at The Ancient Arts of War and Wisdom Dojang, and it was during this period, when Dan would take Noah to class, that he got to know Master Mike Dunchok.

Dan and Master Mike would talk about martial arts in general as well as the discipline upon which the school was founded—Kuk Sool Kwan. Master Mike explained that Kuk Sool Kwan offers a fully rounded system with a complete range of practical techniques, from kickboxing to ground fighting, from grappling to throws, and from weapons to meditation techniques. Through their discussions, Dan learned that Kuk Sool provides fulfilling personal growth to the modern seeker of martial arts, while upholding the air of tradition, respect and sanctity which once characterized the true, ancient martial arts forms; these were not only forms of self-defense, but more importantly ones of spiritual development.

As Dan remembered with particular fondness his childhood martial arts training, the decision was an easy one: he enrolled in Kuk Sool Kwan and has never been happier. Dan received his 1st degree black belt on September 9, 2009, after more than three years of training. He is currently working toward his second degree black belt, and serves as an assistant trainer at the Dojang.

Dan is in his early 40’s, and because of Kuk Sool Kwan he is in the best shape of his life. Through the meditation techniques learned while training, Dan has gained a clear vision, understanding, and control over the connection between his mind and body. He utilizes the full range of his training in everyday life with a “never say die” attitude. Life, he has learned, is never simple and straight-forward, but through Kuk Sool Kwan, one can learn to maneuver its twists and turns with confidence, skill, and grace.